The size of "the government," you fucking idiot is NOT related to the size of the military.
I don't think that's entirely correct, L. Lawmakers in Washington have long fought closures of bases in their jurisdictions, even if it meant having a less efficient, more cost-effective military.
It is the natural inclination of man to grow and expand. This is true of almost all institutions. Conservatives generally understand this about the government except when it comes to the military, rarely ever calling into question the size and expanse of the military. It's been my observation that Republican lawmakers often use military spending in their districts as back-door Keynesianism, decrying the expansion of government except when it provides jobs in their districts and states.