Forces: U.S. Military Goes Through Some Changes
April 17, 2023: The American 2024 defense budget is $842 billion. This is less than one percent more than the 2023 budget, adjusting for inflation. Military manpower will be somewhat smaller because more overweight and otherwise unqualified (drug use and criminal records) men are continually reducing the recruitable men. Unpopular political practices in the military and declining retirement benefits have also made recruiting difficult and that has had a serious impact on the army and navy. The air force is retiring hundreds of older aircraft so fewer more expensive new aircraft can be purchased. That reduces the need for manpower and reduces spending on personnel. The military is preparing for possible conflicts with China and renewed aggression from Russia. Air force strength is currently 328,000 active duty and 179,000 reserve personnel.
Army strength is currently 452,000, below the goal of 464,000. A few years ago, the army was seeking to increase personnel to 500,00 but now that goal is seen as impractical. Including the National Guard and reserves, the total army strength is 951,800, which is short of the desired 980,000. Reserve military (part-time) personnel include a lot of veterans but there are fewer veterans willing or able (because of physical or other requirements) men and women available. The army has concentrated on keeping its combat units up to strength and that means the shortages are larger in support units. This makes it more difficult to send units overseas and support them.
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