The annual cost of replacing, repairing and upgrading Army equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan is expected to more than triple next year to more than $17 billion, according to Army documents obtained by the Associated Press.
From 2002 to 2006, the Army spent an average of $4 billion a year in annual equipment costs. But as the war takes a harder toll on the military, that number is projected to balloon to more than $12 billion for the federal budget year that starts next Oct. 1, the documents show.
The $17 billion also includes an additional $5 billion in equipment expenses that the Army requested in previous years but has not yet been provided.
The latest costs include the transfer of more than 1,200 2 1/2-ton trucks, nearly 1,100 Humvees and $8.8 million in other equipment from the U.S. Army to the Iraqi security forces.
According to the Army, the $17 billion includes:
$2.1 billion in equipment that must be replaced because of battle losses.
About $6.5 billion for repairs.
About $8.4 billion to rebuild or upgrade equipment.
Not just for the military, but for the civilians as well. Rising costs has forced the price of ammunition and firearms up. Mainly ammunition, if you can get some. Main rifle calibers used in the war, like 7.62x39 and 5.56x45, are scarce right now. I believe the days of 1000rnds for $99 are long gone.
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