The Pentagon Wars

The Bradley Fighting Vehicle project has been stalled for seventeen years with a development cost of $14 billion, overseen by Major General Partridge. The development started with the aim of creating a light troop carrier but faced numerous delays and changes over the years. Congress appoints Lieutenant Colonel James Burton to oversee and evaluate its progress amidst concerns over Pentagon spending.

In the early stages of development, Colonel Robert L. Smith supervises the design of the Bradley. He quickly becomes frustrated due to constant design changes mandated by higher authorities, which significantly alter the vehicle’s original purpose.

The vehicle's function is changed from a light troop carrier to a bulkier, tank-like vehicle, reducing its capacity to half of its original design. This transformation reflects ongoing delays and shifting priorities within the project.

Lieutenant Colonel Burton uncovers issues in the testing process, including the use of inferior weapons and deliberate manipulation of live fire test results by Colonel Bock and Major Sayers, which compromises the integrity of the vehicle’s evaluation.

Burton receives secret information from Colonel Smith indicating corruption and issues within the testing process, but he is required to remain anonymous to protect himself while investigating further.

Master Sergeant Dalton reveals that officers are routinely ordered to manipulate test results to favor the vehicle’s performance, showing a widespread culture of corruption to attain promotions and benefit the Pentagon's interests.

After insisting on honest testing, Burton is reassigned to Alaska. Nonetheless, an anonymous leak prompts the Defense Secretary to demand a comprehensive report on the Bradley, forcing Partridge to reconsider Burton’s role.

Burton submits a detailed report exposing the manipulation and flaws in the Bradley's testing process, including a memorandum about the changes made under orders from Partridge. This document is leaked to the press and leads to congressional hearings.

During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Burton’s testimony and evidence humiliate Partridge, who had previously boasted about the vehicle’s capabilities. The committee orders fresh tests to be conducted honestly.

Burton visits the soldiers before the scheduled live fire test, reminding them of their duty to perform honestly despite orders to manipulate the test. The vehicle is subjected to live fire, resulting in its total destruction, exposing the flaws publicly.

Partridge gives a passionate speech claiming the Bradley is powerful and excellent, but it ends in failure as the vehicle is destroyed during the test, humiliating himself and the project team.

Following the revelations, the Bradley is extensively redesigned based on Burton’s recommendations, which significantly improve its safety and reduce casualties in subsequent conflicts like the Gulf War.

While many officers involved in the development receive promotions and high-paying jobs, Burton is forced to retire, reflecting the personal cost of his integrity and efforts in exposing systemic corruption.