Government Accountability Office Reports on Military Topics
General Accounting Office

Ground Forces

• Special Operations Forces: Additional Actions Are Needed to Effectively Expand Management Oversight, GAO-19-386, May 13, 2019
• Army Modernization: Army Should Take Steps to Reduce Risk, Statement of Jon R Ludwigson, Acting Director, Contracting and National Security Acquisitions, GAO-19-502T, May 1, 2019
• Ground Combat Forces: The Marine Corps Should Take Actions to Track Training Funds and Link Them to Readiness, GAO-19-233, April 8, 2019
• Army Modernization: Steps Needed to Ensure Army Futures Command Fully Applies Leading Practices, GAO-19-132, January 23, 2019
• Amphibious Combat Vehicle: Program Should Take Steps to Ensure Manufacturing Readiness, GAO-18-364, April 17, 2018
• Army Weapon System Requirements: Need to Address Workforce Shortfalls to Make Necessary Improvements, GAO-17-568, June 22, 2017
• Armored Commercial Vehicles: DOD Has Procurement Guidance, but Army Could Take Actions to Enhance Inspections and Oversight, GAO-17-513, June 9, 2017
• Army Pacific Pathways: Comprehensive Assessment and Planning Needed to Capture Benefits Relative to Costs and Enhance Value for Participating Units [Reissued on November 30, 2016], GAO-17-126, November 14, 2016
• Army Pacific Pathways: Comprehensive Assessment and Planning Needed to Capture Benefits Relative to Costs and Enhance Value for Participating Units, GAO-17-126, November 14, 2016
• Army Training: Efforts to Adjust Training Requirements Should Consider the Use of Virtual Training Devices, GAO-16-636, August 16, 2016
• Army Planning: Comprehensive Risk Assessment Needed for Planned Changes to the Army's Force Structure, GAO-16-327, April 13 2016
• Regionally Aligned Forces: DOD Could Enhance Army Brigades' Efforts in Africa by Improving Activity Coordination and Mission-Specific Preparation, GAO-15-568, August 26, 2015
• Army Reserve Components: Improvements Needed to Data Quality and Management Procedures to Better Report Soldier Availability, GAO-15-626, July 31, 2015
• Special Operations Forces: Opportunities Exist to Improve Transparency of Funding and Assess Potential to Lessen Some Deployments, GAO-15-571, July 16, 2015
• Army Combat Vehicles: Industrial Base Study's Approach Met Research Standards, GAO-15-548, June 16, 2015
• Force Structure: Army's Analyses of Aviation Alternatives, GAO-15-430R, April 27, 2015
• Army Logistics: Global Combat Support System-Army Is Supporting Requirements at Selected Units, GAO-15-378R, April 3, 2015
• Defense Logistics: Army Should Track Financial Benefits Realized from its Logistics Modernization Program, GAO-14-51, November 13, 2013
• Army Networks: Opportunities Exist to Better Utilize Results from Network Integration Evaluations, GAO-13-711, August 22, 2013
• Army Logistics: Container Handling Equipment Requirements, Contracts, and Inventory, GAO-13-719R, July 31, 2013
• Force Structure: Army's Annual Report on Modularity Progress Needs More Complete and Clear Information to Aid Decision Makers, GAO-13-183R, January 16, 2013
• Army Networks: Size and Scope of Modernization Investment Merit Increased Oversight, GAO-13-179, January 10, 2013
• Cancellation of the Army's Autonomous Navigation System, GAO-12-851R, August 2, 2012
• Army Corps of Engineers: Peer Review Process for Civil Works Project Studies Can Be Improved, GAO-12-352, March 8, 2012
• Force Structure: Assessment of Army Report on Fiscal Year 2011 Progress in Modular Restructuring, GAO-12-527R, March 26, 2012
• Interagency Collaboration: State and Army Personnel Rotation Programs Can Build on Positive Results with Additional Preparation and Evaluation, GAO-12-386, March 9, 2012
