The United States is one of the most powerful economies in the world, but it spends more military spending than many of its key allies. In 2010, the Pentagon's military budget was estimated to be $664 billion. This included both the costs of operations in Iraq or Afghanistan and other national security cost. However, the budget should only be considered as a part of total military expenditures. It also includes the nonmilitary spending of Departments of State, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs, as well as other national security agencies.
The United States has always spent more defense money than its key allies, 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 start, the United States have spent more than $6.4 billion on the war. This includes money for operations, both in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as other areas. This is all included in the Department of Defense budget, which is estimated at $777 billion for fiscal year 2018. Other departments also get money from the military budget.
Over the next three-years, $179 billion will be spent by the United States on its nuclear arsenal. This includes money for research and development as well as maintenance. These nuclear weapons increase the likelihood of nuclear war and add to the current arms race. The Pentagon is working on a plan that will modernize the arsenal. The next 30 years will see $1 trillion of spending.
The United States must cut its civilian workforce, in addition to spending on weapons. This will reduce the number of soldiers who can afford to leave military bases. It will also require the Pentagon to reduce its overall number of soldiers. 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. However, mismanagement and waste can result from continuing resolution.
The United States also has invested billions in Afghanistan's reconstruction. This investment led to the collapse of Afghanistan's government and the death of its army. Since 2001, the United States spent more than $2 trillion on Afghanistan.
Despite all of this Congress has yet not to endorse a transformative 10-year program. The package would have made investments in children, climate change, and a strong middle class. However, there are some signs that policy makers are changing their approach.
Transparency is also needed within the Pentagon. Pentagon has maintained a tight control on budget plans and records. A Pentagon internal study has revealed $125 million in savings. However, the study wasn't made public and was kept secret.
Today, the United States has 150 nukes. These bombs exist for over 20 years. They are the primary cause of the current arms race. They are also responsible for the danger of nuclear war.