Pressure to run a "leaner" (i.e., cheaper) military has led planners to underestimate maintenance costs, which means that there are increasing equipment shortages as things wear out or are destroyed.

But I thought people were upset over the proposed Defense budget; way toooooo high. We can't have it both ways.

I'm not sure lying about the budget and leaving repair costs out is the answer -- are you?

Sorry, enbar. I guess I didn't read the part about the "lying". There's so much of it anymore; I don't believe anyone. And with those kinds of numbers....who can adequately and responsibly regulate and over see it's dispersion?

Just asking.

According to the article, when the Pentagon has requested funding recently, it simply leaves out maintenance expenses. Then it submits an emergency request later on just for maintenance, so that maintenance expenses never get figured into the total budget.

And with those kinds of numbers....who can adequately and responsibly regulate and over see it's dispersion?

Are you suggesting the government ought to give up and trying even to monitor expenses?

If it was like Star Trek money would never be an issue. Then ofcourse ther would be no reason to lie. We would be apart of the federation. Perhaps we would go where no person has gone before!

Absolutely not, enbar. Look at the gigantic waste just with Katrina? The fraud and just throwing $$ at people was absurd. I'm in favor of MORE oversight.

Then we're agreed!

That's scary....this must be a first. :~)