Rumsfeld: Fewer base closings anticipated. - This is huge news for Ga. & nation. Rather than 25%, only about 15% of base capacity expected to be cut.

Far fewer military bases are likely to be closed and realigned than originally foreseen, in part because of the planned shift of tens of thousands of troops from bases in Asia and Europe to the United States, according to Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.

"Without final figures, I would say the percent will be less than half of the 20 to 25 percent that has been characterized previously," Mr. Rumsfeld said . . . .

The Pentagon wants to close some bases to save money over the long run, and base realignments are aimed at advancing the ability of the military services to operate and train together.

(5-7-05, The Associated Press.)