NATION : Pentagon Doubles Cost of Gulf Military Buildup to $2.5 Billion
The Defense Department today doubled its cost estimate of the U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf, saying the price will reach at least $2.5 billion by the end of September.
The new projection, which allows for major increases in fuel costs and the activation of thousands of military reservists, compared to an earlier prediction that “Operation Desert Shield” would cost $1.2 billion by Sept. 30.
Saudi Arabia is providing fuel for U.S. aircraft stationed there, but Pentagon spokesman Pete Williams said the United States would welcome further aid as well as financial help from other countries in defraying the cost of the biggest U.S. military buildup since the Vietnam War.
“The revised cost estimates take into account calling up the reserves,” Williams said, noting that Defense Secretary Dick Cheney last week authorized the armed services to activate up to 50,000 reservists by Oct. 1 to help support at least 100,000 active troops in or en route to Saudi Arabia.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
