<P> Loren Thompson, a defense analyst with the Lexington Institute, has blamed the "vast sums of money" squandered on cutting - edge technology projects that were then canceled on shortsighted political operatives who lack a long - term perspective in setting requirements . The result is that the number of items bought under a given program are cut . The total development costs of the program are divided over fewer platforms, making the per - unit cost seem higher and so the numbers are cut again and again in a death spiral . Although the United States was the world's biggest exporter of major weapons in 2010--14, the US was also the world's eight biggest importer during the same period . US arms imports increased by 21 percent between 2005--2009 and 2010--14 . </P> <P> Cost containment measures in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Obama administration's energy policy will play critical determining roles because health care and fuel costs are the two fastest - growing segments of the defense budget . </P> <P> The projected active duty end strength in the armed forces for FY 2017 was 1,281,900 people, with an additional 801,200 people in the seven reserve components . It is an all - volunteer military, but conscription through the Selective Service System can be enacted at the President's request and Congress' approval . All males ages 18 through 25 who are living in the United States are required to register with the Selective Service for a potential future draft . </P> <P> The U.S. Armed Forces is the world's second largest after China's People's Liberation Army, and has troops deployed around the globe . </P>

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