• Defense Acquisitions: Future Ground-Based Vehicles and Network Initiatives Face Development and Funding Challenges. GAO-12-181T, October 26, 2011
• Warfighter Support: Improved Cost Analysis and Better Oversight Needed over Army Nonstandard Equipment. GAO-11-766, September 29, 2011
• Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices: Most Initiatives Supported by the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization Have Limited Applicability to Humanitarian Demining, GAO-11-578R, May 20, 2011
• Defense Acquisitions: Key Questions Confront the Army's Ground Force Modernization Initiatives, GAO-11-425T, Mar 9, 2011
• Defense Logistics: Additional Oversight and Reporting for the Army Logistics Modernization Program Are Needed, GAO-11-139, Nov 18, 2010
• Defense Acquisitions: Issues to Be Considered as DOD Modernizes Its Fleet of Tactical Wheeled Vehicles, GAO-11-83, Nov 5, 2010
• Army Corps of Engineers: Organizational Realignment Could Enhance Effectiveness, but Several Challenges Would Have to Be Overcome, GAO-10-819, Sep 1, 2010
• Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) Program Faces Cost, Schedule and Performance Risks, GAO-10-758R, Jul 2, 2010
• Warfighter Support: Actions Needed to Improve the Joint Improvised Exposive Device Defeat Organization's System of Internal Control, GAO-10-660, Jul 1, 2010
• Army Working Capital Fund: Army Faces Challenges in Managing Working Capital Fund Cash Balance during Wartime Environment, GAO-10-480, Jun 22, 2010
• Warfighter Support: Observations on DOD's Ground Combat Uniforms, GAO-10-669R, May 28, 2010
• Force Structure: Assessment of Army Progress in Modular Restructuring, Prepositioned Equipment, and Equipment Reset, GAO-10-507R, Apr 26, 2010
• Defense Acquisitions: Opportunities and Challenges for Army Ground Force Modernization Efforts, GAO-10-603T, Apr 15, 2010
• Defense Acquisitions: Opportunities Exist to Position Army's Ground Force Modernization Efforts for Success, GAO-10-406, Mar 15, 2010
• Defense Acquisitions: Opportunities for the Army to Position Its Ground Force Modernization Efforts for Success, GAO-10-493T, Mar 10, 2010
• Defense Acquisitions: Rapid Acquisition of MRAP Vehicles, GAO-10-155T, Oct 8, 2009
• Reserve Forces: Army Needs to Finalize an Implementation Plan and Funding Strategy for Sustaining an Operational Reserve Force, GAO-09-898, Sep 17, 2009
• Warfighter Support: Information on Army and Marine Corps Ground Combat Helmet Pads, GAO-09-768R, Jul 28, 2009
• Reserve Forces: Army Needs to Reevaluate its Approach to Training and Mobilizing Reserve Component Forces, GAO-09-720, Jul 17, 2009
• Defense Logistics: Observations on Army's Implementation of the Logistics Modernization Program, GAO-09-852R, Jul 8, 2009
• Defense Acquisitions: Issues to be Considered for Army's Modernization of Combat Systems, GAO-09-793T, Jun 16, 2009
• Army Working Capital Fund: Actions Needed to Improve Budgeting for Carryover at Army Ordnance, GAO-09-415, Jun 10, 2009
• Defense Acquisitions: Key Considerations for Planning Future Army Combat Systems, GAO-09-410T, Mar 26, 2009
• Defense Acquisitions: Decisions Needed to Shape Army's Combat Systems for the Future, GAO-09-288, Mar 12, 2009
• Defense Inventory: Army Needs to Evaluate Impact of Recent Actions to Improve Demand Forecasts for Spare Parts, GAO-09-199, Jan 12, 2009
• Defense Acquisitions: Status of the Safety, Performance, and Reliability of the Expeditionary Fire Support System, GAO-09-189R, Nov 18, 2008
• Force Structure: The Army Needs a Results-Oriented Plan to Equip and Staff Modular Forces and a Thorough Assessment of Their Capabilities, GAO-09-131, Nov 14, 2008
• Rapid Acquisition of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, GAO-08-884R, Jul 15, 2008
