Pentagon's First Departmentwide Audit Is a Major Milestone

Break out the champagne: Earlier this month, the Defense Department produced its first departmentwide financial statement audit. Ever. For an entity that traces its roots to 1789 and whose books have long been impenetrable to armies of auditors, even a failing grade is cause for positive recognition. While the audit resulted in a disclaimer of opinion and showed multiple material weaknesses, it represents “a historic accomplishment and indicates our commitment to accountability and reform,” said Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan in a statement.