In a year that the National Deficit was increased 300% over the previous year, previous record, the DoD Budget was effectively cut. The percentage of the budget dedicated to the War On Terror, and to the Department of Defense shrunk considerably.
We spend a smaller percentage of GDP on Defense currently, and throughout the entire 21st Century, during two wars and other heightened operations, than we did in 1980's during a "time of peace" and in recovery from the last depression.
While the "financial costs" have been used as an argument against preservation of life, limb, freedom, security of Our Citizens, the Defense Budget is smaller than it was previously and hence not the reason for the Debt.
Further, The US Military enlistments were reduced by 30,200 in 2009 from 2008. This was a matter of Congress decreasing the numbers.
And one must ask: "How much is a life saved worth?" What dollar amount would someone put on that?
