Closure of Military Installations - The Good, The Bad, The Better?
Abstract
Closures or realignments of military installations have occurred throughout the course of American military history, with some interruption. In the wake of the end of the Cold War, both the Armed Forces and Congress have moved to downsize military personnel and infrastructure; either to recreate America's isolationism from world affairs or to reduce defense costs in order to reap a peace dividend. From the earliest legislative act governing base realignments and closures to the present law, this paper will discuss the evolution of Section 2687 of Title 10, United States Code. Originally implemented in 1977, the statute became the subject of subsequent criticism. Congressional and public cries for more oversight, a political decisionmaking, and more objective criteria and processes heralded subsequent legislative changes. Accordingly, this paper will also discuss the Base Realignment and Closure Act of 1988, and the Defense Realignment and Closure Act of 1990. The reader will follow the realignment and closure selection process from its beginnings in the Department of Defense (hereinafter DOD), through Congressional review, to the White House. Discussion will also include the development of the critical and highly scrutinized selection criteria, the enactment of an independent commission, and the evolvement of public review to the process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 30, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370476
Entities
People
- Sandra M. Wozniak
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology