Defense Budget
I’ll be reviewing the Departmental proposals in their order of significance (to me). Therefore the first is the Department of Defense.
The Defense budget is $421 billion. Proposed Defense discretionary authority is $419 billion with mandatory expenses of $1.9 billion. This is an increase of 4.8% in Defense spending over FY 2005.
Highlights:
Increased production of unmanned vehicles including the various UGV, UAV, UUV programs, as well as the unmanned combat aerial vehicle. $1.7 billion total for unmanned vehicle programs. Several other higher tech weapons and communications systems are covered as well.
Increase in salary for uniformed service members of 3.1% and civilians personnel by 2.3%.
$613 million for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), a higher speed near-shore combat vessel, which looks promising. This is a $153 million increase over FY 2005. DD(X), CVN-21 and Virginia Class Submarines all continue development and procurement.
Continued reorganization of the Army and Navy to form more "modular" or self-contained smaller units, brigade sized, as opposed to the traditional divisions. From 33 brigades to 43 in the Army, and proportional increase in the reserve. Source: Secretary Rumsfeld during briefing. The Marine Corps will be adding two battalions, and a small number of combat and combat support elements.
Continued reorganization under SOCOM with 1200 special operations forces from the military and 200 civilians. $50 million allocated to retain SOF forces.
$416 million to begin the GPI reorganization which will bring American troops, and their families home to the U.S., and cut the number of overseas bases by 300. A 10-year, $3.5 billion effort, but well worth it. This will also have significant impact on base closure decisions for bases within the U.S.
Continued improvement in the acquisition of new systems and technology through the "spiral acquisition" model. Those familiar with technology development methodologies will recognize the benefits, and welcome the new approach. The Army’s FCS is slated to receive components in ’08 versus the entire system in ’10 due to the spiral approach.
Privatize nearly 50% of military family housing, which had been found inadequate.
Significant increases for reservist and guardsmen in education benefits (40%, 109%, and 179%) based on the amount of time on active duty.
$7.8 billion for the Missile Defense Agency.
Concerns –
Slowing down production of the V-22 Osprey.
Cutting the number of F/A-22 from over 300 to 179.
Cutting the number of aircraft carriers from 12 to 11.
At first look, there aren’t many areas where I’m too concerned. Cutting the number of Raptors and speeding the retirement of one carrier aren’t likely to please many of who are concerned with more distant and conventional warfare, or the possibility of such. The Osprey has long had its detractors. More after further reflection, and of course, your thoughts or links are welcome.
Sources: White House OMB Defense Budget, the Secretary of Defense's briefing on the budget proposal, and DoD budget docs available at DefenseLink.
