Estimated War Costs for 2009 is $136 Billion

[NNN0LHI]

http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/content/view/9984/

Jan 8, 2009

The cost of fighting two wars in Iraq in Afghanistan will cost taxpayers dearly in 2009. An estimate by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates puts the estimated total for the coming year at $136 billion, according to the Associated Press. In a letter to congressional leaders, Gates said his “personal assessment” is that $70 billion more will be needed in addition to the $66 billion already approved last year.

Days before the letter, which was sent at the beginning of January, the Department of Defense (DoD) also released its updated Unified Command Plan. The Command Plan, which is updated every two years, is a key strategic document that establishes the missions, responsibilities, and geographic areas of responsibility for commanders of combatant commands.

The plan includes a new Africa Command and reassigns Puerto Rico and some of the other Caribbean islands to the Northern Command area of responsibility. Another key change is that combatant commanders will have several new missions, including responsibility for planning and conducting military support to stability, security, transition, and reconstruction operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

In a farewell speech to President Bush on Jan. 6 in Arlington, VA, Secretary Gates said that the U.S. military “has become more agile, lethal, and prepared to deal with the full spectrum of 21st century conflict.” In the speech, later released by the DoD, Gates also touched upon a number of “historic changes” the military has undergone during Bush’s presidency.

[leftstreet]

1. Can someone do the math here? How much would that be for each American?

:think:

carry the 1...