This is a quick run down as to the cost per soldier over in Afghanistan. My thoughts on this, is why not just give every soldier a horse? They can run around all over the country with a horse, and even lay a kevlar blanket under the saddle for a little extra protection. The horse eats grass or hay or whatever, and drinks water where ever you can find it. A patrol could cover a lot of ground on horseback, and best of all, there is tons of experience to learn from when it comes to horses and warfare. Especially for Afghanistan.
You could also eat the horse if it is killed, or use it as cover during a fire fight. The horse is pretty quite, compared to the running engine of a HMMV or MRAP. The horse could be traded and given to the locals when the mission is done or as gifts, and the coalition could take advantage of an industry in Afghanistan that is already in place. Something to think about, and we have fooled around with horses a little bit in this war in the beginning. Let’s put the cavalry back on the things and reduce our costs? –Matt
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By Jesse Ellison
Jan 2, 2010
The current cost to station 68,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan: just over $65 billion—or, to quote a figure politicians have extrapolated, about $1 million a soldier. (Obama’s budget director has cited this ratio in estimating surge costs.) Why so much? A breakdown, using 2010 Defense numbers:
OPERATIONS: The biggest expense—transporting soldiers and equipment to, and around, Afghanistan.49%*$473,371
WORN-OUT GEAR: When units leave, their damaged stuff gets a complete overhaul or is replaced altogether.12.5%$120,339
PROTECTIVE MATERIALS: Armor and equipment, including 1,080 Òmine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles.11.9%$114,956
TRAINING AFGHANS: Providing Afghan National Security Forces with infrastructure and arms.11.4%$109,747
INTELLIGENCE: Includes airborne sensors and surveillance of high-value targets.5.75%$55,275
CONSTRUCTION:
Flexible funds for small-scale civil and humanitarian projects and miscellaneous building costs.
3.98%
$38,212
COALITION SUPPORT: Reimbursement for operational and logistical support by cooperating nations.2.87%$27,574
RESEARCH: Development of technology to combat IEDs (improvised explosive devices).1.2%$11,287
TRAINING PAKISTANIS: Financial support for Pakistani Security Forces to secure borders and fight insurgents.1.1%$10,294
*numbers do not add up to 100% due to rounding.
Story here.