National Guard Deployments Cost Almost Half a Billion Dollars

January 28, 2026

2 min read

US National Guard Operations and Budgetary Concerns

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that National Guard deployments to US cities cost American taxpayers around $496 million in the last six months of 2025. If these deployments continue at end-of-2025 sizes, it would cost approximately $93 million per month. The exact cost depends on the cost-of-living in deployed cities. According to Breaking Defense, this information was revealed in a letter sent in response to an inquiry by Sen. Jeff Merkley. Further details are needed to determine the future of domestic deployments and their impact on defense spending.

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Congressional Budget Office

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National Guard deployment costs $496 million taxpayer burden defense spending

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Source: Breaking Defense (RSS) JAN Tracker: SRCE-2026-1769636520285-2250

URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/01/national-guard-deployments-to-us-cities-cost-almost-half-a-billion-dollars-says-cbo/

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National Guard Deployments Cost Almost Half a Billion Dollars

January 28, 2026

2 min read

US National Guard Operations and Budgetary Concerns

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that National Guard deployments to US cities cost American taxpayers around $496 million in the last six months of 2025. If these deployments continue at end-of-2025 sizes, it would cost approximately $93 million per month. The exact cost depends on the cost-of-living in deployed cities. According to Breaking Defense, this information was revealed in a letter sent in response to an inquiry by Sen. Jeff Merkley. Further details are needed to determine the future of domestic deployments and their impact on defense spending.

Key Takeaways

Sign in to view key takeaways Get full access to in-depth analysis and key takeaways.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Strategic Implications

Sign in to view strategic implications Get full access to strategic analysis and expert insights.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Companies Mentioned

Congressional Budget Office

Topics

National Guard deployment costs $496 million taxpayer burden defense spending

Source: Breaking Defense (RSS) JAN Tracker: SRCE-2026-1769636520285-2250

URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/01/national-guard-deployments-to-us-cities-cost-almost-half-a-billion-dollars-says-cbo/