U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David Bassett, program executive officer for ground combat systems, has discussed how a Defense Department mandate supports modernization at the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Supplier Conference and Expo.
Bassett, who oversees the service branch’s $80 billion combat vehicle fleet that includes Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles and Strykers, said the use of tenets detailed in Better Buying 3.0 will help continue the modernization of vehicles despite “leaner” budgets, according to a DLA release posted Thursday.
“We’re going to do smart acquisition and contracting. We’re going to put the right incentives in place… Smart acquisition is about figuring out what’s important to you and prioritizing,” said Bassett.
He also noted that the contracting process and manufacturing lead times should not be a determining factor in whether or not servicemembers will receive equipment necessary to accomplish missions.
Bassett said updated Abrams tank and BFVs currently undergo testing and an armored multipurpose vehicle prototype will be unveiled while a first Stryker vehicle is slated for delivery by Christmas to support the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
