"The Raiding Of The Treasury" or "87 Billion More Reasons."

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

Beyond the kickbacks, slush funds, cronyism and profit-taking in Iraq, I have a question.

We have a $380B Defense budget. What portion of the $67B needed for combat operations in Iraq would normally be covered by the regular Defense budget?

During peacetime(remember when?) there are normal expenses for the troops that cover maneuvers, fuel, boarding, food and payroll.

Beyond the initial expense of shipping the troops to Iraq and the cost of resupplying munitions, what is the actual cost differential between the normal budget and the extra $67B?

The troops are "salaried," so that's not an expense. The troops eat 3 meals a day stateside(and some reports say that they're not getting that now), so that's not an expense.

Maunuevers reguire fuel and munitions, and I bet that there aren't many maneuvers going on right now(what's a better "manuever" than the Real Thing?), so that expense is mitigated.

Beyond the cost of re-supply and extended supply lines, what do you think the actual additional cost is in Iraq?

[babzilla]

1. I have consulted the ouija board

What portion of the $67B needed for combat operations in Iraq would normally be covered by the regular Defense budget?

The ouija board didn't know shit, but Magic 8-ball says: $66 billion of combat operations would normally be covered by the regular Defense budget.

Don't forget the savings incurred by charging the troups for hospital meals and R&R airfare.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

2. Good point.

No extra expense incurred. The fact that thay had to purchase such things speaks miserably of privatization.