The US Marine Corps has handed lawmakers a funding wish list for next year totaling $2.4 billion, according to a report on Breaking Defense. This list comes on the heels of the White House’s $849.8 billion discretionary spending request for fiscal 2025 presented to Congress last week.
The list from the Marine Corp indicates that an additional $2.4 billion could be used next year, with $642 million alone aimed towards its top three “quality of life” priorities. These priorities include barracks restoration and modernization, barracks base operating support, and service-wide facility upgrades. These areas reflect a seemingly strong focus on infrastructure and the wellbeing of personnel in the Corps.
An additional $492 million could potentially go towards five military construction projects. One notable project is an aircraft maintenance hangar in Beaufort, S.C. However, the wishlist extends beyond military construction and operating costs, incorporating a range of new and ongoing weapons programs and force design initiatives, representing a total of $1.2 billion.
A substantial sum within this budget could be allocated to vehicle acquisition. If the fiscal year’s budget could increase by $250 million, the service indicates that it could use this to purchase two additional CH-53K helicopters. Alternatively, the fund could channel $341 million towards the Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30mm Cannon (ACV-30) line.
Naval initiatives are also outlined on the wish list. An additional $6 million would aim to fund the development of the new Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel (ALPV), and a further $9 million for its Enhanced Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (E-CRRC). In terms of munitions, the USMC outlined an extra $90 million for the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) C-3 and $16 million for the Small Diameter Bomb II line.
The wish list also indicates that $90 million would support the V-22 Osprey “drive system safety and health information,” crucial in the wake of a deadly November 2023 crash. The additional funds would potentially enhance the investigation into the component failures that caused the incident and work towards safer operations in the future.
These figures and requests demonstrate the Marine Corps’ comprehensive view for its strategic plan going forwards, taking into consideration both the welfare of their personnel and the need for modern, efficient systems and structures. The fact that this wish list has been handed over to lawmakers indicates the start of negotiations, though it remains to be seen which requests will be approved in the FY25 budget.