• Army Working Capital Fund: Actions Needed to Reduce Carryover at Army Depots, GAO-08-714, Jul 8, 2008
• Military Personnel: Army Needs to Better Enforce Requirements and Improve Record Keeping for Soldiers Whose Medical Conditions May Call for Significant Duty Limitations, GAO-08-546, Jun 10, 2008
• Homeland Defense: Steps Have Been Taken to Improve U.S. Northern Command's Coordination with States and the National Guard Bureau, but Gaps Remain GAO-08-252 April 16, 2008
• Homeland Defense: U.S. Northern Command Has Made Progress but Needs to Address Force Allocation, Readiness Tracking Gaps, and Other Issues GAO-08-251 April 16, 2008
• Defense Acquisitions: 2009 Review of Future Combat System Is Critical to Program's Direction, GAO-08-638T, Apr 10, 2008
• Force Structure: Restructuring and Rebuilding the Army Will Cost Billions of Dollars for Equipment but the Total Cost Is Uncertain, GAO-08-669T, Apr 10, 2008
• Defense Acquisitions: 2009 Is a Critical Juncture for the Army's Future Combat System GAO-08-408 March 7, 2008
• Defense Acquisitions: Significant Challenges Ahead in Developing and Demonstrating Future Combat System's Network and Software GAO-08-409 March 7, 2008
• Defense Logistics: Army Has Not Fully Planned or Budgeted for the Reconstitution of Its Afloat Prepositioned Stocks GAO-08-257R February 8, 2008
• Force Structure--Need for Greater Transparency for the Army's Grow the Force Initiative Funding Plan GAO-08-354R January 18, 2008
• Force Structure: Better Management Controls Are Needed to Oversee the Army's Modular Force and Expansion Initiatives and Improve Accountability for Results GAO-08-145 December 14, 2007
• Defense Acquisitions: Overcoming Challenges Key to Capitalizing on Mine Countermeasures Capabilities GAO-08-13 October 12, 2007
• Special Operations Forces: Management Actions Are Needed to Effectively Integrate Marine Corps Forces into the U.S. Special Operations Command GAO-07-1030 September 5, 2007
• Defense Contracting: Improved Insight and Controls Needed over DOD's Time-and-Materials Contracts GAO-07-273 June 29, 2007
• Defense Logistics: Efforts to Improve Distribution and Supply Support for Joint Military Operations Could Benefit from a Coordinated Management Approach GAO-07-807 June 29, 2007 [6.4 Mb]
• Military Personnel: DOD Needs to Establish a Strategy and Improve Transparency over Reserve and National Guard Compensation to Manage Significant Growth in Cost GAO-07-828 June 20, 2007
• Defense Logistics: Army and Marine Corps' Body Armor Requirements, Controls, and Other Issues GAO-07-911T June 6, 2007
• Defense Acquisitions: Role of Lead Systems Integrator on Future Combat Systems Program Poses Oversight Challenges GAO-07-380 June 6, 2007
• Defense Logistics: Army and Marine Corps's Individual Body Armor System Issues GAO-07-662R, April 26, 2007 [PDF 4.26MB]
• Defense Acquisitions: Future Combat System Risks Underscore the Importance of Oversight GAO-07-672T, March 27, 2007
• Defense Acquisitions: Key Decisions to Be Made on Future Combat System GAO-07-376, March 15, 2007 [PDF 2.09MB]
• Defense Logistics: Preliminary Observations on the Army's Implementation of Its Equipment Reset Strategies GAO-07-439T, January 31, 2007
• Force Structure: Army Needs to Provide DOD and Congress More Visibility Regarding Modular Force Capabilities and Implementation Plans GAO-06-745, September 6, 2006
• Defense Logistics: Changes to Stryker Vehicle Maintenance Support Should Identify Strategies for Addressing Implementation Challenges GAO-06-928R, September 5, 2006
• Force Structure: DOD Needs to Integrate Data into Its Force Identification Process and Examine Options to Meet Requirements for High-Demand Support Forces GAO-06-962, September 5, 2006
