That sum in turn could jeopardize a desired bigger military force, USA Today reported.

The military is forced into a scrambling mode because the Pentagon failed to plan for the long, expensive war in Iraq, said Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., chairman of a House panel overseeing military spending.

That oversight, Murtha said, makes the Pentagon's plan to add 92,000 new soldiers and Marines unrealistic.

Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Pentagon leaders realize they face a choice between a larger military and improved equipment.