A newly released Pentagon report is raising concerns about the missile defense system proposed for Guam.

The Department of Defense’s Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation once again identified major gaps in its development, leaving many to question whether the island is truly protected.

“All of us here on Guam, as well as in the region, ought to understand that this process is in development and it is a long way from meeting the promise that has been implied – not made directly – that we will be given 360 degree protection from incoming missiles,” said Robert Underwood, Chairman of the Pacific Center for Island Security. 

The Fiscal Year 2024 annual report from DoD’s Director Of Operational Testing and Evaluation highlighted that critical modeling tools used to validate the missile defense system's effectiveness were de-funded.

It also notes that testing has not accounted for real-world combat scenarios.

“Assuming that the system could actually do what it promises to do, you have to test it in a realistic scenario, and of course the report points out that they’re not,” added Underwood. 

And while the military has focused on defense infrastructure, Underwood points out that Guam's civilian concerns are being ignored. 

Lawmakers like Senator Will Parkinson are speaking out, however, calling on the federal government to fully fund air raid shelters for the people of Guam. 

Underwood said that’s only part of the issue.

Concerns about housing, environmental damage, and military coordination are bubbling over. 

“And all of the defense is organized around defending military assets and in case of conflict, to move them and divert them to Tinian, the NMI, airbases in Palau, and even contemplating an airbase in Yap,” said Underwood. “But we’re being asked at the same time to make sacrifices as a community as if it were going to happen. That’s fundamentally unfair and, I believe, not a responsible relationship between our island community and military planners.”

With an increasingly complex security situation in the region, Underwood said the Pentagon must address these fundamental issues with the MDS and be transparent with the public.

The future of Guam's missile defense system is on shaky ground and while military officials push forward with development, Guam's residents deserve real answers and real protection.