US Department of Defense officials often face intense scrutiny from Congress because their agency has never passed an audit. In 2022, the DoD had its fifth self-led audit in the department’s history, and 1,600 auditors couldn’t account for roughly 60% of its $3.5 trillion in assets.
The Ukrainian military has given the DoD an “audit in practice” by showing what it could do with just 3% of the US military budget, argued historian Timothy Snyder in a recent Substack podcast. Snyder suggested that if the US increased its commitment to 6%, Ukraine could audit that as well.
Snyder pointed out that for 3% of the US defense budget, Ukraine achieved significant military successes against Russia, including winning the Battle of Kyiv, the Battle of Kharkiv, the Battle of Kherson, and gaining control of half of the territory invaded by Russia in February 2022. This demonstrates the effectiveness of a smaller military budget.
Furthermore, Snyder highlighted Ukraine’s achievements in fulfilling NATO’s mission of resisting Russian aggression, enhancing security in the Pacific by deterring China from invading Taiwan, and providing food aid to the world during a war.
Ukraine is showing the US the value of an audit
Ukraine’s military performance serves as a “teachable moment” for the US military, according to DoD comptroller Mike McCord. Ukraine’s close tracking of its arsenal supply to fend off Russia demonstrates the importance of a successful audit in ensuring accurate accountability.
McCord expressed that the US military needs to avoid accounting for items that do not exist and that a successful audit would assist in achieving this. Although defense officials acknowledge that some audits may be lost due to accounting technicalities, a comprehensive audit is necessary.
The DoD’s budget is in the hundreds of billions of dollars due to its responsibility for addressing major challenges faced by the US. The largest costs come from training military members, maintaining equipment, and providing healthcare for active service members. Wages and retirement benefits, weapons procurement, equipment R&D, and the construction and management of military facilities are also significant expenses.
Contrary to common criticism, there isn’t a strong relationship between GDP growth and military spending. Larger military budgets tend to benefit wealthier countries like the US, allowing for the implementation of industrial policies and increased deficit spending. With its $816.7 billion budget, the DoD must ensure that the allocated funds effectively serve US foreign policy goals through a comprehensive audit.
The US needs to do better for Ukraine
Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton emphasized the need for the US to provide more military equipment to Ukraine to assist in gaining additional territory. Lowering the price cap on Russian oil could also contribute to weakening Russia’s economy. Clinton also urged the Biden administration to unite Americans in their support for Ukraine.
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