Base-closure decisions won't just be popularity contest

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Washington
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
Base-closure decisions won't just be popularity contest
By Rachel Tuinstra
December 31, 2003

EVERETT -- "The Sailor's Choice," the motto of Naval Station Everett, may
not carry much weight when it comes time to consider which military
bases to close, U.S. Department of Defense officials say.

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Lake Stevens, disagrees. He said he believes
that military personnel's preference on where to be stationed will still
be a major consideration when the Defense Department looks at which
bases to close in 2005.

The department recently released its draft criteria for the 2005
base-realignment-and-closure process, which will look at military
installations nationwide to consider which could be shut or
consolidated.

According to the draft criteria, the top consideration for base closures
will be military value, said Glenn Flood, a department spokesman.

"Congress has said, 'You will have military value as the number-one
criteria.' That means, is it important to the overall mission of the
military?" Flood said. "For example, if the base goes away, will the
Navy still be able to perform its mission?"

The eight criteria were written in broad terms, but Flood said the
preference of personnel as far as where to be stationed is not included
in the draft.

"Military retention is not a part of the criteria," Flood said.

The draft criteria are similar to those used in previous base-closure
reviews, including in 1991, 1993 and 1995, he said.

But Larsen, whose district includes Everett, said that though military
retention may not be spelled out, it is included in the criteria.

"Retention is absolutely critical in any discussion about base closure,"
Larsen said. "Criteria number seven is 'The ability of ...
infrastructure to support our forces, missions and personnel.' I think
the fact that Everett is 'the Sailor's Choice' should promote that."

This article can be viewed at:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/snohomishcountynews/2001826292_brac31n.html

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