Do you truly not know why the US Militaries always try to "fill their pews?" Obviously it's for the defense of the nation, and if you don't think that's a righteous cause, seek help.

The cost for defense will always rise, because no matter how well you build any perimeter, the bad guys will always find a way in.

Is it all truly needed?

Yes, and no. Much of the research will never see the light of day, but some will. It all costs money.

Some of the research will be diverted from military use to civilian, but it still costs money.

One day, all militaries will be disbanded. This is as inevitable as night and day, but will not happen any time soon. Until it does, we simply have to pay the price.

Dig up the monetary cost of any war throughout all history and show me the one that cost nothing. All militaries need their pews and coffers filled.

War is an expensive business. It's expensive, it's dirty, it's unforgiving, but, like religion, still a business.