Each year the United States government spends an unprecedented money on its military. In 2023, the government is set to spend an unprecedented $1.73 trillion making it the most expensive year to date. This money is distributed among the Department of Defense (DOD) sub-components, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Cyber Command.
According to the DOD, approximately 72% of this spending goes to contractors, which accounts for over 800,104 awarded tenders. This has led to criticism from some critics, as many servicemen and women struggle to make ends meet. In fact, many military members cannot afford groceries or basic necessities and have to rely on food banks and other third-party agencies for support.
Moreover, every branch of the U.S. military is struggled to meet its fiscal year 2022 recruiting goals, which are down almost 10%. The military was once seen as an honourable job that paid well, but now people have mixed reviews. The government is facing tremendous criticism as veterans are not treated as they should be, and the pay is low. Additionally, the military still has a problem with equality and sexual assault allegations.
It is essential for the DOD to do right by the people who serve in uniform. The military members put their lives on the line to protect the nation and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. The government needs to ensure that they receive adequate pay and benefits and that they have access to essential services such as healthcare and education. Moreover, it is vital to address the issues of inequality and sexual assault within the military and ensure that justice is served to those who perpetrate such crimes.