How much does the military spend on TVs?

CPO Jon Campbell — Mon, 12 May 2014 12:51:28 -0400

I remember before the first Gulf War when TVs were only on rec decks and were not allowed to be turned on until after 1600 in most cases. During the first Gulf War, embedded reporters were getting information out faster than commands could get it, so TVs started appearing in hallways, mess decks, and all kinds of areas outside of rec decks. I started thinking about this and the sheer number of TVs that the military has installed in the last 20 years. The military must be the largest consumer of TVs in the world.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 1:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 May 2014 13:04:06 -0400

CPO Campbell,

I'm not sure exactly how much DOD (and Homeland Security) spends on TVs- maybe in the millions. Most likely they receive a GSA discount on them.

If the Military is the largest consumer of TVs, then the Financial and Banking industry must be a close second.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 12 at 2014 1:43 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 12 May 2014 13:43:00 -0400

Interesting question! Don't have a clue as to the answer but it has me wondering how often those still fully functional TVs are changed out (especially in conference rooms) simply because something bigger and better has come out!
Guess what I'm now asking is: Is 'screen envy' alive and well in the DoD??

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 1:09 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 01:09:08 -0400

I often shake my head at the number of big screen Tvs around the bases I visit, and what they are (or are not) being used for. At the dining facility at JB Lewis-McChord, there was a huge TV as you came in the door, and all it did was list the prices of fruit. Seems like a whiteboard would have served the same purpose for 1/100th the price. There are so many flat screen 46"+ TVs being used as signage in nearly every building on every base. Talk about Fraud Waste and Abuse.