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AETCNS 112003355:
BRAC process, timeline explained

www.aetc.randolph.af.mil/pa/aetcns/Nov2003/112003355.htm

AETCNS 112003355
Nov. 20, 2003

BRAC process, timeline explained

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) -- The Department of Defense has received congressional authorization for a base realignment and closure round in 2005.

Called BRAC 2005, the program is a means to achieve several goals:

Eliminate excess infrastructure to maximize operational capability;

Optimize military readiness; transform the Air Force by realigning infrastructure with future defense strategy; and capitalize on opportunities for joint activity.

At a minimum, this BRAC round must eliminate excess physical capacity, according to DoD officials. In doing so, the program helps the Defense Department reduce waste, save money and free up resources to recruit quality people, modernize equipment and infrastructure, and develop the capabilities needed to meet 21st century threats, officials said.

All military installations will be equally evaluated, and all recommendations will be based on approved, published selection criteria
and a force structure plan, officials said.  

Both Congress and the Air Force recognize military value must be the primary consideration in reducing or restructuring U.S. military bases.

Congress has authorized BRAC four times in the past: 1988, 1991, 1993 and 1995. The Air Force has closed 22 bases as a result of BRAC. Through 2001, BRAC actions have saved DoD about $16.7 billion, with an estimated recurring savings of $6.6 billion annually.

Timeline:
-- December 2003: Secretary of defense submits the selection criteria used to make recommendations. Once posted, there will be a 30-day public comment period.
-- February 2004: Department of Defense publishes its final selection criteria.
-- March 2004: Congress approves or disapproves criteria. Disapproval requires a joint resolution.
-- March 2005: Presidents nominates nine BRAC Commission members.
-- May 2005: After gathering information and completing a comprehensive analysis, the secretary of defense will submit recommendations for realigning or closing bases to the independent BRAC Commission.
-- May to September 2005: Commission review process.
-- September 2005: The commission forwards its report on the recommendations to the president.
-- Sept. 23, 2005: Date by which the president must accept or reject the recommendations in their entirety and forward to Congress.
-- Nov. 7, 2005: Date by which Congress must act on the recommendations, if accepted. A joint resolution is required to disapprove.

(Compiled by 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs)

MSgt Michael T. Briggs
NCO in Charge, News Division
Air Education and Training Command
Public Affairs

BRAC is official and no one comments on it?

Last time everyone and their brother were jumping through hoops to talk about it.

I'll wait until the first list comes out... then the S WILL HTF.

can't happen soon enough for me. The military has a LOT of redundant bases that are not needed in today's enviornment.

Scaling them back will not only save money but would consolidate training and deployment.

Quoted: can't happen soon enough for me. The military has a LOT of redundant bases that are not needed in today's enviornment. Scaling them back will not only save money but would consolidate training and deployment.

Agreed. I can think of a half a dozen bases right off hand that could be closed.