Defense Spending: Are our global aspirations exceeding our available resources?

I almost wonder when we'll get a JCoS that will stand up to those who wish to promulgate the "empire". I wonder how much of the empire building is done by the civilians in charge, but are attempted to be shot down by the military members that have field experience, not just office experience.

I know I'm just a former A1C, but these are the thoughts that wander in my head.