Are There Better Ways to Handle Military Budgets?
While President Donald Trump’s proposed budget includes a significant increase in defense spending, many feel that it’s still not enough to make up for what was viewed as years of underspending. Center for American Progress, an independent bipartisan think tank, suggests the following ways for the Pentagon to manage funds more efficiently.
1. Downsize Administrative Staff
The Pentagon staff has grown by 38% since 2001. A recent report found that personnel cuts would produce $125 billion in savings over the next five years.
2. Reduce Cost Overruns
In 2015, multinational consulting firm Deloitte issued a report stating that overruns for major acquisition programs amounted to a staggering total of $468 billion.
3. Re-Examine Aircraft and Ship Spending
Senator John McCain, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, has recommended maintaining a more fiscally responsible number and mix of military vehicles, including aircraft carriers and combat ships.
4. Prioritize Nuclear Spending
Former Defense Secretary William Perry and Gen. James Cartwright, former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have proposed that the government cancel the land-based missile and air-launched cruise missile parts of the ongoing multibillion-dollar nuclear modernization program.
5. Authorize a Round of Base Closings
No Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commissions have been held since 2005; some sources suggest there’s up to 30% excess base capacity.
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