Defense Base Closure, Part 1

The Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission heard testimony on military bases proposed for closure on the final day of deliberations by the panel. The commission was created by President Bush to investigate a list of military installations proposed for closure by the Department of Defense earlier in 1991. The closures are part of the department’s plans to reduce the manpower of the military 25 percent by 1996, which are based upon a fundamental change in military strategy and alignment by the U.S. military following the end of the Cold War. The commission’s recommendations on military base closures were due to President Bush by July 1, 1991. If he approves them, Congress will vote up or down on the entire package of military base closures, not on individual bases. The commission, working from a list of 45 possible military installations proposed for closure, recommended to close 25 military bases and 10 research laboratories by 1997. The commission recommended keeping open many close