Air Force: Space Force would cost $13 billion over 5 years

[left-of-center2012]

Source: SF Chronicle

WASHINGTON (AP) — Creating a Space Force as a separate military service, as proposed by President Donald Trump, would cost an estimated $12.9 billion in its first five years, according to a detailed Air Force plan for how to go about it.

This is the first publicly available cost estimate. When the White House announced plans to establish a Space Force in August, Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan declined to give a figure but said it would be in "the billions."

The Air Force's estimate is contained in a Sept. 14 memo from Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, who proposed that the Pentagon ask Congress for the authority and money to establish a Space Force headquarters in 2020.

In an indication of the complexities of creating a new military service, the Air Force says the proposed U.S. Space Force would be a separate department organized under a civilian secretary appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, along with an undersecretary, four assistant secretaries, a chief lawyer, an inspector general and a legislative liaison. A four-star general would serve as chief of staff.

Read more: https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/politics/article/Air-Force-Space-Force-Would-Cost-13-Billion-13236410.php

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[matt819]

1. Read between the lines

That would be $12.9 billion per year over the first five years.

The military spends $2 billion a year on clothing (I’m guessing). This is an entirely new military agency. They’ll spend $2 billion on stationery and chairs.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. Still Too Low

I think I might believe if we took your "per year" but then got rid of the decimal point!

[sandensea]

3. That GOPee-speak for $13 TRILLION

Everything's a racket to them.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

4. RepubliCONs: Estimate low, spend high. . . . nt

[sandensea]

6. +1

Private profits, socialized costs.

That's the "ownership society" for you.

[tanyev]

5. No problem. President Very Good Brain says we can just print more money.

[7962]

9. Yep, he really DID say that. And shocking that a lot of people think the same.

And have for years.

[caraher]

7. Dolt 45 still needs help

Creation of Space Force as a separate military service will require congressional action. The administration is expected to submit proposed legislation early next year authorizing the establishment of a Space Force.

C'mon blue wave!

[7962]

8. Whether we like it or not, China & Russia are already weaponizing space.

To ignore that is to be at their mercy in the near future.
And a Democratic Congress will come to the same conclusion, IMO

[elmac]

10. The military idustrial complex meets Spaceballs

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