--- title: "The oldest computer program around is still in use at the Pentagon" description: "In 1958, the DoD's first contracting software was launched. As of 2017, the oldest computer program is still in use managing contracts!" date: "2021-02-18" modified: "2021-02-18" authors: - name: "Blake Stilwell" job_title: "Editor-In-Chief, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/blake/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-tactical/pentagon-oldest-computer-program/" categories: - "Military News" - "Technology" --- # The oldest computer program around is still in use at the Pentagon ![]() In 1958, the DoD's first contracting software was launched, using an early computer language called COBOL. As of 2017, that software still manages [Pentagon]() contracts. It's one of the oldest computer programs still in use. --- According to [Technology Review](), the program known as MOCAS, Mechanization of Contract Administration Services, began its life on punchcards. Eventually it was updated to green screened, terminal-style computers. ![One of the oldest computer programs around]() Though a new-looking graphic interface often replaces the antiquated green text prompts, the insides are still very much the same. A series of new additions and plug-and-play storage devices hides an eight-gigabyte RAM system that manages $1.3 trillion in Pentagon contracting. The reason the system was never replaced is due to the fact that its replacement would have to immediately take over the entire system as a whole to ensure that no contract — and none of the money — is lost in the transition. The U.S. government has sent out multiple requests for proposals, but the cost of a replacement is a prohibitive factor. ![Grace Hopper, who invented one of the oldest computer programs]() *Grace Hopper could have written a new program for them by now.* It wasn't always this way. The U.S. military is usually known for being on the cutting edge of technological development. Although the F-14 Tomcat is no longer part of the U.S. Navy's airborne arsenal, the Tomcat was using [a 20-bit microprocessor in 1970](), the year before Intel created the world's first single-chip four-bit microprocessor. The 28-point chipset controlled the fighter's swing wings and flight controls. MOCAS isn't the only antiquated military technology. The U.S. nuclear missile force is known to[ run on 8-inch floppy disks](), and spends $61 billion every year to maintain that system. The Army's COMPASS system, which tracks the shelf life of Army equipment, is [52 years old](). Furthermore, COBOL, FORTRAN, and Windows 3.1 are [commonly found in government systems](). Do you think they'll ever stop using the oldest computer programs on the planet? ## Author Blake Stilwell is We Are The Mighty's Editor-in-Chief, covering military news, entertainment, and history, along with veteran education, employment and entrepreneurship. He is a former U.S. Air Force combat cameraman with degrees in Graphic Design, Television and Film, International Relations, Public Relations, Business Management and Middle Eastern Affairs. After leaving the military, he began working in film and television production in New York and Los Angeles, work that included ABC News, NBC Olympics, and HBO Sports. He then spent two years in Washington with White House Communications, before joining the Near East Foundation. At NEF he served as an International Development Fellow, then Communications Officer, and finally, Media Officer for the Middle East and Africa. Based in the Palestinian Territory, he coordinated strategic communications between eight country offices, international media, and government and NGO partners. He began a career focused on writing and editing in 2015 with We Are The Mighty. He left in 2019 for Military.com, but returned as Editor-in-Chief in 2025. Blake’s work has been seen on CBS News, Fox News, CBC, The Chicago Tribune, Task & Purpose, Military Times, Recoil, Skillset, American History, and was shockingly even used in a Supreme Court argument. He is an avid traveler and small business owner in Ohio, where he spends most of his energy fixing up a very old house. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Twitter]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()