UPDATE: At a crucial event hosted by Breitbart News, Onebrief COO Adam Lackey emphasized the urgent need for the military to adopt cutting-edge technologies to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. Speaking alongside Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow, Lackey outlined how Onebrief’s collaborative planning platform is transforming military strategies from the Pentagon down to the tactical level.
Lackey stated, “If you’re not capable of inflicting violence on your adversary, you have no credible deterrence,” highlighting that effective military deterrence begins with comprehensive and adaptive planning. These insights come at a time when the stakes are extraordinarily high, particularly as the military prepares for potential kinetic operations.
During the discussion, Lackey pointed out that Onebrief is integrated deeply within the U.S. Army and expanding its influence across other branches, including the Navy and Air Force. He called for a shift in military culture to embrace innovation, stating that legacy systems often fail to meet the needs of modern warfare. “We’re just continuing to fight… to have the right, frankly, to be there and to be represented inside of our commands,” he urged.
This urgent call for modernization is crucial as Lackey criticized outdated defense acquisition processes that hinder troops’ effectiveness. He recounted, “I got so much garbage handed to me going out the door. ‘Hey, take this with you to war.’ It was mass produced, and it’s not what you need.” He believes that the military must prioritize acquiring technologies that are truly beneficial for commanders on the ground.
In response to ongoing challenges, Lackey noted that the current administration is attempting to dismantle bureaucratic hurdles within the Pentagon’s acquisition framework. He mentioned efforts like rewriting the FAR and increasing the procurement of commercial products to streamline processes. However, he warned, “You replace old bad bureaucracy with new, slow bureaucracy,” underscoring the need for continued vigilance.
Moreover, he cautioned that compliance demands, particularly cybersecurity standards, can create significant barriers for innovative firms. “Now you’ve got to deal with all these cyber compliance requirements, which are very burdensome today,” he stated, urging partners like DIU and DARPA to focus on empowering innovative ideas from all levels of the military.
As this discussion unfolds, Marlow highlighted that companies like Onebrief are part of a growing movement of “venture-backed non-traditionals” that can innovate at speeds unmatched by the “very bloated” Pentagon. Lackey criticized past legacy program failures, emphasizing the need for a model where companies absorb their own R&D costs. “We are selling to the government what they need, and the government sees the value in that product,” he articulated, a model that could potentially stretch taxpayer dollars further.
As military operations evolve, the demands for timely and effective decision-making have never been greater. Onebrief’s focus on utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance military strategies is not just beneficial but essential. The urgency for modernization within the armed forces is palpable, and how leadership responds could significantly alter the landscape of military readiness in the near future.
As this story develops, observers will be watching closely to see how Onebrief and similar firms influence military operations and decision-making processes. The implications for national security and military effectiveness are profound, making this a critical moment for the U.S. armed forces.
