Military Equipment Archives

Made in America – Meets National Security Needs for Department of Defense

Following a push for “Buy American,” the Trump Administration has rolled out another executive order regarding the sourcing of defense equipment from domestic manufacturers. Soon, contractors may be required to source made-in-the-USA materials from a DoD equipment supplier whenever feasible.

A more thorough analysis of what we know so far about the new DoD equipment supplier requirements has been made by Inside Government Contracts. Among the takeaways:

> The manufacturing order is intended to assess the military’s procurement methods as well as to boost the country’s defense manufacturing industry.

> The Secretary of Defense must complete a report by April 17, 2018, detailing the “resiliency and capacity” of the defense industrial base, so exact laws and regulations will be clearer around that time.

> Requirements to buy American products will most likely impact purchases for products that are already made or could be made domestically, and are not prohibitively more expensive than foreign-made alternatives.

DJ Products, a USA-Made DoD Equipment Supplier

Our company’s mission is to provide ergonomic, safe, and affordable solutions for material handling equipment such as warehouse cart movers and trailer tows. As a DoD equipment supplier, we have GSA-approved products such as our CarCaddy Military Truck Pusher, which can haul Humvees and other heavy trucks.

DJ Products is based out of Minnesota, and our material handling solutions are made in the USA. Rest assured that our DoD contractor equipment will satisfy any kind of domestic procurement law that may affect your operations in the near future.

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Military Leadership Must Reflect the Nation’s Diversity

Diversity in the Military

As our country takes a hard look at the meaning of diversity today, should that examination include the military? A former Assistant Secretary of Defense explains why it’s important for the military to mirror the society it serves.

Does Diversity Have a Place in the Military?

Todd A Weiler is a decorated combat veteran who served in both the Clinton and Obama administrations. He wrote about his views on the topic for The Hill in the wake of Army Secretary nominee Mark Green’s withdrawal after negative reactions to comments he made about minorities.

Weiler points out that with an active draft, it’s easier to get a fair representation of all socio-economic groups. While the all-volunteer force has been largely successful, it “requires constant vigilance” to ensure that certain groups are not underrepresented.

Dangers of a Disaffected Public

According to Weiler, a strong connection between society and military is a vital part of democracy. If civilians perceive a disconnect between themselves and the military, they’re less likely to speak up on matters of defense, resulting in decisions that may not serve the best interests of the public.

During Weiler’s time at the Pentagon, he says the standard they used for accepting enlistees was simply whether they were willing and able to serve. He concludes by saying it’s imperative that the next Army Secretary follows this principle.

Battery-Powered Movers for DOD Equipment Suppliers

DJ Products offers a full line of electric movers, tugs and pushers that accommodate the diverse workforce of DOD equipment suppliers. Visit our website and use the convenient online chat feature for immediate assistance from our friendly sales engineers.

Military Spying Aircraft Market Targeted by Boeing

Department of Defense Contractors Use Our Equipment Solutions

By their own estimation, Boeing faces a serious test of whether their militarized 737 airliners are the future for the U.S. Air Force. Next up on the Pentagon’s decision block will be new planes for the JSTARS surveillance fleet, which has been running on Boeing 707s for decades.

This fall, when military leaders choose between the 737 or smaller business jets instead, it’s largely a question of short-term versus long-term outlooks.

About the Boeing 737 for Military Use

Use of the Boeing 737 by militaries is not new. Nearly 200 have already been purchased by the U.S. and other countries for various applications. This time, the notable difference is that the 737 is larger than what the JSTARS spying program may even need.

Boeing believes that the larger 737 offers great value for two key reasons. The extra room for growth can accommodate changing needs, and the higher immediate cost may well be offset by cheaper maintenance.

Business Jets or Commercial Airliners?

With many other aircraft fleets up for replacement soon, Boeing hopes the 737 will become the recurring preference.

The more glamorous business jets cost only half as much as the 737, whose higher maintenance costs may scuttle the deal. That would not be surprising, as lower immediate costs often seal the deal for military decisions.

Is bigger better when it comes to spying aircraft? One thing we know for certain: military and aviation professionals need the right tool for every job. Our aircraft tug helps tow small aircraft of all sizes for maneuvering in the hangar and staging on runways.

Check out the Lindbergh Aircraft Tug for more info.

Are There Ways to Better Manage Department of Defense Spending?

Are There Better Ways to Handle Military Budgets?

While President Donald Trump’s proposed budget includes a significant increase in defense spending, many feel that it’s still not enough to make up for what was viewed as years of underspending. Center for American Progress, an independent bipartisan think tank, suggests the following ways for the Pentagon to manage funds more efficiently.

1. Downsize Administrative Staff

The Pentagon staff has grown by 38% since 2001. A recent report found that personnel cuts would produce $125 billion in savings over the next five years.

2. Reduce Cost Overruns

In 2015, multinational consulting firm Deloitte issued a report stating that overruns for major acquisition programs amounted to a staggering total of $468 billion.

3. Re-Examine Aircraft and Ship Spending

Senator John McCain, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, has recommended maintaining a more fiscally responsible number and mix of military vehicles, including aircraft carriers and combat ships.

