US Military Spending: 1987
$814.9B
814.9 billion in constant 2023 US dollars (SIPRI)
$814.9B
Total Budget
6%
% of GDP
Reagan
President
Cold War buildup
Active War
📊 Compared to 1986
▼ 0.8%Decrease of $6.7B from $821.7B
💰 What $815B Could Have Bought Instead
Teachers' salaries (avg $65K)12,537,123
Affordable homes built3,259,652
Full college scholarships16,298,260
Years of healthcare for families29,104,035
Clean water systems for towns814,913
🏛️ Historical Context
In 1987, under President Reagan, the United States spent approximately $814.9 billion on its military, representing 6% of GDP. The Cold War buildup was actively underway, driving elevated defense expenditures.