Improving the Base Realignment and Closure Process
Abstract
This paper attempts to amplify on the need for the BRAC process, but it also offers recommendations to improve the process. The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act is the business process that the Department of Defense (DoD) uses to either eliminate or better utilize excess military facilities. It is estimated that the DoD has between 20-25% in excess installation infrastructure, the maintenance of which costs billions of dollars each year. It also is estimated that prior base closings under the BRAC have resulted in an annual savings for the DoD of nearly 7 billion dollars. Therefore, closing or better utilizing the existing base infrastructure will result in significant savings to the DoD that could be used for the procurement of new weapons systems or to upgrade the remaining base infrastructure. While there is little doubt that the BRAC process is a solid way for the DoD to do business, it could be greatly improved by enabling the Service Chiefs to decide what bases should be closed or realigned. Currently, a congressional committee is formed and they develop a list of potential installations as candidates for closure. This list is then forwarded up the political chain until it finally gets to the President, and he either approves or sends the list back. This is where the process could be greatly improved. By taking Congress out of the decision making process, less time and money will be consumed on economic and/or environmental impact studies. This will allow the DoD to realize tangible savings sooner. The Service Chiefs are in a position to know what installation assets their individual services require, or what assets could be co-located on another service's installation. For example, there could be joint basing of aviation assets.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA498583
Entities
People
- W. S. Gourley
Organizations
- Marine Corps University