All-righty.
Seems to me the most crucial single measurement is the "burn rate," or
billions spent per month. Problem with measuring the cost is that
it's been growing every year (Greater use of air power? Greater use of
mercenaries?). I've included a chart, but bottom line, the US is
"burning" about $11 billion per month.
| Fiscal Year | Total billions spent | "Burn rate" per month |
| FY 03 | $53 | $4.42 |
| FY 04 | $75.9 | $6.33 |
| FY 05 | $85.5 | $7.13 |
| FY 06 | $102 | $8.5 |
| FY 07 | $133.6 | $11.13 |
| Month | Week | Day | Hour |
| $11.15 Billion | $2.6 Billion | $370 Million | $20 Million |