• Force Structure: Actions Needed to Improve Estimates and Oversight of Costs for Transforming Army to a Modular Force, GAO-05-926, September 29, 2005
• Defense Acquisitions: The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle Encountered Difficulties in Design Demonstration and Faces Future Risks, GAO-06-349, May 1, 2006
• Defense Logistics: Preliminary Observations on Equipment Reset Challenges and Issues for the Army and Marine Corps, GAO-06-604T, March 30, 2006
• Defense Logistics: Several Factors Limited the Production and Installation of Army Truck Armor during Current Wartime Operations, GAO-06-160, March 22, 2006 [PDF 1.65MB]
• Defense Acquisitions: Improved Business Case Is Needed for Future Combat System's Successful Outcome, GAO-06-367, March 14, 2006
• Force Structure: Actions Needed to Improve Estimates and Oversight of Costs for Transforming Army to a Modular Force, GAO-05-926, September 29, 2005
• DEFENSE LOGISTICS Actions Needed to Improve the Availability of Critical Items during Current and Future Operations (GAO-05-275) April 2005 [PDF 2,555 Kb]
• DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS Future Combat Systems Challenges and Prospects for Success (GAO-05-428T) March 16, 2005 [PDF 970 Kb]
• DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS Future Combat Systems Challenges and Prospects for Success (GAO-05-442T), March 16, 2005 [PDF 972 Kb]
• FORCE STRUCTURE Preliminary Observations on Army Plans to Implement and Fund Modular Forces (GAO-05-443T) March 16, 2005 [PDF 156 Kb]
• GAO Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Airland, Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate Future Combat Systems Challenges and Prospects for Success By Paul L. Francis, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, 16 March 2005 [PDF 971 KB]- "In its unprecedented complexity, FCS confronts the Army with signifigant technical and managerial challenges in its requirements, development, finance, and management..."
• Reserve Forces: Actions Needed to Prepare the National Guard for Future Overseas and Domestic Missions. GAO-05-21, November 10, 2004.
• Military Personnel: DOD Needs to Address Long-Term Reserve Force Availability and Related Mobilization and Demobilization Issues. GAO-04-1031, September 15, 2004.
• Military Transformation: Fielding of Army's Stryker Vehicle Is Well Underway, but Expectations for Their Transportability by C-130 Aircraft Need to Be Clarified. GAO-04-925, August 12, 2004. [PDF 3.8MB]
• MILITARY OPERATIONS DOD's Fiscal Year 2003 Funding and Reported Obligations in Support of the Global War on Terrorism (GAO-04-668) May 2004 [PDF 220 Kb}
• AFGHANISTAN RECONSTRUCTION Deteriorating Security and Limited Resources Have Impeded Progress; Improvements in U.S. Strategy Needed (GAO-04-403) June 2004 [PDF 4,356 Kb]
• DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS The Army's Future Combat Systems' Features, Risks, and Alternatives (GAO-04-635T), April 1, 2004 [PDF 431 Kb]
• REBUILDING IRAQ Preliminary Observations on Challenges in Transferring Security Responsibilities to Iraqi Military and Police (GAO-05-431T) March 14, 2005 [200 Kb]
• Defense Acquisitions: The Army's Future Combat Systems' Features, Risks, and Alternatives, by Paul L. Francis, director, acquisition sourcing and management, before the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. (GAO-04-635T), April 1, 2004 [PDF 432 KB]
• RESERVE FORCES Actions Needed to Better Prepare the National Guard for Future Overseas and Domestic Missions (GAO-05-21), November 2004 [501 Kb]
• MILITARY OPERATIONS Recent Campaigns Benefited from Improved Communications and Technology, but Barriers to Continued Progress Remain (GAO-04-547), June 2004 [PDF 1097 Kb]
