Cost of War: Can the Department of Defense Afford the Bill

摘要

Much has been reported in the news about the cost of the current war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Daily accounts of what Congress has identified in Supplemental funding, how much the Department of Defense has requested, and what actions the President has taken in the process. Supplemental funding has dominated the funding process for the past 5 years and all indications are it will continue into the foreseeable future. The question facing analysts now is how much longer the United States can afford to pay for the short-term requirements and ignore the longer-term costs associated with the short term fix. Specifically, how are current combat operations influencing the Veterans Affairs organizations charged with the long term care of those who serve the nation. What are some of the hidden costs to the War, not covered in Supplemental funds, and are we willing to demand Veterans sacrifice current benefits. This paper will focus on the issues facing Veterans Affairs Hospitals, healthcare for returning Veterans, and effects of continued deployments on Force Structure, specifically members of the Reserve Components.