Pentagon Restructures Leadership, Embraces Commercial Solutions and Modernization

# THE PENTAGON TODAY PODCAST SCRIPT

Welcome to The Pentagon Today, your source for the latest Department of Defense developments. I'm your host bringing you the most significant headlines from America's military headquarters.

This week's top story: The Pentagon is moving forward with a major leadership shakeup as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the elimination of 10% of general and admiral positions, including cutting one-fifth of all 4-star posts. This represents one of the most significant military leadership restructurings in recent history, though no specific deadline has been established for these reductions.

In modernization news, the Defense Department is implementing its new "Anything-as-a-Service" pilot program, targeting Software-as-a-Service, Data-as-a-Service, and Space-as-a-Service. This consumption-based contracting model aims to measure cost and delivery speed compared to traditional procurement methods.

Meanwhile, the Air Force Special Operations Command is exploring firing cruise missiles from Reaper drones as demand for special operations forces continues to increase. This technological adaptation reflects growing pressure to reimagine current tools for new missions.

On the acquisition front, President Trump's recent executive orders are reshaping defense procurement with a "first preference" for commercial solutions and a "general preference" for Other Transaction Authority. The goal is delivering state-of-the-art capabilities at greater speed and scale.

For military technology, the Missile Defense Agency is overhauling payload systems used to test U.S. missile defenses, with a formal request for information to enhance flexibility, speed, and realism in future target vehicles. Additionally, the Pentagon plans to deliver a command and control upgrade to its global missile defense network this summer.

In leadership news, Michael Obadal, Anduril executive nominated as Army under secretary, faced Senate questioning about his defense industry stocks and his views on protecting against drone incursions. During his hearing, Obadal emphasized the Army must better coordinate federal, state, and local authorities on drone defense.

Looking ahead, watch for the Pentagon's comprehensive acquisition reform plan due within the next month, as well as the Army transformation plan details expected with the fiscal year 2026 budget.

For more information on these developments, visit defense.gov. This has been The Pentagon Today. Thanks for listening.