Honorable Jules Hurst Visits DCAA Headquarters

Honorable Jules Hurst Visits DCAA Headquarters

By DCAA Staff Writer

The Honorable Jules Hurst, who is Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of War for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and concurrently Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of War for Readiness, addressed DCAA Headquarters staff in a townhall on Jan. 6, 2026.

Mr. Hurst shared the Pentagon's three main focuses during this critical time in an era of shifting global power.

1. Making Every Dollar Count

The first priority emphasizes the importance of optimizing each dollar when budgets are tighter and spending needs are higher. The Pentagon needs to do more with less, directly connecting to DCAA's mission to maximize buying power so the Department has the necessary capabilities to deter current and emerging threats.

1. Earning Public Trust

The second priority is to pass a full financial audit, gaining trust and showing Americans their tax dollars are being used without waste, fraud, and abuse. DCAA is working to help inventory Government furnished property at contractor locations to help account for purchased supplies, vehicles, and other key purchases.

1. Improving the Buying Process

The third focus is to improve how the Pentagon makes purchases. Mr. Hurst emphasized the need to ensure fiscal integrity while eliminating redundant actions and steps that slow down the procurement process without adding value.

In closing, Mr. Hurst praised DCAA for their dedication, particularly noting their commitment to completing essential work during the recent furlough. "[DCAA] is the most devoted workforce I've ever met," he shared. In recognition of this work, he awarded three challenge coins to DCAA staff:

• Mr. Mike Porter: For his continued work helping the Pentagon accurately track its property, a key step towards passing a clean audit.
• Ms. Karen Ryan: For her leadership managing personnel and keeping things running smoothly during a recent agency reorganization and the government shutdown.
• Mr. Justin Carder: For using technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify $6 billion in funds the Pentagon could move to more urgent and higher-priority programs.