The Military Faces a Make-or-Break Moment

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Trump and a New ‘Arsenal of Freedom’ (November 17) provides an insightful assessment of the Secretary of State. Pete Hegseththe procurement reform program. This relies on something that many in the defense community have understood for years: The United States cannot deter its adversaries with a supply system that is slow, expensive, and incapable of keeping pace with modern threats.

Mr. Hegseth rightly notes that the Pentagon finds itself at a turning point. Empowering program leaders, accelerating procurement powers and harnessing private sector innovation are the right priorities. Predictable, longer-term purchases are also essential. The industry cannot increase production of munitions and critical systems when demand and funding fluctuate each year. The U.S. defense industrial base, including traditional and emerging companies, has the capacity and talent to deliver unmatched capabilities if given the stability and direction that long-term engagement requires.