In this episode of the *Big Ideas for Smaller Government* series, host David Fran sits down with Jeremiah Mosteller, policy director for Americans for Prosperity, to explore the vast and complex Department of Defense (DoD). With a staggering $2 trillion budget and nearly three million military and civilian personnel, the DoD is one of the largest federal agencies. Together, they discuss the department’s history, structure, and some surprising examples of wasteful spending, including $5 million spent on ineffective camouflage and $1,300 coffee cups used on Air Force cargo planes. Jeremiah highlights how better coordination and cutting excessive contracting could lead to significant taxpayer savings—up to $260 billion over ten years—without compromising national security.
This in-depth conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities within the DoD, illustrating why reforming defense spending is crucial for reducing the federal deficit and making government more efficient. Listeners gain valuable insights into how strategic changes, such as reducing contractor reliance and improving procurement, could help save billions while ensuring our military remains well-equipped. Tune in to understand how thoughtful cuts in defense can contribute to a smaller, smarter government.

In this episode of the *Big Ideas for Smaller Government* series, host David Fran sits down with Jeremiah Mosteller, policy director for Americans for Prosperity, to explore the vast and complex Department of Defense (DoD). With a staggering $2 trillion budget and nearly three million military and civilian personnel, the DoD is one of the largest federal agencies. Together, they discuss the department’s history, structure, and some surprising examples of wasteful spending, including $5 million spent on ineffective camouflage and $1,300 coffee cups used on Air Force cargo planes. Jeremiah highlights how better coordination and cutting excessive contracting could lead to significant taxpayer savings—up to $260 billion over ten years—without compromising national security. This in-depth conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities within the DoD, illustrating why reforming defense spending is crucial for reducing the federal deficit and making government more efficient. Listeners gain valuable insights into how strategic changes, such as reducing contractor reliance and improving procurement, could help save billions while ensuring our military remains well-equipped. Tune in to understand how thoughtful cuts in defense can contribute to a smaller, smarter government.

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In this episode of the *Big Ideas for Smaller Government* series, host David Fran sits down with Jeremiah Mosteller, policy director for Americans for Prosperity, to explore the vast and complex Department of Defense (DoD). With a staggering $2 trillion budget and nearly three million military and civilian personnel, the DoD is one of the largest federal agencies. Together, they discuss the department’s history, structure, and some surprising examples of wasteful spending, including $5 million spent on ineffective camouflage and $1,300 coffee cups used on Air Force cargo planes. Jeremiah highlights how better coordination and cutting excessive contracting could lead to significant taxpayer savings—up to $260 billion over ten years—without compromising national security.
This in-depth conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities within the DoD, illustrating why reforming defense spending is crucial for reducing the federal deficit and making government more efficient. Listeners gain valuable insights into how strategic changes, such as reducing contractor reliance and improving procurement, could help save billions while ensuring our military remains well-equipped. Tune in to understand how thoughtful cuts in defense can contribute to a smaller, smarter government.

Big Ideas for Smaller Government: Unpacking the Department of Defense Budget with Jeremiah Mosteller

American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their communities to break barriers. While some of our guests may be public officials or influencers, many are ordinary Americans who decided, “enough is enough,” and are stepping up in a big way.

We share policy solutions to the most important challenges our country faces and talk to people who are doing something about it. Our hope is that when you hear about other people’s stories of success – and struggle – you will realize that you are capable of doing extraordinary things within your own community and know that you are not alone.

David From, a Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, hosts the American Potential podcast. David brings a wealth of experience in grassroots advocacy and a deep commitment to advancing freedom and opportunity for all Americans.

American Potential has earned multiple prestigious honors for its impact and excellence in storytelling:

Platinum Award at the 2024 Viddy Awards for the episode featuring Mike Rowe, recognized in the long-form podcast category.

Gold Award at the 18th Annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category.

Award of Distinction at the 31st Annual Communicator Awards in the Individual Episodes – Political category for the episode “Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws.”

These awards—judged by experts from organizations like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and the Smithsonian—highlight the podcast’s effectiveness in elevating compelling stories of freedom, innovation, and citizen-led change.

Society & Culture

Education

Self-Improvement

Government

Personal Journals

American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their communities to break barriers. While some of our guests may be public officials or influencers, many are ordinary Americans who decided, “enough is enough,” and are stepping up in a big way. We share policy solutions to the most important challenges our country faces and talk to people who are doing something about it. Our hope is that when you hear about other people’s stories of success – and struggle – you will realize that you are capable of doing extraordinary things within your own community and know that you are not alone. David From, a Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, hosts the American Potential podcast. David brings a wealth of experience in grassroots advocacy and a deep commitment to advancing freedom and opportunity for all Americans. American Potential has earned multiple prestigious honors for its impact and excellence in storytelling: Platinum Award at the 2024 Viddy Awards for the episode featuring Mike Rowe, recognized in the long-form podcast category. Gold Award at the 18th Annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category. Award of Distinction at the 31st Annual Communicator Awards in the Individual Episodes – Political category for the episode “Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws.” These awards—judged by experts from organizations like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and the Smithsonian—highlight the podcast’s effectiveness in elevating compelling stories of freedom, innovation, and citizen-led change.

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Big Ideas for Smaller Government: Unpacking the Department of Defense Budget with Jeremiah Mosteller

Big Ideas for Smaller Government: Unpacking the Department of Defense Budget with Jeremiah Mosteller

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