The cost of the war

How much is the war in Iraq costing? Well according to Strategy Page, it cost $4.4 billion a month in 2003 and $8 billion a month in 2006.

Why the increase? Well most of the equipment sent over to Iraq in 2003 has been shipped back to be repaired or rebuilt. Combat uses up the equipment much faster then peace time training.

Also while the refurbishing of equipment (helicopters, tanks, APC, trucks, etc) is going on, the military isn't just restoring the equipment to the way it was when it was sent to Iraq. They are taking the opportunity to add the latest improvements to the equipment to make it even more effective on the battlefield. Also, a lot of the increase costs is R&D expense so when the equipment is being refurbished, the latest upgrades are available.

Its one way the military is getting improvements to its equipment which in the long run will help make our troops more effective, but it also adds to the cost of the war which has become a political issue.