The budget request for DoD Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) in FY2014 is $79.4 billion, $9.1 billion less than originally estimated.  The amended budget request submitted by the president replaces the $88.5 billion funding placeholder included in the DoD request sent to Congress last month. 

The OCO request will fund $78.1 billion for DoD costs for Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan and $1.3 billion for transition activities in Iraq.

The number of U.S. ground troops in Afghanistan is scheduled to decrease to 38,400 in FY2014 from 68,000 in FY2013.  However, according to justification for the request, requirements for the redeployment and activities to support the transition to full Afghan responsibility for security will keep costs at a high level for now.  Costs for transporting troops and equipment back to the United States and to retrograde equipment will increase.  Costs for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and contractor support will grow in the short run as ground troops are redeployed.  Funding to train and equip the Afghan National Security Forces will also rise in FY2014.

Total requested funding includes $9.6 billion for the Military Personnel Accounts for incremental pay and allowances.  Funding for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) accounts for $65 billion including:  over $29 billion for the Army, $10 billion for the Air Force, $6 billion for the Navy and about $3 billion for the Marine Corps; $1 billion for the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund (JIEDD); $900 million for the Defense Health Program; and $7.7 billion to support the Afghan Security Forces.  OCO procurement account funding in the request would be more than $5 billion. 

To offset some OCO costs, the request proposes rescinding $1.3 billion in prior-year unobligated balances: $727 million for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (C-27J) program (proposed for cancelation in the FY2013 budget); $486 million for operating ships DoD proposes to retire; and $66 million in other programs.