U.S. Defense Budget 2017 set at $582.7 billion

                        by David Parmer

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter gave an overview of the Defense Department’s budget for 2017 at a meeting of the Economic Club of Washington on February 2, 2016. The transcript is worth reading because it gives a strategic and philosophical rationale for US defense thinking and funding for 2017 and far beyond. (Reading Time: 12 minutes)

        Highlights of Secretary Carter’s Speech

• Purpose of Speech—to build bridges between Department of Defense and technology and industry community
• Budget in 2017 for Defense—$582.7 billion
• Time Frame—Not just present, but 10, 20, 30 years hence
• Challenges—China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and ISIS
• Prepared For— “high end enemy” not like Afghanistan or Iraq
• Aircraft—Constantly upgrading, keeping A-10 until 2022, replacing it with F-35
• Key Defense Player— Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) promotes smart use of existing systems and technology to meet challenges and field solutions quickly, not in 10-15 years
• Game Plan—Invest now to stay ahead of emerging threats
• Eye on Budget—Proper management and cost cutting
• Opponents—Not just one, so budget must reflect this

The following is a full transcript of Secretary Carter’s speech as published by the Department of Defense.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/648901/remarks-by-secretary-carter-on-the-budget-at-the-economic-club-of-washington-dc

Photos: U.S. Department of Defense and Secretary of Defense via flickr

Top: U.S. Air Force A-10 “Warthog” aircraft

Below: Secretary Carter delivers remarks on 2017 budget to Economic Club of Washington