The Military Might Finally Win the Right To Repair
- Reference: 0178314540
- News link: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/07/08/226213/the-military-might-finally-win-the-right-to-repair
- Source link:
> The Department of Defense has not been immune from restrictive practices set forth by manufacturers, and much like the average consumer, has been hamstrung in its ability to repair its own equipment by clauses in its purchase agreements. According to the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), the current system leads to excessive repair and sustainment costs, and can even impede military readiness.
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> "When our neighbors, friends and family serve in our military, we expect them to get what they need to do their jobs as safely as possible," PIRG Federal Legislative Director Isaac Bowers [5]wrote regarding the newly introduced bill. "Somehow, that hasn't included the materials and information they need to repair equipment they rely on. It's time we fixed that."
[1] https://us9.campaign-archive.com/?u=ce23fee8c5f1232fe0701c44e&id=c50df994fd
[2] https://www.engadget.com/general/the-military-might-finally-win-the-right-to-repair-173539873.html
[3] https://media.defense.gov/2025/May/01/2003702281/-1/-1/1/ARMY-TRANSFORMATION-AND-ACQUISITION-REFORM.PDF
[4] https://pirg.org/resources/military-right-to-repair/
[5] https://us9.campaign-archive.com/?u=ce23fee8c5f1232fe0701c44e&id=c50df994fd
Did anyone expect anything different? (Score:1)
It seems pretty straightforward that for the military they'd need intimate knowledge on how their gear works, not just so it can be repaired but to assure there's nothing in the system that could compromise security. That might not be much of a big deal on a kitchen oven, something that contracts with the military prohibited being repaired by military personnel, as that would be more of an inconvenience than something that could threaten lives. In the case of drone aircraft the loss of function because of
"Win"? (Score:2)
> The Military Might Finally Win the Right To Repair
Shouldn't the military already have that right by long-standing legislative fiat, or, if necessary, by force?
Oh, sorry, I forgot... the country is really ruled by corporations, not by the electorate. How silly of me.
Re: (Score:1)
In this as in all matters aside from a genuine existential crisis the wealthy control the US government. A few months after America gets into it with China (God forbid) these silly rules will be kicked to the curb, the same way Russia controls its oligarchy.
Buying vs copying (Score:2)
If buying isn't owning, then copying isn't stealing
but what about the kickbacks on the $20K tech fiel (Score:2)
but what about the kickbacks on the $20K tech field visit fees?
Re: (Score:2)
You joke but a lot of suppliers to the US government, including the military, works on a two-contract basis - the initial acquisition of the item, and then the support contract for the item.
A lot of suppliers bid low on the initial acquisition contract, because they know they can make up losses on the support side later on. The supplier is also more willing to take on more risk as part of the supply, again because they can make money back on the support.
If the support contract becomes uncertain because the
Re: but what about the kickbacks on the $20K tech (Score:2)
You are exactly right. The procurement contract will get more expensive if the data rights to effect the repairs are required. Not saying one concept is better or worse
The interesting part is if this will include the source code for firmware.