There are plenty of areas to cut and save within the military. The biggest problem is the local congressman who says "not in my district." I remember years ago when there was a plan to consolidate a lot of activities at Eglin AFB that involved moving some functions out of New Mexico. Huge potential savings. Staffer from New Mexico Senator's office called and said this would be a bad idea. I am sure this goes on every day throughout the military.
One thing that used to chap my butt was the drive to zero out your flying time at the end of the year. Never mind if you didn't need it. Just go burn holes in the sky and make the boss look good. Also, spend all of your money or you may not get it next year. Buy whatever you don't need just so you can spend that money.
A good management team could do wonders for the military if they had the authority.