What I meant by "Big Budget" was not so much in actual Dollars.....but by being part of the FJ Community, some C-130's, and a very close association to the Navy when it comes to Aviation Think.
The USMC and US Army are quite different in Mission Sets and other obligations that burdens the Army with a very wide array of obligations.
A good friend here....is a Full Timer at the Army Reserve unit....a Boat Unit consisting of LCU's, LCM's and other utility type amphibious craft.
He has made three deployments as a Reservist....and was headed off for his fourth when he managed to break an Ankle (on duty injury)....and now is about to retire.
When you consider the Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction and tasking, the Maritime side of the Army, along with all of the other bits and pieces....it is easy to understand how Aviation became a very minor subset over the years.
We can harken back to the way Armor came into being....as a support element for the Infantry before achieving its current major command status.