Military Bases: Observations on the Analyses Supporting Proposed Closures and Realignments
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) spends billions of dollars annually operating its military bases in the United States. Events taking place throughout the world and within the United States have caused a reevaluation of U.S. military strategy, and U.S. forces are to be significantly reduced. DoD and the Congress both recognize that with a reduced force structure there is a need to close and realign military installations. The Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-510) established a new process for DoD base closure and realignment actions within the United States. The act established an independent Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission and specified procedures that the President, DoD, GAO, and the Commission must follow, through 1995, in order for bases to be closed or realigned. This report responds to the act's requirement that GAO provide the Congress and the Commission, by May 15, 1991, an analysis of the Secretary of Defense's April 12, 1991, recommendations of bases for closure and realignment and the selection process used. GAO also received numerous letters, requests, and materials in connection with this review from congressmen, state and local government officials, and private citizens; however, due to the lack of time available to respond to each of the issues raised, GAO has submitted the materials to the Commission for its use.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA455845
Entities
People
- Donna M. Heivilin
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office