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What is Base Realignment And Closure (BRAC)?Base Realignment And Closure, called BRAC reflects legislation enacted by Congress in 2001. Over 100 bases or 25% of United States military bases are to be closed worldwide. These bases are planned for closure or realignment beginning in early 2006. Those bases selected to be closed were announced on May 16, 2005. As a result, BRAC seems to raise more questions than it answers. Here is how it all started. In mid-December 2001 House and Senate negotiators authorized a new round of military base closings, but delayed any action until 2005. While the Bush administration and the Senate wanted the base-closing process to begin in 2003, the House was opposed. On January 6, 2004, the Department of Defense released the following sites: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2004/01/mil-040106-dod01.htm that it had requested commanders of installations in the United States, to gather information about their installations as part of the 2005 round of BRAC. http://www.dod.mil/brac/. Follow these links for more information on BRAC. http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20040105-0846.html
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Army Gen. Henry H. Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the House Armed Services Committee in July 2001 that the Pentagon maintained 25 percent more facilities than it needs, even after four rounds of base closings in the 1990s. By some accounts, the excess military bases annually cost taxpayers an estimated $3.5 billion. As a result of legislation that regulates BRAC, all domestic military bases are to be treated and assessed equally.
In this light, the Camden-Kings Bay Community Action Group (CAG) is focused on developing strong community support for the Naval Submarine Base at Kings Bay. Over 40 volunteers in December of 2003 joined the team. This number has grown to over 100. These volunteers have given of their time and energy to develop a powerful database of information about Southeast Georgia. This virtual database shows community strengths and corrective steps taken to address and resolve weaknesses. Being prepared for worst case situations will also help prepare the community for growth. The work that the Camden-Kings Bay CAG volunteers are performing on BRAC will give the community the benefit of helping to “Realign” and attract new missions to the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay (NSB Kings Bay) such as: the SSGN submarines etc. On the other side of the equation, beefing up the economic structure of Camden County now to offset the effects of closure provides good insurance. There is still a great deal of work to do before May 16, 2005 when the Secretary of Defense publishes the list of bases to be closed. CAG is also taking proactive steps to improve the community’s position with the BRAC Commission and the Department of Defense. We are seeking community support for completing this difficult task. Following the CAG plan can result in a Win – Win Outcome. To be successful, it will take dollars and hard work. People must be hired to augment volunteer staff to do a number of studies, which will help determine the level of capability and service capacity available in Camden County. Economic opportunities must be optimized to position the community for economic gains from new missions (such as the Coast Guard Homeland Security Force that recently located here). New missions and expanded opportunities bring new jobs and an improved tax base. As further insurance, if the Base closure occurs, the Camden Community would be well prepared with a strong economic foundation, and well positioned to meet NSB Kings Bay opportunities. And not be caught short handed like the community did when the Durango Paper Mill closed. The closing of 100 bases will be more than all of the previous BRACs combined since 1988. It shows the need to be proactive steps and for teamwork required throughout Camden County. We can’t afford not to get involved now. If we wait it may be too late. BRAC Timeline (Source: DoD)May 16, 2005: Secretary of Defense Recommendations. Not later than this date, the Secretary must publish in the Federal Register and transmit to the congressional defense committees and the Commission, a list of the military installations that the Secretary recommends for closure or realignment. July 1, 2005: Comptroller General Analysis. Not later than this date, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the congressional defense committees, a report containing a detailed analysis of the Secretary’s recommendations and selection process. September 8, 2005: Commission’s recommendations. Not later than this date, the Commission must transmit to the President “a report containing its findings and conclusions based on a review and analysis of the Secretary’s recommendations. September 23, 2005: President’s approval of disapproval of Commission Recommendations. Not later than this date, the President shall transmit to the Commission and to the Congress, “a report containing the President’s approval or disapproval of the Commission’s recommendations. If the President approves the recommendations, the recommendations are binding 45 “legislative” days after Presidential transmission or adjournment sine die, unless Congress enacts joint resolution of disapproval. October 20, 2005: Commission’s revised recommendations. If the President disapproves the Commissions initial recommendations, the Commission must submit revised recommendations to the President not later than this date. November 7, 2005: President’s approval or disapproval of revised recommendations. The President must approve the revised recommendations and transmit approval to Congress by this date or the process ends. The recommendations become binding 45 legislative days after Presidential transmission or adjournment sine die, unless Congress enacts joint resolution of disapproval. April 15, 2006: Commission terminates.April 9, 2004 |