WASHINGTON, DC—DoD Secretary Robert Gates announced last month efforts within DoD to reduce duplication and excess overhead costs.

Gates said he was directing a freeze on the number of OSD, Defense Agency, and combatant command positions, at the FY 2010 levels, for the next three years. “With regard to insourcing, other than changes planned for FY 2010, no more full-time positions in these organizations will be created after this fiscal year to replace contractors. Some exceptions can be made for critical areas such as the acquisition workforce.”

Among Gates’ recommendations is the closure of the Joint Forces Command, headquartered in Norfolk, VA. Joint Forces Command is responsible for joint training, doctrine, and operations in the military.

Healthcare costs are not immune to potential cost-saving efforts, he said. “I think it’s safe to say that, as far as I’m concerned, in this effort there are no sacred cows, and healthcare cannot be excepted from that,” said Gates. “Everybody knows that we’re being eaten alive by healthcare.”

Gates said that DoD is launching an online contest for the purpose of soliciting and rewarding creative ideas to save money and use resources more effectively. “I would encourage all DoD employees to visit defense.gov on the Web to learn more.”

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