Washington, D.C. – A recent series of war games conducted by the US military has revealed a chilling reality: the United States could deplete its current stockpile of ammunition in a conflict with China within a matter of weeks, raising alarm bells about the nation’s preparedness for a potential conflict.

The simulations, conducted by the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission, painted a grim picture of the logistical challenges and resource strains that would accompany a prolonged war against a powerful adversary like China. According to the commission’s report, the US would be forced to rely heavily on its current reserves, which are alarmingly low.

“The findings were shocking, demonstrating that the United States would exhaust its existing ammunition in as few as 3 to 4 weeks in a high-intensity conflict against China,” stated the report, which was released last week. “This is not a hypothetical scenario. China is actively modernizing its military, and tensions in the South China Sea are rising. We cannot afford to be caught unprepared.”

The commission’s report highlights the urgent need to address the growing gap between the US’s current ammunition production capacity and the demands of a potential conflict. The report cites a combination of factors contributing to the ammo shortage, including:

Decades of underinvestment: Following the Cold War, the US significantly reduced its military spending and ammunition production capabilities.

Outdated manufacturing processes: Many US ammunition plants are aging and rely on outdated technology, making them inefficient and slow to ramp up production.

Global supply chain disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, hindering the US’s ability to access critical raw materials for ammunition production.

The commission recommends a multi-pronged approach to address the issue, including:

Increased investment in ammunition production: The US needs to invest in modernizing and expanding its ammunition manufacturing infrastructure to increase production capacity.

Streamlining procurement processes: The Pentagon should simplify its procurement processes to accelerate the acquisition of ammunition.

Investing in new technologies: The US should invest in advanced manufacturing technologies that can automate production and increase efficiency.

Exploring partnerships with allies: The US should explore collaboration with allies to share resources and develop a more robust ammunition supply chain.

The commission’s findings underscore the critical need for the US to prioritize its ammunition stockpile and production capabilities. The report calls for immediate action to address this glaring vulnerability and ensure that the US military is adequately equipped for the challenges of the 21st century. Failure to do so could have dire consequences for the nation’s security and its ability to defend its interests around the world.