Military Is Consolidating Into Large Installations. Reshuffling of Forces Would Create Big Multi-Service Bases.

In its first round of base closures in a decade, the Pentagon announced yesterday a sweeping plan to close or reduce forces at 62 major bases and nearly 800 minor facilities -- consolidating military capabilities in large installations that are best equipped to train and quickly deploy forces in wartime.

In contrast to prior rounds, this one will produce big winners in communities around the country as well as losers, as the Army beefs up its ranks and brings back about 70,000 troops from overseas, while the Navy shuts down large bases, shipyards and air stations.

The Pentagon's 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list would eliminate only 5 percent of the military's installation structure, as measured in replacement value. But it would amount to a large-scale reshuffling of forces to organize them for the type of conflicts envisioned over the next 20 years.

In effect, the Pentagon is trimming away hundreds of inefficient bits and pieces of its military infrastructure while concentrating its assets in big bases, where it can reap economies of scale. A major goal is for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines to share facilities in joint, multi-service installations -- both to save money and benefit from closer cooperation.

For example, the Army's 7th Special Forces Group will move from Fort Bragg, N.C., to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where it can train and prepare for operations together with Air Force special operations personnel. Eglin will establish a joint site where the Navy, Marines and Air Force can all train pilots for the new Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. The services will also share schools for subjects such as transportation and religion.

(5-14-05, The Washington Post.)