There's talk of cutting military budgets and I'm for that since there is undoubtedly a large amount of waste there. But a hard look should be given to the value of the various departments and especially where those cuts should be made. Here's one jarhead ('44 to '51) who can't help being proud of his old outfit. Look at these stats:
In 2010, the Marine Corps represented only 6.1% of the DOD budget yet Marines provide 15% of ground brigades and Regimental Combat Teams, 12% of fighter planes and 19% of attack helicopters. Average cost: Marine - $63,335, Soldier - $72,781, Sailor - $76,694, Airman - $78,701. Of the total Fighting Forces: USMC 136,182 (67%), Army 307,700 (56%), Navy 162,400 (50%), Air Force 119,000 (36%).
Chesty Puller said, "Sergeants run the Marine Corps." Serving in lower ranks: USMC 83,047 (45.7%), Navy 79,324 (28.9%), Army 118,792 (25.6%), AF 69,265 (26.0%). And lastly the number of Generals and Admirals: USMC only 81, Navy 221, AF 284, Army 315. Even the Defense Department has 81 Generals (the same number as the Marines). It's obvious some of the armed forces are top heavy in rank which might be a good place to start cutting?
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