Pentagon cover-up of wasteful spending betrays military values

The Washington Post’s scoop detailing how the Pentagon tried to hide a damning internal report detailing its bloat and inefficiency betrays military values that emphasize honor and accountability.

The analysis was completed last year by some members of Defense Business Board, a federal advisory panel of private-sector executives, and consultants from McKinsey & Company. It said the Pentagon could save $125 billion over five years if it downsized more than 1 million desk jobs it had to oversee procurement, the supply chain, property management, human resources, payroll and medical care. McKinsey officials said they found no evidence the Pentagon had ever “rigorously measured” the “cost-effectiveness, speed, agility or quality” of its bureaucracy, which consumes nearly one-quarter of the military’s $580 billion budget.

The Pentagon had originally ordered the analysis because of the hope that it would free up funds for weapons programs or other needs. But because it documented so much waste, some officials came to believe it might lead to budget cuts and sought to keep it from public view. That was done — with the apparent support of Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

That’s shameful. The Trump administration should dig the report out of the trash and act on it.