The Defense Department’s $614 billion budget request for Fiscal 2013 is some $32 billion less (with rounding) than the $646 billion Congress appropriated for the Pentagon in Fiscal 2012. Of the $614 billion, DOD seeks $272.7 billion for operation and maintenance activities ($11.2 billion less than in Fiscal 2012); $149.2 billion for military personnel ($3.9 billion less); $108.5 billion for procurement ($12.1 billion less); $69.7 billion for research, development, test, and evaluation ($2.2 billion less); $9.6 billion for military construction ($1.8 billion less); $2.6 billion for revolving and management funds ($447 million less); and $1.65 billion for family housing ($32 million less). (DOD Fiscal 2013 budget request overview; caution, large-sized file.)
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.