August 2004

Surviving Cuts

Wisconsin’s military bases should survive cuts from the Department of Defense because of the positive financial and social impact they bring to their regions, according to a consultant and former base commander.

Doug Green, vice president with Mead & Hunt in Madison, is one of the consultants hired by Gov. Jim Doyle to compile socioeconomic impact reports for the state to turn over to the DOD’s Base Realignment and Closure Commission.  “That report will help justify and explain to the BRAC commission the importance of having military bases remain in Wisconsin and the need to grow the units and add additional missions,” said Green, a former commander of Volk Field Air National Guard Base in Juneau County.

Gov. Jim Doyle toured the 128th Air Refueling Wing and 440th Airlift Wing at Mitchell Field in Milwaukee today and will visit the 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Air Field in Madison tomorrow to observe the capabilities of the bases.  As governor, Doyle is Commander-in-Chief of the Wisconsin National Guard.

In a statement released after the visits, Doyle said it is critical that we recognize the role of our military bases in a post-9/11 world.  “Wisconsin’s soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen are well trained, well-equipped, and well-prepared to answer the call to duty whenever their service is needed,” Doyle said.

Green stated that the state’s military bases are in good shape structurally and are also well-supported by the public.  “Based on the quality of people we have, and the strength levels we have, I think we’re in pretty darn good shape.  There are no apparent weakness,” said Green.

Green also stated that the Wisconsin bases should be safe from closure or realignment but there are no guarantees.  “They are looking at the entire DOD, everything is on the table,” he said.  Green also added, “Traditionally, when they do a BRAC, like the last in 1995, they look at active duty installations.  This time around, they may delve into the guard and reserve a little more deeply.”

The report will be finished by mi-October and will be handed over to the BRAC.

Under legislation passed in 2002, the Secretary of Defense is required to hand over a list of bases to be closed reo realigned by May 16, 2005.  the list then goes to the nin-member BRAC commission, which passes their recommendations to the president by September 8, 2005.  If the president accepts the list, the closure become law in 45 days unless Congress blocks them.

Wisconsin’s military bases employ 8,403 personnel and have an estimated economic impact of more than $845 million annually.  Fort McCoy has the lion’s share of those figures, with more than 3,200 jobs and an esimated impact of $613 million.

Department of Defense BRAC link:  http://www.defenselink.mil/brac/01new.htm

Reprinted from the August 17, 2004 issue of Wispolitics Report