Reinvigorating America’s Defence Industrial Base: Insights from General (Ret.) C.Q. Brown, Jr.
The United States faces a critical juncture in maintaining its national security.While recent geopolitical events – from the ongoing conflict in ukraine to escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific – have underscored the necessity of a robust defense posture, the nation’s defense industrial base is showing signs of strain. As of November 7, 2025, the conversation surrounding this challenge has intensified, especially following the transition of General (Ret.) C.Q. Brown, Jr., from his role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This article delves into General Brown’s recent perspectives, shared during a discussion at War on the Rocks, outlining his assessment of the situation and proposed pathways toward revitalization. It explores not just the what of the problem, but the how of implementing solutions, drawing on his extensive experience and offering a nuanced view of the path forward.
The State of the Defense Industrial Enterprise: A Call for Decisive Action
General Brown’s core argument,articulated in a recent article and further elaborated upon in his conversation with War on the Rocks,isn’t a lack of understanding regarding the necessary improvements to the defense industrial enterprise. Instead, he emphasizes a deficiency in execution. He posits that the strategies for strengthening the base already exist; the impediment lies in the absence of unified, concerted action across goverment, industry, and allied nations. This echoes concerns raised in a recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in October 2025, which highlighted bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of long-term investment as key obstacles to modernization.
The situation is particularly pressing given the increased demand for munitions and military equipment. The war in Ukraine, for example, has dramatically increased the need for 155mm artillery shells, with the U.S. and its allies struggling to meet the demand. According to a November 2025 report from the Congressional Research Service, current production capacity is insufficient to sustain prolonged high-intensity conflict. This isn’t simply a matter of funding; it’s about streamlining procurement processes, fostering innovation, and ensuring a resilient supply chain.
Navigating a Transition and Defining Future Duty
The circumstances surrounding General Brown’s departure from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff position have been subject to speculation. He addressed the abruptness of the transition openly,framing it not as a personal setback,but as an opportunity to continue serving the nation in a different capacity. He views his ongoing duty as providing candid counsel and advocating for the necessary reforms to bolster national security. This perspective is crucial; it demonstrates a commitment to the long-term health of the defense industrial base, even outside the customary chain of command.
His willingness to speak frankly about the challenges facing the military-industrial complex is a departure from typical post-retirement behavior,and it underscores the gravity of the situation. It’s a signal that the issues are deeply ingrained and require a level of transparency and accountability that hasn’t always been present. This echoes a growing sentiment within the defense community, as evidenced by recent testimonies before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Key Areas for Improvement: A Multi-Pronged Approach
General Brown’s vision for revitalizing the defense industrial base centers around several key areas:
* Streamlining acquisition: The current acquisition process is notoriously slow and cumbersome. Simplifying regulations, reducing bureaucratic layers, and embracing agile growth methodologies are essential. The DoD is currently piloting several initiatives under the “Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve” (RDER) programme, but scaling these efforts will be critical.
* Investing in the Workforce: A skilled workforce is the backbone of any successful industrial base. Investing in STEM education, apprenticeships, and retraining programs is vital to address the
