Rumsfeld: Base closings will save $48 billion

[Pitt Gorilla]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A coming round of military base closures will save the U.S. military nearly $50 billion over over two decades, but will be less extensive once thought, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Thursday.

Rumsfeld is scheduled Friday to present the Pentagon's recommended list of installations to be closed to lawmakers and the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

He kept a tight lid on details of the much-anticipated list, but said it would contain fewer names than expected since additional space will be needed to house U.S. troops now deployed overseas.

"Nonetheless, the changes that will occur will affect a number of communities, communities that have warmly embraced nearby military installations for a good many years, indeed in some case, decades," he said.

"The department will take great care to work with these communities with the respect that they have earned, and the government stands ready with economic assistance."

The closures will save the Pentagon more than $5 billion a year and will produce a net savings of $48 billion over 20 years, Rumsfeld said.

The military has carried out four previous rounds of base closings since 1988. The Pentagon estimates those closures have saved about $40 billion so far.

The nine-member base-closing commission, known as BRAC, is led by former Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi.

It will review the Pentagon's recommendations and send them, along with any changes, to the White House by September 8.

The president has until September 23 to approve or reject the list without making changes; if approved, it goes to Congress for a vote.

Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the closures were designed in conjunction with efforts to turn the U.S. armed services into lighter, more agile forces.

The closure of several bases is "a necessary part of that," he said.
"It is integral to our ability to structure ourselves to be able to defend this country well into the future," Myers said.

[Cntrygal]

People here have been in a panic for months about Ellsworth showing up on the list.

[mlyonsd]

People here have been in a panic for months about Ellsworth showing up on the list.

That definitely would be a big hit to that part of SD. I'm not sure Rapid City could make it with Reptile Gardens being the biggest employer.

[HC_Chief]

Time for euros to start defending themselves.

[Nightfyre]

How do Military Personel feel about this? To me it would seem like a giant backstab after being sent to war.

[Radar Chief]

How do Military Personel feel about this? To me it would seem like a giant backstab after being sent to war.

Depends on where they are, if they’re closing bases here in the US, I’d be disappointed. If they’re closing bases in Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.. Western Europe in general, I’ll be disappointed it took so long.

[Donger]

Missouri

# Army National Guard Reserve Center, Jefferson Barracks

# Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Kansas City

# Defense Finance and Accounting Service, St. Louis

# Marine Corps Support Center, Kansas City

# Navy Recruiting District Headquarters, Kansas

# Navy Reserve Center, Cape Girardeau

[Donger]

People here have been in a panic for months about Ellsworth showing up on the list.

Sorry, it is.

South Dakota:

Ellsworth Air Force Base

[Donger]

Kansas:

Kansas Army Ammunition Plant

[Duck Dog]

How do Military Personel feel about this? To me it would seem like a giant backstab after being sent to war.


Say what? I guess I don't understand what you are trying to say. Why would military people care one way or another if some base or installation closes that they have never heard of?

It's not like they are going to close Hood or Riley. And if you take a look at the list here, (http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/appendix_c.pdf) you will see that just as many installations are gaining or just being realigned as opposed to being closed completely.

Looks to me like the Pentagon is trimming the fat.

[Cntrygal]

How do Military Personel feel about this? To me it would seem like a giant backstab after being sent to war.

About bases in general being closed? It makes sense. The biggest stressor would be moving to a new area, but we already do that. I don't know of any military members (even out of those returning from the war zones), that think base closures are a backstab.

The civilian population is what will be more affected. Civilians that work on the base, local contractors, local economy...

[Duck Dog]

About bases in general being closed? It makes sense. The biggest stressor would be moving to a new area, but we already do that. I don't know of any military members (even out of those returning from the war zones), that think base closures are a backstab.

The civilian population is what will be more affected. Civilians that work on the base, local contractors, local economy...

Bingo.

I'll tell you what I think was a stab in the back is when the 2AD's 1st Tiger BGD disbanded after the GWI. The 2nd BGD had already disbanded prior to the war.

Disolving that storied division was a crime, Mr Clinton!

[Donger]

Complete list here: http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/05/13/base.closings.list.ap/index.html

[stevieray]

Time for euros to start defending themselves.

against us someday...?
and the wedge gets wider...

[Donger]

against us someday?

Cool. I vote for France being target number one on the list. After all, we do know the way rather well.

[Cntrygal]

I wouldn't mind seeing some of the overseas bases close.

[Radar Chief]

Kansas:

Kansas Army Ammunition Plant

The one in Parsons? That’ll hurt, I’ve got some friends working there.

I don’t see it on your list though, where you get’n this from?

[Donger]

The one in Parsons? That’ll hurt, I’ve got some friends working there.

I don’t see it on your list though, where you get’n this from?

Check that CNN link again.

[Donger]

Check that CNN link again.

Is that the one in between KC and Lawrence on K-10?

[Saggysack]

Bingo.

