Call Robert M. Gates defense contracting’s Grim Reaper.

Scheduled to retire in 2011, the defense secretary is on the proverbial warpath to accomplish something none of his predecessors could: make significant and lasting spending cuts to the defense-industry apparatus.

While previous plans to bring significant alterations to the defense-contracting budget were struck down by the private sector’s immune system of industry lobbyists and legislative challenges and clouded by logistical issues, there is a prevailing sense across the business that Gates’ demands for cutbacks are not a drill.

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