Pentagon reports higher fuel costs and training cuts

The Defense Department paid an average of $195.72 per barrel for fuel in April, up from $154.14 in October, a nearly 27 percent increase across two dozen fuel types. The department purchases roughly 80 million barrels annually, and current consumption trends point to more than $1 billion in unplanned fuel costs this year.

Commanders have also faced higher civilian fuel and commercial airfare prices. Travel for training has been reduced or canceled in some units since April, according to internal documents and multiple U.S. officials.

Army training reductions The Army is managing a $4 billion to $6 billion shortfall through the end of the fiscal year on September 30. Officials attribute the gap to the Iran war, expanded southern border missions, and an increase in National Guard presence in Washington, D.C., planned to reach 5,000 troops.

Dozens of training courses for medical, engineering, and artillery personnel have been eliminated. Helicopter flight hours have been limited to minimum requirements for many crews.

Navy and other services Navy Chief of Naval Operations Adm.

Daryl Caudle told the House Armed Services Committee in May that the service may begin adjusting training and certification events in July because of higher operational spending. The Air Force has used 10 percent more fuel than projected when budgets were set more than a year ago.

The Marine Corps has not reported a funding shortfall or training cuts. The department buys some fuel under contracts set 18 months in advance, but those contracts allow price adjustments when market prices change.