An analysis of the effect of budget reductions on military force structure realignment

Abstract

As the result of the deliberations of the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission, the Department of Defense will close or realign over 100 military iitallations, at a cost of over $5.5 billion. This study provides an analysis of the effect of budget reductions on military force structure realignment. The realignment of P-3 squadrons that results from the closure of NAS Barbers Point is used as a case analysis to gain insight into the effect of BRAC related Military Construction (MILCON) reductions on the P-3 force structure decisions. The thesis compares MILCON cost figures for the various P-3 realignment options that are being or have been considered, then draws conclusions on the effect of MILCON deferrals on this realignment. The enclosed data indicates that the NAS Whidbey Island single-site plan will save over $100 million in up-front MILCON cost as compared to dual-site plans that include MCAS Kaneohe Bay as a P-3 receiver site. Also, the effect of BRAC-related MILCON deferrals will be to significantly increase OMN and MPN account costs over the FYDP by forcing the delay of base closures.