Pentagon to Destroy $1B in Ammunition

An arsenal of ammunition valued at $1.2 billion, including missiles and bullets, is set to be destroyed by the Pentagon, even though it may still be viable for troops to use. According to a Government Accountability Office report obtained by USA Today, it is unclear what portion of the arsenal could be effectively used because the Defense Department's inventory system cannot efficiently share data. "We simply cannot afford this type of waste and ineffectiveness," said Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), who is also chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. "The [Pentagon] has a responsibility to efficiently manage its ammunition stocks because our antiquated ammunition inventory systems can shortchange our war fighters and compromise their ability to complete their mission."