As a defense analyst with a keen interest in military expenditure, I have been closely monitoring the trends in defense budgets for several years. The United States has consistently been one of the largest spenders on defense, and understanding the specifics of its military budget is crucial for anyone interested in global security dynamics.

In fiscal year 2015, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and related spending amounted to a staggering $598 billion. This represented approximately 54% of the discretionary budget for that year, illustrating the significant portion of national resources allocated to defense. This figure included not only the base budget, which covers personnel, operations, and maintenance, but also additional funding for overseas contingency operations (OCO), which are typically used to fund wars and other military operations abroad.

Moving on to fiscal year 2017, the budget proposal put forward by President Barack Obama was a base budget of $523.9 billion. This was an increase of $2.2 billion over the fiscal year 2016 enacted budget, which stood at $521.7 billion. It's important to note that the base budget is just a part of the total defense spending. Additional funds are often allocated for OCO and other defense-related activities, which can significantly increase the total amount spent on defense.

However, the actual enacted budget for FY 2017 was subject to congressional approval and could be influenced by various factors, including geopolitical events, military strategy, and domestic political considerations. The final budget would also take into account the budget caps set by the Budget Control Act of 2011, which aimed to reduce the federal deficit by imposing limits on discretionary spending.

It's also worth mentioning that defense spending is not just about the raw numbers; it's also about how effectively those funds are used. The U.S. military has a vast array of responsibilities, from maintaining a global presence to investing in cutting-edge technology and ensuring the readiness of its forces. The allocation of the budget across different areas can have a significant impact on the military's ability to fulfill its missions.

In conclusion, while the proposed base budget for FY 2017 was $523.9 billion, the actual amount spent on defense could be higher due to additional appropriations for OCO and other defense activities. Understanding the nuances of defense budgeting requires a careful examination of the various components that make up the total spending, as well as the strategic and political context in which these decisions are made.

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In FY 2015, Pentagon and related spending totaled $598 billion, about 54% of the fiscal year 2015 U.S. discretionary budget. For FY 2017, President Obama proposed the base budget of $523.9 billion, which includes an increase of $2.2 billion over the FY 2016 enacted budget of $521.7 billion.read more >>