DoD Releases Recommended Base Closures

The Defense Department has recommended closing 33 major bases and realigning 29 others as part of a comprehensive reshaping of the military infrastructure through the base realignment and closure process.

The recommendations now go to the BRAC Commission chaired by former Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony J. Principi. The commission will start hearings on the specific recommendations May 16. If adopted, the recommendations would give DoD a net savings of almost $50 billion over 20 years. Annual savings are pegged at $5.5 billion a year after that.