Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks hosted the Defense Business Board's first quarterly meeting for fiscal year 2023 at the Pentagon on November 14 in a closed, classified session.
During the session, she briefed board members on managing the Department through international crises, to include the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war, while operating under unprecedented and unnecessary constraints.
Deputy Secretary Hicks discussed the impact of ongoing continuing resolutions and Senate holds on the Department's readiness and modernization. She emphasized that continuing resolutions delay new programs, disrupt training, and jeopardize our ability to fully execute the National Defense Strategy. She also highlighted the Senate hold on all general and flag officers as unnecessary, unprecedented, and unsafe- creating real gaps in leadership and having impacts on recruitment, retention, and the resilience of the Department's forces.
Board members asked questions and provided recommendations based on best business practices from the private sector.
Deputy Secretary Hicks thanked the board members for dedicating their time and expertise toward improving Department of Defense business practices, governance, and culture, all of which improve military readiness.
