The U.S. Army’s fiscal year 2025 budget request increased by $400 million to $185.9 billion, with $175.4 billion in the base budget and $10.5 billion for overseas operations. The budget depends on supplemental funding for military aid to Ukraine and operations in the Middle East. The Army is cutting back on modernization programs to address rising personnel costs and housing improvements, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific theater to deter China.
The Army is investing $900 million more in personnel in FY25, planning an active-duty end-strength of 442,300 soldiers. Recruiting efforts include expanding the Future Soldier Prep Course and investing $1.1 billion in marketing. The Army is requesting $71.4 billion for operations and maintenance, with a focus on improving military housing and meeting projected global requirements.
The Army is canceling the Extended Range Cannon Artillery program and reallocating funds to fill ERCA requirements. Research, development, test, and evaluation funding is $14.1 billion, a 10.8% decrease from FY24. Procurement funding in FY25 is $24.4 billion, a 4.5% increase, with investments in future vertical lift programs and the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon program.
To address drone threats in conflict areas, the Army is requesting $40 million for directed energy programs. The budget includes $24.4 billion for new weapons systems, including Precision Strike Missiles and Mid-Range Capability missiles. The Army is aiming to fight in multiple domains by 2030 and continues to seek supplemental funding for munitions stockpiles used in conflicts.