• Military Transformation: The Army and OSD Met Legislative Requirements for First Stryker Brigade Design Evaluation, but Issues Remain for Future Brigades (GAO-04-188) December 12, 2003 [PDF 6.06 Mb]
• Issues Facing the Army's Future Combat System Program (GAO-03-1010R), August 13, 2003 [PDF 1.13 Mb]
• Defense Health Care: Army Has Not Consistently Assessed the Health Status of All Early-Deploying Reservists, by Marjorie E. Kanof, director, health care--clinical and military health care issues, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs (GAO-03-997T) July 9, 2003 [PDF 208 Kb]
• Military Transformation: Realistic Deployment Timelines Needed for Army Stryker Brigades, June 30, 2003, (GAO-03-801) [PDF 2.18 Mb]
• Military Transformation: Army's Evaluation of Stryker and M-113A3 Infantry Carrier Vehicles Provided Sufficient Data for Statutorily Mandated Comparison, May 30, 2003 (GAO-03-671) [PDF 3.31 Mb]
• Defense Health Care: Army Needs to Assess the Health Status of All Early-Deploying Reservists, April 15, 2003 (GAO-03-437) [PDF 375 Kb]
• Army Stryker Brigades: Assessment of External Logistics Support Should Be Documented in the Congressionally Mandated Review of the Army's Operational Evaluation Plan, March 28, 2003 (GAO-03-484R) [PDF 107 Kb]
• DEFENSE MANAGEMENT: Army Needs to Address Resource and Mission Requirements Affecting Its Training and Doctrine Command, February 2003 (GAO-03-214) [824 Kb]
• 2002 Update of the 155 mm Lightweight Howitzer, July 24, 2002, (GAO-02-898R) [PDF 94 Kb]
• MILITARY TRANSFORMATION: Army Actions Needed to Enhance Formation of Future Interim Brigade Combat Teams, May 2002, (GAO-02-442) [PDF 8.8 Mb]
• Army Inventory: Parts Shortages Are Impacting Operations and Maintenance Effectiveness, (31-JUL-01, GAO-01-772).
• Defense Logistics: Information on Apache Helicopter Support and Readiness, (17-JUL-01, GAO-01-630). [PDF 248 Kb]
• Combat Identification Systems: Strengthened Management Efforts Needed to Ensure Required Capabilities, (25-JUN-01, GAO-01-632). [PDF 750 Kb]
• Defense Acquisitions: Higher Level DOD Review of Antiarmor Mission and Munitions Is Needed, (08-JUN-01, GAO-01-607). [PDF 159 Kb]
• Defense Acquisition: Comanche Program Objectives Need to Be Revised to More Achievable Levels, (07-JUN-01, GAO-01-450). [PDF 305 Kb]
• Defense Acquisition: Army Transformation Faces Weapon Systems Challenges, (21-MAY-01, GAO-01-311). [PDF 219 Kb]
• Force Structure: Projected Requirements for Some Army Forces Not Well Established, (11-MAY-01, GAO-01-485). [PDF 356 Kb]
• Defense Inventory: Army War Reserve Spare Parts Requirements Are Uncertain, (10-MAY-01, GAO-01-425). [PDF 214 Kb]
• Contract Management: Purchase of Army Black Berets -- Statement of David E. Cooper, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, (02-MAY-01, GAO-01-695T). [PDF 80 Kb]
• Land Mine Detection: DOD's Research Program Needs a Comprehensive Evaluation Strategy, (17-APR-01, GAO-01-239). [PDF 404 Kb]
• Defense Inventory: Steps the Army Can Take to Improve the Management and Oversight of Excess Ammunition, (12-APR-01, GAO-01-372). [PDF 413 Kb]
• Status Update of the New 155 mm Lightweight Howitzer, April 10, 2001 (GAO-01-603R) [PDF 121 Kb]
• FORCE STRUCTURE: Army Lacks Units Needed for Extended Contingency Operations, February 2001 (GAO-01-198) [PDF 312 Kb]
• DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS: Need to Confirm Requirements for $4.1 Billion Antiarmor Missile System, December 2000, (GAO-01-74) [PDF 368 Kb]
• Defense Acquisitions: Howitzer Program Experiencing Cost Increases and Schedule Delays [NSIAD-00-182] 07/28/2000. [PDF Version]
• Battlefield Automation: Army Needs to Update Fielding Plan for First Digitized Corps [NSIAD-00-167] 07/25/2000. [PDF Version]
