DoD's weapons testing office doing more work with fewer people: GAO

July 4, 2026 - 02:00

The Pentagon's independent weapons testing office is being asked to handle a growing workload with a significantly smaller staff, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office. The situation stems from a decision last year by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to slash the workforce of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, known as DOT&E.

The GAO report, released Tuesday, reveals that the office has lost a substantial number of personnel, leaving it with fewer officers to oversee the testing of major defense programs. This reduction comes at a time when the number of weapons systems requiring independent evaluation is actually increasing. The watchdog warns that the mismatch between resources and responsibilities could undermine the Pentagon's ability to catch critical flaws in new equipment before it reaches troops.

DOT&E is responsible for ensuring that weapons like fighter jets, missiles, and ships perform as advertised under realistic combat conditions. Without adequate staffing, the office may struggle to conduct thorough assessments, potentially leading to delays in fielding new systems or, worse, sending faulty gear into battle. The GAO did not specify exactly how many positions were cut, but it noted that the office is now operating with a "leaner" structure that may not be sustainable.

The report calls for the Defense Department to reassess the staffing levels and consider whether the current workforce can meet its statutory obligations. Pentagon officials have not yet commented on the findings, but the issue is likely to draw scrutiny from lawmakers concerned about accountability in defense spending.