Impending collision between military needs and resources.

• Jurisdiction: United States
• Date: 01 April 2008
• Author: Farrell, Jr., Lawrence P.
• Published date: 01 April 2008
• Author: Farrell, Jr., Lawrence P.

* The latest release of the federal budget request to Congress and the submission of the military services' "unfunded requirements" lists are clear indicators of the serious fiscal problems the nation must confront. They also hint at an ominous financial outlook for the armed services.

Starting at the top, one notes that out-year budget projections for the entire federal government continue to increase. The projection is that the federal budget on average will rise approximately $500 billion each year. The fiscal year 2007 forecast projected a budget of $2.6 trillion by 2011. By fiscal 2008, the projection is for a $3.1 trillion budget in 2011.

Looking at the various accounts, one notes unexplainable anomalies. For example Medicare budgets are dropping from fiscal 2007 to 2008; interest on the debt also is shown to be decreasing; but there is a huge jump in the totals for Social Security and other assistance programs. Most accounts, except for defense, show large growth out to fiscal year 2012. Given the soaring projections for...