US Military Spending: 1988
$797.9B
797.9 billion in constant 2023 US dollars (SIPRI)
$797.9B
Total Budget
5.7%
% of GDP
Reagan
President
Cold War buildup
Active War
📊 Compared to 1987
▼ 2.1%Decrease of $17B from $814.9B
💰 What $798B Could Have Bought Instead
Teachers' salaries (avg $65K)12,274,861
Affordable homes built3,191,464
Full college scholarships15,957,320
Years of healthcare for families28,495,214
Clean water systems for towns797,866
🏛️ Historical Context
In 1988, under President Reagan, the United States spent approximately $797.9 billion on its military, representing 5.7% of GDP. The Cold War buildup was actively underway, driving elevated defense expenditures.