Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) History and Timeline
The process of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) is a strategic mechanism used by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to reorganize its installation infrastructure. By closing unnecessary facilities and realigning others to better suit modern military needs, the government aims to reduce overhead costs and improve operational efficiency.
Over several decades, multiple BRAC commissions have reshaped the landscape of American military presence, transitioning many sites from active-duty status to reserve centers, National Guard facilities, or civilian use.
Key Facts
- BRAC refers to the systematic process of closing or realigning military installations to save costs and optimize resources.
- Major BRAC rounds occurred in 1988, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, and 2005.
- Realignment involves changing the mission or capacity of a base rather than closing it entirely.
- The 2005 round introduced the concept of Joint Bases, merging multiple service installations into single entities.
- The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 currently prohibits the authorization of future BRAC rounds.
The Early BRAC Rounds: 1988 to 1995
The 1988 Commission
The 1988 round saw a wide array of closures and realignments across all branches. Notable actions included the realignment of Fort Bliss, Fort Detrick, and Fort Meade, while facilities like the Presidio of San Francisco and Chanute Air Force Base were slated for closure.
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The 1990 Legislation
Under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-510), the commission recommended closing the Oakland Army Base in California and the Military Ocean Terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey. This period also saw the relocation of the MTMC (Military Traffic Management Command) Eastern and Western Area Headquarters to Fort Eustis, Virginia.
The 1991 and 1993 Commissions
The 1991 round was characterized by significant Air Force and Navy adjustments. For example, Carswell Air Force Base was realigned as the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. In 1993, the focus shifted toward naval infrastructure, with the closure of several Naval Air Stations, including those in Alameda, Cecil Field, and Barbers Point.
The 1995 Commission
The 1995 round continued the trend of transferring facilities to the National Guard. Fort Chaffee was turned over to the Arkansas National Guard, and Fort Barfoot was transferred to the Virginia National Guard. Other major closures included the Military Ocean Terminal at Bayonne and the Naval Shipyard in Long Beach.
The 2005 BRAC Round and the Shift to Joint Bases
The 2005 process was highly publicized, beginning with a proposal on May 13, 2005, known as "BRAC Friday." After public hearings and revisions by a 9-member commission, the final list was approved by the President and enacted after a House resolution to disapprove it failed. All recommendations were required to be implemented by September 15, 2011.
A defining feature of the 2005 round was the creation of Joint Bases, where 26 bases were consolidated into 12 joint installations. An example of this is Joint Base Lewis–McChord, which combined Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.
Major 2005 Closures and Realignments
- Closures: Fort Monmouth (NJ), Fort Monroe (VA), and Naval Station Ingleside (TX).
- Realignments: Army Human Resource Command (HRC) moved from Missouri to Fort Knox, Kentucky; Pope Air Force Base was transferred to the Army as Pope Army Airfield and merged with Fort Bragg.
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Summary of BRAC Activity by Period
| Year/Round | Primary Focus/Outcome | Notable Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Broad closures and realignments | Presidio of San Francisco (Closed) |
| 1990 | Legislative framework (Pub. L. 101-510) | Oakland Army Base (Closed) |
| 1991-1993 | Heavy Air Force and Navy reductions | NAS Alameda (Closed) |
| 1995 | National Guard transfers | Fort Chaffee (to AR National Guard) |
| 2005 | Joint Base consolidation | Joint Base Lewis–McChord |
The Status of BRAC After 2005
Following the 2005 round, the commission recommended that Congress authorize new rounds every eight years, starting in 2015. However, this has faced significant political resistance. In 2012, the House Armed Services Committee rejected calls for closures outside of the 2015 window.
Despite requests from Defense Secretary Ash Carter in 2015 and arguments from former chairman Anthony Principi regarding the waste of funding outdated infrastructure, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 specifically prohibits the authorization of future BRAC rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between closure and realignment in BRAC?
Closure refers to the complete shutting down of a military installation. Realignment involves changing the base's mission, moving certain functions to other locations, or altering the number of personnel assigned to the site without closing it entirely.
What are Joint Bases?
Joint Bases are installations created by merging two or more separate service bases (e.g., Army and Air Force) into a single entity to streamline installation support and reduce costs.
Why are BRAC rounds conducted?
BRAC rounds are conducted to ensure that military infrastructure matches the current strategic needs of the Department of Defense, eliminating redundant facilities and reducing operational costs.
Is there a BRAC round scheduled for the near future?
No. While there were requests for a 2015 round, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 prohibits the authorization of future BRAC rounds.
Who has the final say in the BRAC process?
The process involves a commission that makes recommendations, which are then submitted to the President for approval and subsequently notified to Congress. Congress can pass a joint resolution to disapprove the recommendations, but if they fail to do so, the recommendations are enacted.