Yea ok, well then how about we just never fight wars and let the Nazis and Communists take over the world? I dont think there is anythign better to spend our money on than saving humanity from oppression in the worst forms of evil.
The FCNL numbers are misleading and they, nor can anyone, say whats what when regarding national debt. In any case, we still spend way too much on social security and welfare to begin to complain about defense spending.
And if you read my argument on defense contractors "ripping off the government" you'd know a thing or two. We dont live in communist russia. if youd prefer a communist nation, you can go to china or cuba, we dont care. But while we live in the good ol' usa, companies have to be rewarded for the product they produce. Why else would they be able to produce said product? They provide a service or donation or finance and in turn, they get paid extra for product. Thats better than just straight getting paid back.
And you don't know the first thing about body armor you dumb fuck. The military has the best body armor out of anyone in the world, whatever you hear is cases of misfortune. I mean for god sakes, what we are talking about here is a flexible, thin piece of material that's designed to stop a 7.62x39mm bullet or in some cases a .50 cal bullet traveling at a muzzle velocity of 800-1600 feet per second. Its a wonder that it can do it all. And don't kid yourself no other military widely has the same body armor as we do. Let me break it down for you:
All special operations (Army SFG, Army SFOD-D, Army CAG, Army 75th Ranger Regiment, Navy SEALs, Navy VBSS, Navy DEVGRU, Navy EOD, Air Force TACP, Air Force Pararescue Jumpers, Marine Force Recon, Marine Expeditionary Unit) receive a package called the MLCS.
In the MLCS they get a choice of three different 2nd line vests: CIRAS, MBSS (or equivalent), or Eagle PC with cumberbund. All of them hold ceramic STRIKE plates that can stop high velocity heavy projectiles. Underneath, they all wear a PACA which stops .45 cal and below projectiles, but also greatly reduces trauma from impact on the STRIKE plates. This is the current best body armor system known to man.
All regular Army forces receive a RAV, or equivalent MOLLE vest capable of carrying STRIKE plates. Integrated along is Kevlar padding which can stop a 7.62mm and reduces trauma on STRIKE plates.
All regular Marines receive the IBA or possible a personally purchased MOLLE vest, again with integrated Kevlar. The only issue is the IBA which is outdated.
No other country produces body armor on the level that the United States does, in fact EVERY special operations unit in NATO purchases its armor from the US.