This thesis examines the performance of four major appropriations categories within the Department of Defense budget for the period FY55-FY84. By performing descriptive data analysis on budgeted outlays for the period under study, it was determined that the availability of funds in DOD affect different kinds of appropriations differently. Analysis of the data was based on each category's budget shares, growth rates, and percentages of the annual DOD increment. Executive budget outcomes appeared to include non-incremental adjustments and that these adjustments are primarily in procurement and research, development, test and evaluation categories. The category with the most consistent success in competing for funds has been research, development, test, and evaluation and a strong trade-off relationship appeared between this category and procurement.

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Lieutenant, United States Navy