The Defense Department continues to deliberate the allocation of its upcoming $580 billion budget request for fiscal year 2017 amid different spending priorities between the service branches and Secretary Ashton Carter, Politico reported Tuesday.Austin Wright writes Carter backs the administration’s plan to build up capability in cyber warfare, next-generation fighters and other advanced weapons.
Both U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and U.S. Army secretary nominee Eric Fanning have recently indicated other programs as the focus of spending, the report said.
Wright reports Mabus leans toward the procurement of more littoral combat ships while Fanning has raised concerns over the proposed cut to the number of active-duty soldiers in order to redirect funds.
