Fort Shafter on (unofficial) base closure list!

[KamaAina]

This is an unofficial list, posted elsewhere at DU:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1421417&mesg_id=1421627

but it looks like it may contain some "inside scoops".

http://www.g2mil.com/2005.htm

Fort Shafter, Hawaii - The "US Army Pacific" doesn't need its own base with 1400 soldiers and 2000 civilians in expensive Hawaii. It should be eliminated or cut down to a dozen soldiers and based within the Pacific Command headquarters at Camp Smith, while other elements migrate over to Schofield Barracks. I Corps in Washington state can "command" the few army units in the Pacific. Recent reports are that the Army wants to expand little-used Camp Zama in Japan to house a major headquarters in the Pacific; I Corps would move there and absorb 8th Army from Korea and some elements from Shafter and Alaska.

If this happens, it will obviously hit the local media ("Our strategic location in mid-Pacific should protect us from any further base closures") like a thunderbolt from the blue, dominating the headlines for weeks. You, however, will be able to say, "Y'know, I read something about that a few weeks ago on DU...".

[MADem]

1. I agree with some of their proposals, but disagree with others

Some of the mission statements aren't entirely accurate, and neglect to mention key functions not readily reproduceable or easily moved elsewhere. But it does give a good overview of what might be on the block in the next round.

[lenidog]

2. I have to agree with you

some of them I agree with and others I don't. Also as you said some of the mission statements are a little bit off. I also disagree with teh closing on any of the arsenals. Just because we have excess space now doesn't mean we will have it down the road if anything happens. Once that arsenal is gone its gone for good. If they were to close it then I would say "freeze dry" the place. Close it down but keep a minimal crew on to mantain the place and not sell it to private industry or developers.