I'll tell you what I think was a stab in the back is when the 2AD's 1st Tiger BGD disbanded after the GWI. The 2nd BGD had already disbanded prior to the war.

Disolving that storied division was a crime, Mr Clinton!


Eh, I was in the 3BDE 24ID(Mech) when it was deactivated, we became 3BDE 3ID. I think FORSCOM was downsizing from 10 to 8 divisions. Can't say that it changed a damn thing. We went from Victory time to Marne time. Everything stayed the same. Still on 2hr recall all the time. It didn't stop any of the deployments.

[Saggysack]

The one in Parsons? That’ll hurt, I’ve got some friends working there.

I don’t see it on your list though, where you get’n this from?

I wonder what is going to happen to all those ponds on their property. Alot of good bass in those ponds.

[Donger]

Heh. I want one.

http://www.missilebases.com/

[Donger]

Surely one of the most unique real estate properties you could own, the missile silo home sits on 105 acres of manicured grounds, forest and trails. Above ground, it features a hangar and spacious open living room and fireplace with wrap around porch. Below ground, and accessible via stairs from above ground home in what was once the launch control center, now is a two level, 3 bedroom 2-1/2 bath with open living area and kitchen adjoined by a spiral staircase. Huge doors open to a large tunnel that accesses the silo with an additional 20,000 square feet of useable space with unlimited possibilities. The perfect getaway home, it has its own direct runway access, its climate controlled and is capable of withstanding a nuclear hit.

[SCTrojan]

Too early to get worked up about any of these recommendations. Still a long way to go towards closure. Good rule of thumb is that if you have some pretty powerful senators/congressmen, getting on this list is not an automatic death sentence.

I've heard that 1st ID and 1st AD are coming back to the states and Germany is undergoing a huge transition.

[Radar Chief]

Check that CNN link again.

Ok, I see it now.

Is that the one in between KC and Lawrence on K-10?

Don’t know, wish they’d say where.

[Warrior5]

How do Military Personel feel about this? To me it would seem like a giant backstab after being sent to war.

I don't perceive it as a backstab to uniforms; we're used to moving. Biggest impact is on civilians employed by installations and local communities.

BRAC is a good thing in that it streamlines, cuts operating costs, and reduces redundancy.

[Warrior5]

I wouldn't mind seeing some of the overseas bases close.

You will see it soon.

[Radar Chief]

I wonder what is going to happen to all those ponds on their property. Alot of good bass in those ponds.

Don’t know, but if it gets closed give me a halla and we’ll go check it out. :thumb:

[Warrior5]

I've heard that 1st ID and 1st AD are coming back to the states and Germany is undergoing a huge transition.

You have heard correctly.

[redbrian]

Closing redundant State side bases is a good thing; the only ones who want to keep them open are the civilians and politicians.

As far as overseas bases go, I’d like to see as many of those kept open as possible. I always felt that was one of the best perks of the military. It’s a great way for kids to live in another county and get a bigger view of the world (if taken advantage of, unfortunately too many of them sit on the base and grouse about how fuoked up the country is and how it’s not like the States).

[Saggysack]

Don’t know, but if it gets closed give me a halla and we’ll go check it out. :thumb:

You betcha! :thumb:

It has been since I was a kid that I have fished those ponds.

I'm going to check out a stream near Beaumont this weekend. A buddy of mine has said he has had some good luck there. I dunno, it is a stream in Kansas so...we'll see. I'm holding out hope though.

[Donger]

Wow. I just realized that New London is scheduled to be closed. Does anyone know if the navy has opened a new submariner's school or has plans to?

[SCTrojan]

As far as overseas bases go, I’d like to see as many of those kept open as possible. I always felt that was one of the best perks of the military. It’s a great way for kids to live in another county and get a bigger view of the world (if taken advantage of, unfortunately too many of them sit on the base and grouse about how fuoked up the country is and how it’s not like the States).

With you on that one, red. I understand the finanacial considerations for closing the posts, I just hate to see that opportunity go away for people coming in. I'm glad I took advantage early.

[Pitt Gorilla]

Closing redundant State side bases is a good thing; the only ones who want to keep them open are the civilians and politicians.Exactly.

[Iowanian]

I'm supportive of closing irrelevant bases that don't have a need other than "just keeping the status quo". Becoming more efficient, should allow them to spend less on maintenence costs, and either trim the budget or put it where it needs to be; in development of new technology/weapons/fighting systems and upgrading the junk equipment.

I think its beyond time to pull some of the troops off of European Cold war bases, and put that money into our OWN economy....Screw Germany et al's finances.

I'd like to see realignment in Japan, and our Troops partially brought home from Korea, and our troops on the front line replaced with South Koreans, and our troops moved the far side of Soul as a reactionary force.....now they're just a Speed Bump....and told as much.

I think this is just a first in a series of modernization processes happening in the Military. I know the 3rd ID is scheduled for a major overhaul, that will change the force structure into 4? interchangeable(photo-copy) divisions?....instead of an Armor division, and infantry etc.....they'll be a fighting force with multiple assets....Armor, light armor, Infantry, supply et al.

remaining Stagnant and not evolving ahead of future enemies would be a horrible thing to do.

