The Pentagon Wars 1998

The project to develop the Bradley Fighting Vehicle faced significant hurdles, having been stalled for over seventeen years and costing around $14 billion. At the helm was Major General Partridge, who was responsible for overseeing the ongoing development. To prevent further unnecessary Pentagon spending, the U.S. Congress appointed Lieutenant Colonel James Burton, from the Air Force, to monitor and assess the progress of the vehicle’s development and testing phases.

As Burton begins his investigation, he uncovers a long and complicated history dating back to the 1960s, initially under the leadership of Colonel Robert L. Smith. Smith quickly grows frustrated with the constant design changes imposed by higher authorities, which eventually transform the Bradley from its original concept as a lightweight troop carrier into a larger, tank-like vehicle. This new design, however, significantly compromises its capacity, allowing it to carry only about half of what was initially intended, raising concerns about its practicality and effectiveness.

Throughout his investigation, Burton encounters alarming discrepancies in the testing procedures. It becomes evident that subpar weaponry—specifically, rocket-propelled grenades—were used during tests, and important live-fire exercises were deliberately manipulated. These manipulations seem to be orchestrated by Colonel Bock and Major Sayers, close associates of Partridge, who appear more interested in showcasing the vehicle’s strength than conducting honest assessments. Burton is later given confidential information by Colonel Smith, but only under the condition of maintaining his anonymity.

Furthermore, Burton learns from Master Sergeant Dalton, who was responsible for overseeing the live fire exercises, that he was regularly ordered to falsify test results. Dalton admits that officers with integrity, like Burton, often feel compelled to give in to the pressure to ensure career advancement, despite knowing the truth. Burton’s persistent push for honest testing leads to his reassignment to a base in Alaska, but a leaked secret by Smith prompts the Defense Secretary Weinberger to demand a comprehensive report on the Bradley.

Seizing the opportunity, Partridge cancels Burton’s transfer and instructs him to prepare the report with the intention of revising it later. However, Burton, adhering strictly to protocol, writes a detailed and honest account, highlighting the modifications made by Partridge’s orders. This report ends up being leaked to the press and causes a ruckus during a televised hearing before the House Armed Services Committee.

During the hearing, Partridge is publicly humiliated as Burton’s evidence exposes the flaws and manipulations associated with the Bradley’s development. The Committee Chairwoman intervenes, insisting that the vehicle undergo the true, unaltered tests. The night before the scheduled test, Burton visits the soldiers involved, reminding them of their duty to perform honestly, despite any directives from Partridge that might suggest otherwise.

On the day of the test, Partridge delivers a speech praising the Bradley’s supposed power and excellence. However, things take a dramatic turn when, during the live-fire exercise, the vehicle is completely destroyed—evidence that undercuts Partridge’s assurances. The soldiers involved, Dalton and his team, confide in Burton that they had been influenced to manipulate earlier tests but were now swayed by Burton’s sincerity and moral integrity.

In the aftermath, it’s revealed that the Bradley was significantly redesigned—changes that ultimately led to fewer casualties during its deployment in the Gulf War. Many of the officials involved in its initial development received lucrative promotions and jobs, while Burton was forced to retire due to the controversies and conflicts of interest.

This story highlights issues of integrity, political pressure, and the importance of honest engineering in military development, illustrating a battle not just on the testing grounds, but within the corridors of power as well.