This paper describes key large-scale posture developments in the U.S. defense program after World War II, and also provides a brief overview of key budgetary determinants of these forces. The purpose of this document is to inform discussion on current posture choices, now that the budgetary picture we are likely to confront in the 1990s has become quite soft. It will be seen that historical posture developments are consistent over time, albeit with certain important exceptions--hence, the advantages of this historical perspective. Keywords: Military budgets/history; Military forces United States.
