Pentagon will need more for Iraq in 2005

Herald Globe Wednesday 17th December, 2003

Pentagon Comptroller Dov Zakheim says it's almost certain more money will be needed to support U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan by 2005.

My belief is it's still premature in Iraq and Afghanistan to build those costs in to the annual budget, Zakheim told reporters Wednesday.

The Pentagon has already received $63 billion for 2004, in addition to $62 billion for the war effort during 2003. That money comes on top of the annual Pentagon budget, which is $401 billion for 2004, and was $382 billion for 2003.

The monthly cost of the war in Iraq at its height was about $3.9 billion. Zakheim said it is now less than that and getting smaller as more American troops are withdrawn.

There are now roughly 130,000 U.S. soldiers in Iraq. By June the Pentagon expects to replace them with about 105,000 soldiers and Marines. At $3.9 billion a month for Iraq, the Pentagon might need more than $45 billion extra in 2005, in addition to $419 billion anticipated for next year.