Sizzle Reel I The True Cost of Defense

America spends more on defense than the next ten countries combined. But what's the real price we pay?

The $800+ billion defense budget? That's just the beginning.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the untold story of America's military might. From quadruple-amputee veteran Travis Mills navigating life with cutting-edge prosthetics to Marine recruiters working high school football games, this is the human face of defense spending.

Preview the stories:
The $22,000 cost to recruit each new soldier
Small towns whose survival depends on military bases
Environmental cleanup crews working decades after wars end
The staggering future costs of veteran care

Featuring insights from: James Mattis (Former Defense Secretary) • Kori Schake (Security Expert) • Gary Sinise (Veterans Advocate) • Tim Kane (Economist)

The price of America's military supremacy isn't just measured in dollars. It's measured in lives transformed, communities reshaped, and promises that echo across generations.

The True Cost of Defense

Premieres November 1, 2025 | Public TV + PBS Video App

A Free To Choose® Media Production

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