First it's 8.5% of GDP in 2009, but in absolute numbers it's only $14.3B (including US aid, which has to be spent in US). This peanuts for being a regional supe

First it's 8.5% of GDP in 2009, but in absolute numbers it's only $14.3B (including US aid, which has to be spent in US). This peanuts for being a regional superpower. About half of the budget goes to salaries of officers, permanent servicemen and civilian contractors.