Rapid Fire 2010-06-08: German Subs Head for Early Retirement

• Pentagon directive hopes to cut up to $100 billion in support costs over 5 years, by looking at personnel policies, medical costs & Tricare, organizational restructuring, acquisition practices and logistical efficiencies. They might want to look at how security policies affect buying office space.

• Germany retires 60% of its submarine fleet, 6 years ahead of schedule. Think it might be related to EUR 1 billion in planned defense cuts?

• Canada announces shipbuilding strategy. Now it has to start picking winners, and approving programs. Major ministry participants include Defense, Public Works, and the Coast Guard. Plus Industry Canada. Not a recipe for speed.