GovernmentExecutive.com

Return to Article: Rumsfeld sees fewer base closings in upcoming round

• 9629
  

  Perhaps the returning forces could re-occupy bases closed in the last BRAC with the associated MILCON's to modernize the facilities.. Fort Ord, NAS Alameda, El Toro... you get the idea. As I understand it many of the "closed" facilities from the previous closure rounds have yet to be put to other uses and are still intact. So... we use what we have.

  ~ALSO~
  I'm hoping DoD/OPM will be more forthcoming with information for the effected civilian employees, I notice not much is out yet.

  GovExec.com reader Posted May 10, 2005 12:27 AM
• 9614
  

  A lot of the bases that are subject to being closed are old and run down. They don't have buildings suitable for rehabitation. Where does Rumsfeld expect to put troops, in tents maybe? There is a reason for closing 25% of our installations, they just aren't needed because they are too small, often land locked and too old. So, why make such statements?

  I hope that Rumsfeld isn't secretly planning some major construction project. DLA pulled that trick during a previous BRAC. Now we have a new building we don't really need on an otherwise old and decrepit facility that we don't really need.

  If we close overseas facilities, it means we don't need them. Not that we should move them.

  Robert M. Posted May 9, 2005 8:23 AM
• 9599
  

  Of course Rumsfeld now professes fewer base closings than expected, he's applying "oil pricing messaging 101" to the bad news many communities, businesses, and federal employee dread. By inflating the number, then lowering at the last minute, he makes people feel better about what he's about to do or has already done.

  Just like the oil companies who jumb gas prices only to lower to a higher price than before the hike. We forget that the prices are still higher than before, but are happy that they are lower than what they just had been.

  This tactic also brings the heat off him from members of Congress and community groups just before the ax falls.

  This base closure process will be like none other felt before with the pending dome of new personnel rules for DOD workers. Without the ability of unions to negotiate soft landings for workers, changes in RIF rules and veterans preference, and a unyielding power of new "workforce shaping rules", federal employees can expect a lot of pain.

  Mark Gibson Posted May 8, 2005 11:11 AM