Reliable estimates put our total spend (over 3+ years) as $120-$180bn.
The annual US military budget, $820bn (13% of the total government budget) or more like $2.4 trillion during that timespan.
But even that purported $100-$200bn spend perhaps overstates the cost. Some was cash, some was equipment. The equipment sent their way was already bought and paid for. Much of it was later in its lifespan. And the US military obviously buys American whenever feasible, so money spent replacing that equipment stays in America. So the amount of money "spent" by America on this venture is highly debatable, with the real number being lower than those $100-$200bn totals.
We don't show strength by blah blah blah
Really? Because Russia looked weak as hell there, unable to conquer a small country that is using a fraction of our old stuff (and a hell of a lot of heart and ingenuity) that was gathering dust in warehouses. It certainly made it clear that in conventional warfare the distance between our two countries is rather vast.
pointless conflicts that don't involve us
I mean, people definitely said that when Germany invaded Poland. We shouldn't get involved in every conflict but we also should not ignore every conflict.
I don't think Russia is trying to conquer Europe, but they are the single largest power and they have proven to be a highly destabilizing force.
https://usafacts.org/articles/how-much-does-the-us-spend-on-...
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crew8y7pwd5o
Reliable estimates put our total spend (over 3+ years) as $120-$180bn.
The annual US military budget, $820bn (13% of the total government budget) or more like $2.4 trillion during that timespan.
But even that purported $100-$200bn spend perhaps overstates the cost. Some was cash, some was equipment. The equipment sent their way was already bought and paid for. Much of it was later in its lifespan. And the US military obviously buys American whenever feasible, so money spent replacing that equipment stays in America. So the amount of money "spent" by America on this venture is highly debatable, with the real number being lower than those $100-$200bn totals.
Really? Because Russia looked weak as hell there, unable to conquer a small country that is using a fraction of our old stuff (and a hell of a lot of heart and ingenuity) that was gathering dust in warehouses. It certainly made it clear that in conventional warfare the distance between our two countries is rather vast. I mean, people definitely said that when Germany invaded Poland. We shouldn't get involved in every conflict but we also should not ignore every conflict.I don't think Russia is trying to conquer Europe, but they are the single largest power and they have proven to be a highly destabilizing force.