Bush To Seek 515 Billion For Pentagon In 2009

In fact, much of the fiscal 2009 budget request aims to address that problem by retraining personnel and fixing or replacing equipment. According to the budget documents, the Pentagon will seek to spend $158.3 billion to sustain critical combat and support operations. That would be 10.4 percent above the amount Congress approved for fiscal 2008. It will include $68 billion to maintain troops' combat readiness, $11.8 billion for equipment maintenance and repair, and $10.7 billion to recruit, retain and train troops with skills considered critical to defense requirements. The budget request will also include funds for big-ticket weapons systems and equipment, including the Army's Future Combat Systems modernization program and maritime assets for the Navy, the documents show. For the Navy, Bush will request funds for two littoral combat ships -- shore-hugging ships that suffered significant cost overruns this year. They are being built by General Dynamics Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. ... http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0145922020080202

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