For how many fiscal years in advance do we write our budgets?

The budget process in the military and many government organizations typically involves planning financial resources for one fiscal year in advance. This aligns with the annual budget cycle, where departments estimate their funding needs, prioritizing resources, and submit proposals for review and approval based on the upcoming fiscal year's requirements. Writing the budget for one year in advance allows for precise alignment with ongoing operational needs and strategic objectives.

While some organizations may engage in multi-year budgeting for broader planning purposes, the standard practice for specific operational budgets is to operate on a one-year timeline. This ensures that the budget reflects the most current priorities and can adapt to any changes in mission requirements or policy directives. The other options suggest a longer planning horizon than is typically practiced for standard budgeting needs.