The Pentagon Monday released a nearly $850 billion budget request for fiscal year 2025. That’s just a slight increase from what is expected to be an $841 billion budget for the current fiscal year, which lawmakers have not yet finalized, The Hill reported.
The request includes a 4.5% pay increase for service members, which is about more than direct compensation, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said at a press briefing.
“It’s about increasing the number of child development centers where military families can educate their children and the number of providers in those centers,” Hicks said. “It’s about the conditions on ships and in barracks. It’s about what we’re doing to build healthy and resilient communities.”
The Army is looking for a big boost in spending to maintain aging barracks, a $2.35 billion request compared to last year’s $1.5 billion ask, Military Times reported.
DOD is also looking to downsize active duty Army and Navy personnel, moving those positions to the National Guard and Reserve, as Navy Times reported.
Further Reading: Branch by Branch
“US Army faces flat FY25 budget as personnel costs rise” (Army Times)
“Navy’s 2025 budget proposal slows future attack sub, fighter jet purchases to focus on warfighting now” (Stars and Stripes)
“Air Force plans for more flying, flat workforce in 2025” (Air Force Times)
“Space Force budget holding steady amid Pentagon’s fiscal constraints” (Space News)
“Marine Corps budget proposal seeks $53.7 billion for modernization efforts, housing improvements” (Stars and Stripes)
“Pentagon budget 2025: US Coast Guard funding request reflects slight decrease” (Janes)
DOD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders
