More On Budget

Commissaries returned to normal operations less than one week after their closure inspired a system-wide rush on groceries.

Secretary Hagel warned that troops and their families will be asked to sacrifice on pay and benefits to preserve readiness.

Hagel pledged to continue efforts to cut the growth of military pay and benefits, despite the easing of the budget crunch.

DoD's fiscal 2015 budget proposal will cost the Army another six combat units, shrinking the active force to 28 BCTs by 2019.

About nine in 10 active-duty troops oppose DoD proposals to reduce their pay raises and basic allowances for housing.

The costs have averaged $7.5 million per day and include money for airstrikes, surveillance and arms shipments.

The federal budget deal includes funding for commissaries as well as weapons systems such as the JSF and the A-10 Warthog.