Mankind Must End War, Before War Ends Mankind, John F. Kennedy. The US military budget is a major source of concern, both in terms of the federal deficit and security. Although many changes need to be made to our federal budget, one of the most obvious problems is the amount the United States spends on the military. The United States must reduce its military spending to help reduce the deficit, increase American security, restore the overall view of America in a positive light, and improve foreign relations with other governments. The United States had to borrow more than $514 billion. last year to cover our national budget, and of the $3.881 billion budget, $640 billion was used for our military spending. Compared to other world military leaders, the United States spends more than the top eight countries combined, as shown in the chart on the left. It is clear that there is room for reductions. The United States could reduce its military spending by more than 66% while continuing to outspend the second largest military spender, China, with 188 billion euros in total (Peterson Foundation, 2014). Some of the proposed cuts involve troop reductions, reductions in equipment and vehicles as well as reductions in global military bases. One of the most staggering statistics that coincides with our military spending relative to other countries is how many global bases the United States currently has relative to them as well. It costs the United States more than $102 billion a year to maintain its 737 global military bases, not including bases within U.S. borders. As shown in the graph above (right) The United States has more global military bases than any other country, the interest and cost of...... middle of paper ...... only when called, but no The United States no longer needs to impose itself in nations distinct from its own. America's image can be restored, security can persist, and the federal budget and current deficit can be reduced. In conclusion, American citizens need to think about this information and it is important that they think about the future they are creating for themselves and their children. . Are Americans at home discussing the military defense of our country thirty or forty years ago, or are American citizens more concerned about the current national deficit, and what will they think thirty or forty years from now? Federal spending on our military is where cuts should be focused, America's security will not be reduced if managed appropriately, and America's pocketbooks will feel less impact if we act now rather than later. late..