, The US Army announced Feb. 5 the details of its budget for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009, which covers from Oct. 1, 2007, through Sept. 30, 2009. The FY08 budget request is $130 billion. The FY09 budget request is 140.7 billion.
The FY08/09 budget is structured, first and foremost, to provide trained and equipped forces to the combatant commanders, balancing immediate war-fighting needs with the development of future enhancements. The Army will continue to focus on winning the Global War On Terrorism, accelerating transformation to a modular structure and sustaining the all-volunteer force.
The Army's FY08/09 budget addresses these key themes:
1) Win the Long War:
Build readiness: Align the Army's structure with the National Military Strategy and grow capabilities over time (Modular Force, Special Operations Forces, Civil Affairs).
Grow and rebalance the Army: Increase active-component end strength to 532,400, National Guard end strength to 352,600 and U.S. Army Reserve to 205,000 by FY09.
2) Sustain the All-Volunteer Force:
Provide Support for Soldiers and families:
– Quality of Life and Quality of Service
– Stabilized combat/mission rotations
– Training
– Appropriate pay raises and benefit levels
– Base support services
Provide support for the Force:
– Recruiting and retention
– Tough, realistic training
– Global support for logistic operations, transportation and communication
– Civilian support at required levels.
3) Build Readiness
– Transform Guard and Reserve units to be interchangeable with active-duty Army units, ensuring that they are trained and equipped for use in joint expeditionary operations and in support of civil authorities.
– Fully fund a modernization and recapitalization program to ensure full-spectrum ground combat operations.
– Apply lessons learned in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom to Army equipment purchases.
– Continue development of Future Combat Systems.
4) Accelerate the Future-Force Modernization Strategy:
– Remain aligned wit Department of Defense strategy.
– Balance future capability with OIF/OEF lessons learned.
– Continue support for Future Combat Systems and adjustments made to the program.
– Sustain a strong focus on the future.
5) Re-station Army Forces:
– Support the Global Defense Posture Realignment (GDPR) strategy and sustain quality of life.
– Fulfill FY07 Base Realignment and Closure Requirements while being funded through a continuing resolution.
