The U.S. Department of Defense failed its third-ever audit, officials said Monday, and it may be years before the Pentagon can achieve a clean report.

Thomas Harker, the acting comptroller, said officials “have been clear that this is a journey that will require a sustained effort over several years,” with the current timeline pointing to more satisfactory results in 2027.

The audit cost $203 million this year, Harker said, while identifying savings worth about $700 million.

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