How Much Does the US Fund the Military?

The United States is the world’s leading investor in its military, spending $766 billion on national defense in fiscal year (FY) 2022. However, different sources offer varied figures, with some citing higher numbers like $876.94 billion for the same period, taking into account a broader scope of military-related expenditures. This discrepancy arises from differing methodologies in calculating military spending, including what exactly gets categorized as “military.” Regardless, the sheer scale of the investment underscores the priority the US places on its national defense. This figure represents approximately 12 percent of total federal spending and nearly half of discretionary spending. President Biden requested $773 billion for the FY2023 budget, and with recent geopolitical events, supplemental funding requests have further increased that amount. Understanding the nuances behind these figures requires delving into the complexities of the US budget and its allocation processes.

Understanding the US Military Budget

Components of Military Spending

The US military budget isn’t just about soldiers and equipment; it encompasses a wide range of areas. Key components include:

• Personnel: Salaries, benefits, and training for active-duty personnel, reserves, and civilian employees.
• Operations and Maintenance: Day-to-day running of military bases, equipment maintenance, fuel, and operational costs.
• Procurement: Purchasing new weapons systems, vehicles, aircraft, ships, and other equipment.
• Research and Development (R&D): Funding for developing new technologies and weapons systems.
• Military Construction: Building and maintaining military facilities, bases, and infrastructure.
• Family Housing: Providing housing and related services for military families.

This broad scope highlights why pinpointing an exact “military spending” figure can be challenging. For example, some analyses include veterans’ affairs funding, while others focus solely on the Department of Defense’s budget.

The Budgetary Process

Each year, the President submits a budget request to Congress. This request includes funding levels for all federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. Congress then reviews the President’s request and makes its own appropriations decisions.

The House and Senate Armed Services Committees play a key role in shaping the military budget. These committees hold hearings, review programs, and draft legislation that authorizes military spending.

Once Congress approves the budget, it’s signed into law by the President. However, the budget can be subject to further changes throughout the year, especially in response to unforeseen events like wars or natural disasters.

Discretionary vs. Mandatory Spending

It’s also crucial to distinguish between discretionary and mandatory spending. Discretionary spending is subject to annual appropriations decisions, while mandatory spending is set by law and continues automatically each year.

Defense spending falls under the discretionary category, meaning that Congress has the power to adjust it each year. However, it is important to note that roughly 1/3 of the US budget is used for discretionary spending, and of that discretionary budget, nearly half goes to defense. This highlights the high priority the US puts on military spending.

Key Players and Beneficiaries

Department of Defense (DOD)

The Department of Defense (DOD) is the primary recipient of military funding. The DOD is responsible for overseeing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

In FY2023, the presidential budget request included specific allocations for each branch:

• Army: $177.5 billion
• Air Force and Space Force: $194 billion
• Navy and Marine Corps: $230.8 billion

Defense Contractors

A significant portion of the military budget goes to defense contractors. These companies develop, manufacture, and maintain weapons systems and equipment for the military.

Lockheed Martin is the world’s largest arms-producing and military services company. Other major defense contractors include BAE Systems, Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. These companies earn billions of dollars from government contracts, and their performance can significantly impact the effectiveness of the military.

Global Context

The US military budget dwarfs that of other countries. While China’s military budget is growing rapidly, estimated around $700 billion, it still lags behind the US. Russia’s military expenditure significantly increased to $81.7 billion in 2022, demonstrating its escalating military efforts. The significant difference in spending underscores the global military influence of the United States.

However, it’s essential to consider defense spending as a percentage of GDP. While the US spends more in absolute terms, some countries allocate a higher percentage of their GDP to defense. Despite the US spending more on defense than any other country, the Congressional Budget Office projects that defense spending as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) will decline over the next 10 years — from 3.1 percent of GDP in 2023 to 2.8 percent in 2033.

FAQs: Understanding US Military Funding

1. How much does the US actually spend on its military annually? The figure varies depending on what’s included, but typically falls between $750 billion and $900 billion. This includes the Department of Defense budget, nuclear weapons programs, and international military assistance.
2. What percentage of the US federal budget is allocated to the military? Approximately 12% of the total federal budget is dedicated to defense spending.
3. How does US military spending compare to other countries? The US spends more on its military than any other country in the world, significantly exceeding the spending of China, Russia, and other major military powers.
4. Who are the primary beneficiaries of US military spending? The Department of Defense, defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, and military personnel and their families are the main beneficiaries.
5. What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary military spending? There is no mandatory military spending. All US Military spending is discretionary spending. Discretionary spending requires Congress to allocate funds annually.
6. How does the US military budget impact the economy? Military spending can stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and supporting industries. However, some economists argue that investing in other sectors like education or clean energy could generate more jobs. $1 billion in military spending creates approximately 11,200 jobs, compared with 26,700 in education, 16,800 in clean energy and 17,200 in health care.
7. What are the main categories of expenses within the US military budget? Key categories include personnel costs, operations and maintenance, procurement of new weapons and equipment, and research and development.
8. How is the US military budget decided? The President submits a budget request to Congress, which then reviews and approves the final budget through the appropriations process.
9. How does the US military budget compare to other federal spending priorities? While significant, military spending is just one of many priorities. Other major categories include Social Security, healthcare, and income security.
10. What are some of the arguments for and against high levels of military spending? Proponents argue that it’s essential for national security and global stability. Critics argue that it diverts resources from other important areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
11. Does the US military have allies it supports financially? Yes, the US provides military assistance to several allies around the world, including Israel and Ukraine.
12. How does war impact the US military budget? Wars can lead to significant increases in military spending, driven by the need for additional personnel, equipment, and operational support. Biden, for example, wants $105 billion in military funds for Israel and Ukraine wars
13. Are there ways the US could reduce military spending? Some potential ways to reduce spending include cutting specific programs, reducing troop levels, and improving procurement processes to eliminate waste and inefficiency.
14. Where can I learn more about the US military and its spending? Reliable sources include the Department of Defense website, the Congressional Budget Office, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and academic research institutions.
15. How does understanding military spending relate to education and learning, especially in fields like game design? Understanding complex systems like the military budget can be made more accessible through engaging and interactive educational experiences. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, explore how game design principles can be used to create powerful learning tools for complex topics.

Conclusion

The US military budget is a complex and multifaceted issue with significant implications for national security, the economy, and global affairs. While the United States spends more on its military than any other country, the allocation of these funds and their impact are subject to ongoing debate and scrutiny. Understanding the nuances of the budget, the key players involved, and the broader context is crucial for informed decision-making and effective policy. Exploring innovative learning approaches, as championed by the Games Learning Society, can enhance understanding and engagement with complex topics like military spending, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.