• Force Structure: Army Is Integrating Active and Reserve Combat Forces, but Challenges Remain [NSIAD-00-162] 07/18/2000. [PDF Version]
• Defense Acquisitions: Antiarmor Weapons Master Plan Does Not Identify Potential Excesses or Support Planned Procurements [NSIAD-00-67] 05/08/2000. [PDF Version]
• Battlefield Automation: Army's Restructured Land Warrior Program Needs More Oversight (Letter Report, 12/15/1999, GAO/NSIAD-00-28). [PDF Version]
• Defense Logistics: New 120-mm Tank Training Round Procurement Will Result in Savings [NSIAD-00-34] 11/22/1999
• Defense Acquisitions: Army Purchased Truck Trailers That Cannot be Used as Planned [NSIAD-00-015] 10/27/1999. [PDF Version 1.73 Mb]
• Battlefield Automation: Opportunities to Improve the Army's Information Protection Effort (Letter Report, 08/11/1999, GAO/NSIAD-99-166). [PDF Version]
• Battlefield Automation: Performance Uncertainties Are Likely When Army Fields Its First Digitized Division (Letter Report, 07/27/1999, GAO/NSIAD-99-150). [PDF Version]
• Defense Acquisitions: Reduced Threat Not Reflected in Antiarmor Weapon Acquisitions (Letter Report, 07/22/1999, GAO/NSIAD-99-105). [PDF Version]
• Military Safety: Army M939 5-Ton Truck Accident History and Planned Modifications (Letter Report, 04/09/99, GAO/NSIAD-99-82). [PDF Version]
• Force Structure: Opportunities for the Army to Reduce Risk in Executing the Military Strategy (Letter Report, 03/15/99, GAO/NSIAD-99-47). [PDF version]
• Army Medium Trucks: Information on Delivery Delays and Corrosion Problems (Letter Report, 01/13/99, GAO/NSIAD-99-26). [PDF Version]
• Army Medium Trucks: Acquisition Plans Need Safeguards (Chapter Report, 11/19/98, GAO/NSIAD-99-28). [PDF Version]
• Army Modernization: The Warfighting Rapid Acquisition Program Needs More Specific Guidance. NSIAD-99-11. 15 pp. plus 4 appendices (9 pp.) November 3, 1998.. [PDF Version]
• Force Structure: Army's Efforts to Improve Efficiency of Institutional Forces Have Produced Few Results. NSIAD-98-65. 27 pp. plus 4 appendices (7 pp.) February 26, 1998. [PDF Version]
• Army War Reserves: DOD Could Save Millions by Aligning Resources With the Reduced European Mission GAO/NSIAD-97-158, July 11. [PDF Version]
• Army Armored Systems: Meeting Crusader Requirements Will Be a Technical Challenge (Letter Report, 06/06/97, GAO/NSIAD-97-121). [PDF Version]
• Force Structure: Army Support Forces Can Meet Two-Conflict Strategy with Some Risks (Chapter Report, 02/28/97, GAO/NSIAD-97-66). [PDF Version]
• Army National Guard: Planned Conversions Are a Positive Step, but Unvalidated Combat Forces Remain (Briefing Report, 01/29/97, GAO/NSIAD-97-55BR). [PDF Version]
• Defense Ammunition: Significant Problems Left Unattended Will Get Worse (Chapter Report, 06/21/96, GAO/NSIAD-96-129). [PDF Version 1.54 Mb]
• Army National Guard: Validate Requirements for Combat Forces and Size Those Forces Accordingly (Letter Report, 03/14/96, GAO/NSIAD-96-63). [PDF Version]
• Reserves Officers' Training Corps: Questions Related to Organizational Restructuring, (Letter Report, 02/06/96, GAO/NSIAD-96-56)
• Army Acquisition: Medium Trucks Passed Key Operational and Technical Tests (Letter Report, 01/08/96, GAO/NSIAD-96-4). [PDF Version]
• Army and Marine Corps M198 Howitzer: Maintenance Problems Are Not Severe Enough to Accelerate Replacement System (Letter Report, 12/27/95, GAO/NSIAD-96-59). [PDF Version]
• Army National Guard: Combat Brigades Ability to Be Ready for War in 90 Days Is Uncertain (Chapter Report, 06/02/95, GAO/NSIAD-95-91). [PDF Version]
• Industrial Base: Inventory and Requirements for Artillery Projectiles (Letter Report, 03/20/95, GAO/NSIAD-95-89)
• Battlefield Automation: Requirements Need to Be Updated Before the Air Defense System Is Produced (Letter Report, GAO/NSIAD-94-213, 09/22/94). [PDF Version 3.67 Mb]