Keeping Politics Out of the Base Closing Process

<p>This research paper examines to evolution of the Base Realignment and Closing (BRAC) process from its inception through the most recent round of closings. Although originally designed to prevent politicians from interfering with a closings inside their constituency the legislation was significantly undermined in 2005. Two specific cases Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota and Groton Submarine Base in Connecticut provided multiple examples of how politics have returned to apply pressure and possibly affect the outcome. Whether either of these bases should have been closed or remain open was not the objective of this research. The argument is; that a there is a process in place governed by law and politicians should stay out of the process. There are specific areas where politicians can provide input to the process but that have recently interfered beyond what was intended. The BRAC commissioners have a very daunting task of reviewing copious amounts of data visiting multiple sites and taking input from local communities. These are very knowledgeable people with years of experience. The have the trust of the President to make the right decisions and should therefore not be influenced by Federal State or local politics. As threats continue to change and military force structure evolves future closing rounds will be more crucial. It may be time to re-evaluate the entire process to prevent political interference and allow the Department of Defense to operate as efficiently as possible.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>