The obvious is the wars we are in and possible war with Israel/Iran. Pakistan is getting more unstable.
we could protect our borders better. Train and discipline our smart ass youngsters, ( reminds of a sign I saw in a parts store one time, it said: hurry up and hire a teenager while they know everything.)
I have two teenagers both are black belts,great athletes, one was captain of the wrestling team and they get straight A's. They were brought up with discipline.
When my oldest Graduates College he might go Seals.
Just to show OP is not a Hypocrite.
It could help the Economy, The Military needs to start charging Iraq and Afganistan since they are such slow learners in self protection. Charge Corporations for protecting them, Border patrol can charge Mexico if they can't keep their borders safe.
This can and probably needs to be done before another war breaks out and we are caught with our pants down.
If our troops get spread out to much they will be vulnerable to a mass attack.