具体描述
Most of the decisions reflected in the annual defense budget have been<br >made in prior years. Unless these decisions are periodically reviewed<br >and challenged， the budgetary changes that can realistically be expected<br >in any given year are bound to be limited. Because such reviews are<br >complex and often divisive， Congress and public debate tend to focus<br >on marginal adjustments to administration proposals. The threats to<br >U.S. security， the basic force structure， and the overall composition<br >of the defense effort rarely come under review.<br > Under most conditions， the incremental approach to defense plan-<br >ning maY be acceptable as well as politically realistic. However， a<br >number of factors now warrant a more fundamental review. Unusually<br >large increases in the defense budget over the past three years，<br >especially in defense investment， and unusually large federal deficits<br >make the currently projected path of the defense effort difficult if not<br >impossible to follow. At some point major changes of direction will<br >be irresistible. If not anticipated and intelligently designed， the changes<br >are likely to damage the defense effort. For these reasons， it is<br >important to identify the major defense issues and encourage public<br >debate. That is the purpose of this volume.<br > Funding for this study was provided in part by the Ford Foundation<br >under a grant supporting national security studies at Brookings. The<br >views expressed are those of the author and should not be ascribed to<br >the Ford Foundation or to the trustees， officers， or other staff members<br >of the Brookings Institution.<br >
1985 Defense Budget: A Comprehensive Overview The year 1985 marked a pivotal moment in the United States' defense policy, characterized by a substantial increase in military spending and a renewed focus on strategic deterrence in the face of evolving global challenges. The 1985 Defense Budget represented the culmination of years of debate and planning, reflecting a multifaceted approach to national security that encompassed technological advancement, personnel readiness, and the modernization of the armed forces across all branches. This detailed examination delves into the core components of this significant budget, exploring its strategic underpinnings, its allocation across different defense sectors, and its broader implications for both domestic and international affairs. At the heart of the 1985 Defense Budget lay a strategic imperative to counter perceived threats from the Soviet Union and its allies. The ongoing Cold War, with its ideological divisions and proxy conflicts, necessitated a robust defense posture. The budget was designed to project American power globally, deter aggression, and ensure the United States maintained a technological edge. This era saw a significant investment in research and development, particularly in areas such as missile defense, advanced aircraft, and naval capabilities, aiming to maintain superiority in a rapidly changing military landscape. The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), often referred to as "Star Wars," while ambitious and controversial, also influenced the direction of defense R&D spending during this period, with a portion of the budget allocated to exploring its potential. The allocation of funds within the 1985 Defense Budget was strategically distributed to address a spectrum of defense needs. A substantial portion was dedicated to personnel, encompassing salaries, benefits, and training for active-duty military personnel, reservists, and civilian employees. Ensuring a well-trained and motivated force was considered paramount, as technological superiority alone would be insufficient without capable individuals to operate and maintain it. This included investments in recruitment, retention programs, and educational opportunities to maintain a high standard of military professionalism. Procurement represented another significant slice of the budget. This covered the acquisition of new weapons systems and the modernization of existing platforms. For the U.S. Army, this meant continued investment in armored vehicles, artillery, and tactical aircraft designed for a high-intensity ground war. The focus was on enhancing mobility, firepower, and survivability in a European theater scenario. The U.S. Navy saw substantial funding for aircraft carriers, submarines, and surface combatants, crucial for projecting power across the oceans and maintaining freedom of navigation. The development and deployment of advanced naval technologies, including guided missile systems and stealth capabilities, were prioritized. The U.S. Air Force benefited from significant investments in fighter jets, bombers, and transport aircraft, aimed at ensuring air superiority and rapid global power projection. The modernization of strategic bomber fleets and the development of new cruise missiles were key components. Operations and Maintenance (O&M) was a critical area, covering the day-to-day running of the military. This included everything from fuel for aircraft and ships, ammunition, spare parts, base operations, and ongoing maintenance of military equipment. A robust O&M budget was essential for ensuring that the advanced weaponry being procured was operational and ready for deployment at all times. This aspect of the budget underscored the commitment to readiness and the ability to sustain military operations over extended periods. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) was a cornerstone of the 1985 Defense Budget, reflecting a forward-looking strategy. Significant funds were channeled into exploring emerging technologies that could shape the future of warfare. This included advancements in computing, communications, sensor technology, and materials science, all with direct military applications. The aim was not only to counter existing threats but also to preemptively develop capabilities that would maintain American military dominance in the decades to come. Projects related to space-based defense, electronic warfare, and advanced weaponry systems were actively pursued. The 1985 Defense Budget also addressed the crucial area of infrastructure and facilities. This included the construction, maintenance, and modernization of military bases, training facilities, and research installations both domestically and abroad. Ensuring that the armed forces had adequate and well-maintained facilities was vital for operational efficiency and the well-being of military personnel and their families. Beyond the direct military applications, the 1985 Defense Budget had significant ripple effects on the American economy and its international relations. The substantial increase in defense spending stimulated economic activity, creating jobs in defense industries and related sectors. It also bolstered the confidence of allies and sent a clear message to adversaries about the United States' commitment to its security interests. However, the scale of the 1985 Defense Budget also generated considerable debate. Critics raised concerns about its economic impact, including its potential contribution to the national debt and its diversion of resources from domestic priorities such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The sheer size of the defense allocation prompted discussions about efficiency, waste, and the prioritization of military spending over other societal needs. In conclusion, the 1985 Defense Budget was a comprehensive and ambitious undertaking that reflected the complex geopolitical realities of the mid-1980s. It represented a significant investment in the United States' military capabilities, driven by a strategic imperative to deter adversaries and maintain global security. While its specific allocations and justifications were subject to ongoing scrutiny and debate, its impact on the trajectory of defense policy, technological development, and the broader international landscape remains a subject of considerable historical interest and analysis. The budget underscored a period of robust military buildup, aimed at securing American interests in a challenging global environment, and its influence continued to shape defense strategies and capabilities for years to come. The details within this budget painted a picture of a nation deeply invested in its military readiness, pursuing technological superiority, and actively managing its role on the world stage during a critical phase of the Cold War.
