What are some of the major elements of the BRAC 2005 process and what will ensure it will be fair?
The process is governed by law; specifically, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. The process begins with a threat assessment of the future national security environment, followed by the development of a force structure plan and basing requirements to meet these threats. DoD then applies published selection criteria to determine which installations to recommend for realignment and closure. The Secretary of Defense will publish a report containing the realignment and closure recommendations, forwarding supporting documentation to an independent commission appointed by the President, in consultation with congressional leadership. The commission has the authority to change the Department’s recommendations if it determines that the Secretary deviated substantially from the force structure plan and/or selection criteria. The Commission will hold regional meetings to solicit public input prior to making its recommendations. History has shown that the use of an independent c
