The criteria for and effects of base closures.

Abstract

This study examines available information on base closures. A determination is made as to the criteria for and the effects of these closures. The criteria developed include costs to the federal government, local economic impact, political impact, environmental impact and the impact on defense readiness. There were few detailed data available on the criterion of costs to the federal government. The majority of the information came from GAO evaluations of DOD proposals to close or realign bases. There were more data available on the criterion of local economic impact, the majority of these data coming from the Office of Economic Adjustment. Some data were available on the remaining criteria, but they were mostly based on personal opinions. The analysis attempts to draw lessons from past base closures to assist in the assessment of future closure decisions. However, the limited data provided little conclusive evidence to support the criteria for decision making.