Long-term military contingency operations identifying the factors affecting budgeting in annual or supplemental appropriations

Abstract

Generally in the past, after initial funding was provided by supplemental appropriations, the continuing costs of long-term military operations were built into the annual baseline budget. After four and a half years fighting the Global War on Terror, funding the U.S. military effort remains under emergency designation, funded with supplemental appropriations, despite clear congressional directive to build it in the annual baseline budget request. The factors affecting this decision are examined through a comparative analysis of the current conflict and other long-term military operations in the past 60 years. The results show that planning, timing, accountability, visibility, politics and policy, stakeholder influence, military objectives, and fear of change are the most important factors. These findings can help stakeholders shape funding strategy.