Retired Master Sergeant Wesley Reid explains why he believes giving U.S. soldiers the right to repair their equipment on their own is crucial and how manufacturer restrictions affected his deployment in Afghanistan.
Sometimes, companies intentionally make it hard for customers to fix their own gadgets by creating contractual or technical barriers. They might do so for cybersecurity reasons, to shield proprietary information, or to ensure customers come to them for fixes and new parts. But in the armed forces, as military contractors consolidate and equipment becomes increasingly software-driven, it's become a problem.
Now some Pentagon leaders are talking about adding right to repair provisions into procurement contracts.
Marketplace’s Nova Safo spoke with now-retired Master Sergeant Wesley Reid, who's spoken out in favor of the military's right to repair, informed by his experiences at an Afghanistan army field hospital in the late 2000s.
“Veterans speak up for military Right to Repair” - from PIRG
“Right to Repair” - from the Chamberlain Network
“Uncommon bonds: ‘Right to repair’ in the military” - from Semafor
“Hegseth wants ‘right to repair’ provisions in all Army contracts” - from the Federal News Network
“Navy Secretary Advocates for Sailors' 'Right to Repair' Equipment” - from U.S. Department of Defense
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