Despite being one the world's largest economies, the United States still spends more than most of our key allies on its military. The Pentagon's total military budget in 2010 was $664 billion. This included the cost of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other national security costs. However, the budget is only one part of the total military spending that must be considered. It also includes the non-military spending of the Departments of State, Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs and other national security agencies.
The United States has traditionally spent more on defense compared to key allies like Russia and Saudi Arabia. The Global War on Terror, however, has seen a dramatic increase in defense spending. This can be attributed both to the increased demand and production of new technologies.
Since the war began, the United States spent $6.4 trillion total on the war. This includes money for operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as other areas. This all is included within the Department of Defense budget which is estimated at $777billion for fiscal 2018. The military budget also includes money for other departments.
Over the next three year, the United States will spend $179 billion on its nukes. This includes money for research, development and maintenance of the weapons. These nuclear weapons increase nuclear war risk and contribute to the current arms race. The Pentagon also has a plan to modernize its nuclear arsenal. Over the next 30 year, this will amount to $1 trillion.
The United States must reduce its civilian workforce in order to spend more money on weapons. This will mean that less soldiers can afford to remain on military bases. It will also mean that the Pentagon must reduce its overall soldier force. This could lead to a loss or billions in purchasing power. A continuing resolution is the best option. It allows the Pentagon the same amount of money as in the previous year. But, continual resolution can lead to waste and mismanagement.
The United States spent billions of money on Afghanistan's reconstruction. However, the investment has led both to the collapsed Afghan government and the dissolution of its army. The United States has spent about $2 trillion on the Afghanistan war since it began in 2001.
Despite this, Congress failed to endorse a transformative 10-year plan. The package would have made investments in children, climate change, and a strong middle class. But there are signs that policy makers may be changing their approach.
It is also important to have more transparency at the Pentagon. Pentagon has been averse to releasing budget plans and records. An internal study revealed potential savings of $125 billion. The study was hidden and has not been published.
Today, the United States has 150 nukes. These bombs have been around for more than 20 years. They are the principal cause of today's arms race. They are also the main cause of the risk of a nuclear war.