Battling a behemoth

TO THE ARMY for failing to make the Future Combat Systems vehicle program relevant. In his proposal to cancel the $87 billion part of the program dedicated to eight vehicle designs, Gates cited unanswered questions concerning their design strategy, troubling contract terms that do not promote cost efficiency, failure to include the MRAP investment, and failure to adequately reflect lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a damning list that smacks of a behemoth run out of control. How Army leadership missed the cues should be the subject of a future investigation. For now, Gates is right to cage this beast and start anew.