DOD offers glimpse at its ‘black’ budget

The U.S. military intelligence budget totaled $19.2 billion in fiscal 2013, according to figures released by the Defense Department.

DOD said Oct. 31 that the $19.2 billion appropriated last year for military intelligence programs was eventually reduced by across-the-board budgets cuts known as sequestration to $18.6 billion.

Defense officials said in a statement that “releasing this top line figure does not jeopardize any classified activities within” the military intelligence program. “No other MIP budget figures or program details will be released, as they remain classified for national security reasons.”

The Washington Post estimated earlier this year the nation’s intelligence “black budget” totaled $52.6 billion. One of the fastest growing segments is geospatial intelligence programs. The Post estimated that GEOINT spending has increased 108 percent since 2004 to $4.9 billion.