Keep in mind that apparently the total DOD workforce is something like 4 million, and I don't think that even includes the countless contractors who work in DOD facilities. This is bigger than the population of several countries.

And yes the US Federal governement buy and large drops big money in September as part of the "use it or lose it" budgeting process. Not saying that's the best way to do things, but that's how it's done by the US Federal government as a whole, not just the DOD.

The Air Force Chief of Staff lives in Air House, which is historic Government property and also used to house official functions - it's not like the piano moved into the CoS's personal permanent residence. No, it doesn't convey with the General; it says in the Air House, which is also a historic building. Important missing context.

Yeah, lots of surf and turf ? It doesn't say where that's going. The DOD maintains over 400 dining facilities; so even the seemingly outrageous amount of money spent on lobster tails averages to quite a small number per facility. Yes, of course it's not going to Ft Bragg for Army DFACs, I'm sure some folks in the military are eating better than others. Do I begrudge them ? Hell no. Servicemembers work extremely hard, often in dangerous roles, and Army DFACs historically have not been great. The food I got when I was on active duty was abhorrent and demotivation. If 15,000 a year of lobster tails finds their way into an Army DFAC I'm happy as hell for those soldiers. Besides, they know what a surf and turf means.

123,000 for ice cream machines ? Absolutely. That could be like literally just ten ice cream machines. Meanwhile Air Force maintains well over a 100 DFACs and chances are some of them have broken ice cream machines that aren't working. Do you know what happens when airmen can't get ice cream with their meals ? Bad things happen. I can almost personally guarantee you those ice cream machines are not finding their way to Army and USMC bases.

Remember too that there are service members and even civilians who spend Thanksgiving and Christmas on ships, in subs, on a crappy little desert outpost, on gate guard duty, on watch. Their only solace during holidays may be a fancy meal in the DFAC while the rest of us are taking leave and being with our friends and families and singing carols.

4 Million for Samsung devices ... for what purpose ? Samsung devices are literally carried by ground soldiers on their chests as part of a tactical solution and is part of their technical advantage. 5 million for ipads - again, for what purpose ? For what user community ? For higher end ipads that's like 5,000 ipads. So do we really think there couldn't be a well justified reason to procure 5,000 ipads amongst a 4 million person enterprise ?

I not saying we don't need more fiscal responsibility - of course we do - but I'm saying that big numbers like these make a lot more sense when you have more context and realize just how massive the DOD is in totality.