Why is it so expensive to fly and maintain military aircraft?

Question

I just so some numbers like 20-35K dollars per flight hour for some fighters and that seems ridiculous, anyone know what costs so much?

In: Other

Answer 1

Have you ever seen a civilian work force line up on the flight line and walk across it to pick up every rock or piece of garbage? No! They buy equipment to do this which is significantly more effective and faster than the military’s process.

I once stood in such a line which included over 200 people. I did some quick math with some assumptions and estimated the 30 minute exercise cost $500k. They did it twice a week, minimum.

That was one process, not to mention that the military does not find the cheapest price on contracts, nor does it do anything efficiently.

I’ll add that the civilian airlines and airports are full of military people and their effectiveness practices bleed into this sector too. Just not as bad as the DOD.