Texas hosts some of the most significant military installations in the United States. These bases play crucial roles not only in national defense but also in the economy of Texas, providing thousands of jobs and contributing billions of dollars to the state’s economy. However, the possibility of base closures or realignments always looms, driven by federal budget constraints and shifting strategic needs. This blog post reviews the federal criteria for base closures and realignments, evaluates the strength of Texas military bases under the current scoring system utilized by the U.S. Department of Defense, and makes recommendations to mitigate the risk of closures or realignments.
Military Bases in Texas
If you’re wondering “how many military bases are in Texas,” you’re not alone. We have made a list of military bases in Texas below to help you familiarize yourself with several of the bases in Texas and their purposes.
Joint Bases
- Joint Base San Antonio. Includes both Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases in San Antonio, serving various Air Force training and operational missions.
Air Force
- Dyess Air Force Base (Abilene). Known for its special operations and bomber missions.
- Goodfellow Air Force Base (San Angelo). Training center for fire protection and intelligence personnel.
- Laughlin Air Force Base (Del Rio). Premier training facility for Air Force pilots, focusing particularly on training pilots in the T-1 Jayhawk, T-6 Texan II, and T-38 Talon aircraft.
- Sheppard Air Force Base. (Wichita Falls). Serves as a training base for both technical and flight operations.
Army
- Fort Cavasos (Killeen). Army base known for its armored and cavalry units.
- Fort Bliss: (El Paso). Focuses on air defense and artillery for the Army.
- Red River Army Depot (Texarkana). Responsible for the repair and maintenance of various military vehicles and equipment.
- Brooks City-Base (San Antonio). Previously an Air Force base, now repurposed for mixed-use development but still retains some military functions.
- Army Futures Command in Texas. (Austin). This command is central to the U.S. Army’s efforts to modernize and implement new technologies and capabilities. It plays a pivotal role in the Army’s future operational environment and the development of warfare technologies.
- Corpus Christi Army Depot. This facility is the primary U.S. Army aviation depot, known for its helicopter repair and maintenance capabilities.
- Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base (Houston). Supports various military operations and houses units from the Air Force, Army, and Navy. It is also used for NASA aircraft operations.
- Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth: Supports air operations and serves as a joint reserve base for various military branches, hosting a range of fighter jets and other aircraft.
Naval Air Stations
- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Primary training center for naval aviators.
- Naval Air Station Kingsville. Key training location for tactical jet pilots.
Texas stands as a cornerstone of military innovation and leadership in the United States, hosting critical command centers and futuristic initiatives. The state is home to the US Army Futures Command in Austin, which spearheads modernization efforts to keep the Army at the technological forefront. Additionally, both US Army North and US Army South have their headquarters at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, overseeing defense operations across North and South America. The US Army Medical Command, also based at Fort Sam Houston, plays a pivotal role in advancing military medical practices. These installations underline Texas’s significant contribution to enhancing the strategic capabilities and operational readiness of the military.
Understanding BRAC: The Federal Base Closure Process
The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process is a mechanism used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to reorganize its base structure to more efficiently and effectively support its forces, increase operational readiness, and facilitate new ways of warfare. The BRAC process considers several criteria, including the current and future mission capabilities of the bases, the impact on operational readiness, cost of operations, and environmental and economic impacts on surrounding communities.
Key Criteria for Base Assessment:
- Military Value: This includes the base’s ability to support military operations and training, its condition, and the ability to accommodate new or shifting missions.
- Cost of Operations: Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of each base, including personnel, maintenance, and other operational expenses.
- Environmental Impact: Assessing the environmental consequences of continuing, expanding, or closing a base.
- Community Impact: Considering the economic, infrastructural, and social impacts on surrounding communities.
Texas’ BRAC History
Texas has navigated several rounds of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) processes, particularly in 1991, 1993, 1995, and 2005, which significantly reshaped its military landscape. These BRAC rounds led to the closure of military bases in Texas like Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth and Reese Air Force Base near Lubbock, presenting economic challenges and job losses for the affected communities. However, these closures also created opportunities for redevelopment and economic rejuvenation as the vacated lands were repurposed for commercial and public use. On the other hand, expansions, notably at Fort Bliss in El Paso, spurred economic growth due to increases in military personnel and infrastructure investments.
In response, Texas has evolved its strategy to enhance the value of its military installations through strategic investments and robust community partnerships, aiming to protect these bases from future closures by underscoring their importance to national security and their beneficial impacts on local and state economies.
Evaluating Texas Military Bases
Texas is home to fifteen major military installations, including Fort Hood, Joint Base San Antonio, and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. These bases collectively enhance the military readiness of the United States and provide substantial economic benefits to their local communities.
Strengths of Military Bases in Texas:
- Strategic Importance: Texas bases often have unique geographic and strategic advantages that contribute to their high military value. For example, Fort Hood is one of the largest U.S. military installations in the world and is crucial for tank and infantry training.
- Economic Impact: Texas military bases contribute significantly to local and state economies through direct employment, contracts, and other expenditures.
- Community Support: Texas communities are generally very supportive of military bases, which helps in community integration and impact mitigation.
- Operational Readiness: Many Texas bases are at the forefront of technological and tactical innovations, which increases their indispensability.
Recommendations to Mitigate Realignment or Closure Risks
Given the strategic, economic, and operational importance of Texas military bases, it is vital to adopt proactive strategies to mitigate the risks of closures or realignments. Here are some recommended strategies:
1. Enhancing Military Value
- Infrastructure Improvements: Invest in modernizing base infrastructure to support new and evolving military technologies and operations.
- Mission Diversification: Encourage bases to diversify and expand their mission capabilities to align with future defense strategies.
2. Strengthening Community and Economic Ties
- Community Engagement: Strengthen relationships between military bases and local communities through outreach programs and community service.
- Economic Integration: Enhance the integration of bases into local economies by supporting defense-related businesses and startups.
3. Environmental and Cost Efficiency
- Sustainability Initiatives: Implement green technologies and sustainable practices to minimize environmental impacts and improve cost-efficiency.
- Cost-Effective Operations: Streamline operations to reduce overheads without compromising operational readiness or output.
Conclusion
Military bases in Texas are vital assets for national security and state economy. By understanding the BRAC criteria and evaluating the strengths of Texas military installations, stakeholders can better advocate for their continued operation and strategic use. Implementing the recommendations outlined can help safeguard these bases against potential closures or realignments, ensuring they continue to contribute to our national defense and local economies for years to come.
In summary, protecting and enhancing military bases in Texas requires a multifaceted approach involving strategic investments, community engagement, and operational efficiencies. With thoughtful planning and proactive advocacy, Texas can ensure its bases remain integral components of America’s defense infrastructure.
Are you and your community concerned with the upcoming round of base realignment and closure? GovExperts can assist you working with the state government. Call us at 512-480-0049 to talk today!