This is a good thing, if you don't work at those bases.

[Duck Dog]

Eh, I was in the 3BDE 24ID(Mech) when it was deactivated, we became 3BDE 3ID. I think FORSCOM was downsizing from 10 to 8 divisions. Can't say that it changed a damn thing. We went from Victory time to Marne time. Everything stayed the same. Still on 2hr recall all the time. It didn't stop any of the deployments.


Yeah 2nd AD became 4th ID. Pretty much the same thing exceptHood wasn't the same after they painted the water tower over with 4th ID's patch.

I mean after all it was George 'goddamn' S. 'F#&ck!ng' Pattons division.

[KCWolfman]

I wouldn't mind seeing some of the overseas bases close.
Especially those in Western Europe.

[redbrian]

With you on that one, red. I understand the finanacial considerations for closing the posts, I just hate to see that opportunity go away for people coming in. I'm glad I took advantage early.

Yea I extended 18 months to get an overseas assignment and don’t regret it one bit.

Of the four bases I was posted on, the only one I have any true fondness for is RAF Upper Heyford, which was shut down I guess in the late 90’s when they decommissioned the F-111.

My longest stay was at McConnell and that base can be shut down, bull dozed and burnt to the ground as far as I’m concerned.

[trndobrd]

That definitely would be a big hit to that part of SD. I'm not sure Rapid City could make it with Reptile Gardens being the biggest employer.


Those chickens can still play a mean game of tic-tac-toe.

[trndobrd]

How do Military Personel feel about this? To me it would seem like a giant backstab after being sent to war.


Why would a kid from New York care whether a base in Louisiana remained opened or closed. Very few active military members are stationed anywhere near the place they call home. Retirees and soon to retire servicemembers that have decided to settle near some of these bases might be hurt.

BRAC always brings out the homer in politicians. It always amuses me to watch virulently anti-military politicians, some who haven't voted in favor of a military budget in years, get on the House floor and declare the virtues of "Ft. Crappy" or "Coldwar Naval Airstation" (located in their district of course) and how vital it is for our National Defense.

[Cntrygal]

Why would a kid from New York care whether a base in Louisiana remained opened or closed. Very few active military members are stationed anywhere near the place they call home. Retirees and soon to retire servicemembers that have decided to settle near some of these bases might be hurt.

BRAC always brings out the homer in politicians. It always amuses me to watch virulently anti-military politicians, some who haven't voted in favor of a military budget in years, get on the House floor and declare the virtues of "Ft. Crappy" or "Coldwar Naval Airstation" (located in their district of course) and how vital it is for our National Defense.


What's even more amusing is watching the politicians that normally can't stand in the same room together... share a press conference pleading the same side of the case.

[oldandslow]

It will hurt South Dakota in a big way. Latest estimates are 287 mil out of the economy and nearly 4,000 jobs.

When you only have 650,000 people to begin with, and the 2nd largest employer in the state gets whacked, that hurts.

Maybe punishment for electing Daschle all of those years, although his republican replacement, John Thune, will take the heat for it. He campaigned on his ability to work with GW and keep the base open. Obviously it will come back to haunt him.

Having said all that, I am for the closure. It saves money and was redundant as a base.

I am happy that someone in power has the ability to make tough decisions.

[Loki]

Too early to get worked up about any of these recommendations. Still a long way to go towards closure. Good rule of thumb is that if you have some pretty powerful senators/congressmen, getting on this list is not an automatic death sentence.

I've heard that 1st ID and 1st AD are coming back to the states and Germany is undergoing a huge transition.

i've heard the same thing about the 1st ID.

[Loki]

Wow. I just realized that New London is scheduled to be closed. Does anyone know if the navy has opened a new submariner's school or has plans to?

no, but it's been all over the news around here. used to be a big
(important) base.

perhaps jettio could shed some light on it. :shrug:

[Loki]

Yeah 2nd AD became 4th ID. Pretty much the same thing exceptHood wasn't the same after they painted the water tower over with 4th ID's patch.

I mean after all it was George 'goddamn' S. 'F#&ck!ng' Pattons division.

yeah... blowing traditions like that aren't very cool.

http://www.carpenoctem.tv/img/patton.jpg
what the hell did you do to my
division you sons of b*tches??!!

[Braincase]

Texas is closing a bunch of reservist centers... those guys and gals will have to drive further to fulfill their reservist obligations - but I think it's pretty obvious to the casual observer that Texas got off pretty light. I wonder why?

[CHIEF4EVER]

Texas is closing a bunch of reservist centers... those guys and gals will have to drive further to fulfill their reservist obligations - but I think it's pretty obvious to the casual observer that Texas got off pretty light. I wonder why?

The money needed to keep up an active base is huge compared to the money needed to keep up an armory that sees its soldiers one weekend a month.