Military has remained the same in size & capability since 2001...

[Kaleva]

but costs 35% more today then it did in 2001. Much of the increase in cost is due to enlarging pay and benefits for active and retired personal.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2011/0719/Why-defense-spending-keeps-rising.-Hint-It-s-not-just-the-wars.

"He ticked off the rocketing rise in the Pentagon's health spending: about $19 billion in 2000-2001, over $50 billion now, an estimated $64 billion in four or five years. "

http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Editorial-Board-Blog/2010/0929/Admiral-Mike-Mullen-Cost-of-military-health-care-is-not-sustainable

[lonestarnot]

1. GOP answer to jobs. That's all they've got and it isn't taking enlistees.

Fuck the nutjob GOP!

[KT2000]

2. Blackwater-Haliburton

and all those other mercenaries must coat a bundle too.

[Kaleva]

3. I think they are part of the war cost and not the baseline defense budget.

[sammytko]

4. The new GI Bill has been so expensive, they have already cut benefits

Starting in October the housing stipend is going to be reduced if you are not attending full time. You used to get 100% if you were going more than half time, now it will be paid according to your attendance - 1/2 - 50%, 3/4 - 75%.