By Joel Rothschild, Warrior Contributor
The Department of Defense rolled out it’s 2025 budget request this week. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks stated that the $849 billion budget “must grow” to meet the national defense strategy.
Secretary Hicks emphasized that this budget was closely aligned with the 2022 National Defense Strategy and reflected the department priorities of maintaining readiness and taking care of people. The decision was made to sacrifice future year capabilities and modernization to meet Congressionally mandated funding levels.
Even as the 2025 budget request was presented, Secretary Hicks noted that Congress has yet to pass the 2024 DoD budget. All of the departments expressed frustration with the continuing resolution and emphasized the impact that it is having on planned acquisitions. They also underscored the urgency to pass the Emergency Supplemental Funding Request which covers the cost of support to Ukraine, Israel, and operations to protect shipping from Houthis rebel attacks. Until Congress approves the spending, the services must cover the costs by moving money from other programs.
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Most of the changes from 2024 were adjustments to major weapon system acquisitions which have been delayed. A common theme throughout the budget presentation was the departments commitment to rebuilding the Defense Industrial Base to ensure a consistent and reliable production line for everything from munitions to submarines.
Many weapon system programs continue to experience workforce and supply chain shortages precipitated by COVID-19. The U.S. Defense Strategy recognized these challenges and committed to rebuilding and strengthening the industrial base. As part of the 2025 Budget Request, some acquisition programs have opted to delay deliveries and alleviate stress on key weapon system builders.
This delay is only temporary to meet both budget and delivery constraints. Secretary Hicks was clear that the defense budget “must grow to meet the National Defense Strategy.”
Hicks also underscored the importance of the department’s Replicator Initiative. Focused on countering China with all-domain autonomous systems “from capability development all the way through fielding to the warfighter. Replicator is about leveraging authorities that Congress has already granted the DoD to deliver combat-credible capabilities faster and at scale.”
Other DoD funding also showed the commitment for new technologies. $34 billion has been requested for space systems alone, including a range of new sensors to counter growing missile threats. $17 billion will go to Science and Technology programs, with $2.5 billion in basic research. AI is funded at $1.8 billion and Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve will provide experimentation and evaluation of advanced technologies for joint warfighting at $450 million.
Admiral Christopher Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored the commitment the department has to its people, including pay, benefits, and housing. He noted a 4.5% pay raise for 2025 is the latest in a series that has increased pay 18% in the current administration. Grady also said there were be increases in Basic Allowance for Housing and that the department had received authorization for the first in a series of fundings for new housing construction.
All eyes are on Congress to pass the 2024 Defense Authorization quicky and not to delay the 2025 Budget.
Joel Rothschild is a retired Navy officer and entrepreneur. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado, master’s degree from the Naval War College, and a CIO Certificate from the National Defense University. He has served in the Pentagon, Iraq, Third Fleet, Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Command.