4. Prioritize Nuclear Spending

Former Defense Secretary William Perry and Gen. James Cartwright, former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have proposed that the government cancel the land-based missile and air-launched cruise missile parts of the ongoing multibillion-dollar nuclear modernization program.

5. Authorize a Round of Base Closings

No Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commissions have been held since 2005; some sources suggest there’s up to 30% excess base capacity.

Move DOD Contractor Equipment Safely and Efficiently

Electric tugs, pushers and movers from DJ Products help you save on labor costs and injury claims associated with transporting DOD contractor equipment. Visit our website and let our knowledgeable sales engineers advise you on the best solution for your specific needs.

Trump’s Historic Defense Budget Increases Will Boost Defense Contracting

Military Defense Contractors Are Eager to Book New Orders.

With his recent budget proposal, President Donald Trump is requesting a “historic” defense spending boost to make good on his promise to strengthen the U.S. military. Still, some lawmakers are questioning whether the amount is truly enough to maintain our country’s position as the world’s strongest military power.

“Making America Great”

Trump’s plan calls for the Pentagon to receive a total budget of $603 billion, which is 10 percent over Congressional caps instituted in 2011 but just three percent more than defense spending during the last fiscal year. Three percent is also only slightly higher than the country’s rate of inflation, which currently sits at 2.5 percent.

Much of the increase is intended for shipbuilding and military aircraft, which would provide a major influx of defense contracting. Trump believes the new budget will strengthen the reputation of “American strength, security and resolve” among the rest of the world.

What Happens Next?

The President’s budget now requires approval from Congress, which could involve several months of negotiations. Lawmakers such as Sen. John McCain, Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, object to what they feel is an insufficient increase. On the other hand, Democrats are taking issue with the cuts in domestic programs that are being requested to fund the increase in military spending.

Move the Heaviest DOD Contractor Equipment with Ease

DOD contractor equipment includes bulky and sensitive items such as trailers, aircraft and explosive materials. Battery-powered tugs, pushers and pullers from DJ Products let a single employee move these items safely and efficiently. Visit our website to learn more about our full range of DOD contractor equipment solutions.

Army Starts Testing Self-Driving Trucks in Michigan

Military Interest in Self-Driving Cars

Practically all automobile manufacturers, technology companies, ride-share companies, and insurance companies feel that autonomous vehicles will be safer and more efficient. The general public is not yet convinced.

A lot of people say they’re not ready to trust riding in a self-driving car. Despite the negative perceptions of many, the US military is interested in embracing this still-developing technology and has begun testing it on a 21-mile stretch of Interstate 69 in Michigan.

Improving vehicle communications in military convoys

According to Digital Trends, The system currently being tested by the military doesn’t actually drive the trucks. It uses sensors developed by the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren, Michigan. The road testing is being done in nearby St. Clair and Lapeer Counties. The TARDEC sensors notify all vehicles in the convoy of road conditions, bridges, vehicle slowdowns, and other possible obstacles.

Michigan moves forward with connected cars

The state of Michigan is ahead of most other states when it comes to connected car technology. It passed a bill in May of 2016 authorizing the sale and use of self-driving cars. By passing legislation that allows autonomous car tests and convoys of driverless trucks on public roads, the lawmakers show they want Michigan to stay the US auto capital.

At DJ Products, we understand how technology can improve safety. Our military truck pushers and remote-controlled BombCaddies can maneuver heavy loads and vehicles while keeping the operator safe.

To see our full line of military truck pushers and other equipment for military and DOD applications, visit djproducts.com or call one of our friendly sales associates at 1-800-686-2651.

US Navy Signs on the Dotted Line on $4.3 Billion Aircraft Carrier Deal

To the shock of some financial observers, the U.S. Navy has agreed to terms for a second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier from Huntington Ingalls. The contractor is the Navy’s only source for nuclear-powered carriers.

The construction of the first ship (in a planned four-ship series) has ballooned in costs beyond congressional expectations. Total price tags have been estimated at around $14 billion. This second ship, to be named the USS John F. Kennedy, has been commissioned with contracts totaling $4.3 billion. The price tag will grow, but Navy leadership stands by a current estimate of $11.5 billion or less.

High Costs to Keep Navy’s Aircraft Carriers Afloat

The Department of Defense has already spent nearly $5 billion on R&D for the Ford class. With the design and planning largely taken care of, the Navy decided to forge ahead with the additional carriers.

The Navy has been operating with fewer than the congressionally mandated 11 aircraft carriers it must employ. Despite calls for smaller or fewer carriers, military leadership has decided to go the current route — enormous, nuclear-powered carriers with a variety of advanced features. Following the retirement of a carrier in 2014, the two new Ford-class ships will bring the Navy’s total number of carriers back to 11.

The Navy can employ GSA-approved equipment to help streamline operations on aircraft carriers. Military and DoD truck and trailer moving vehicles can help move and relocate aircraft, transport maintenance carts, and haul heavy tanks of jet fuel around an aircraft carrier.

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Tag: Military Equipment