The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) has released a list of essential facts about the defense budget entitled “Defense Spending 101 ^[1].”

The list reminds readers of the truth about U.S. defense spending and should serve as the starting point for any debate in Congress over the future of the defense budget.

First, Congress needs to recognize that maintaining the kind of robust military posture that deters war and pays huge dividends for the American people in terms of both security and prosperity should drive the defense budget.

Second, the prescient analysis provided by AEI points out that the defense budget is not the source of the nation’s fiscal woes—uncontrolled entitlement spending is.

Finally, the list serves to remind Congress that while efficiencies can be found in defense programs, the savings should be used to enhance U.S. overall defense capabilities.