Fort Hood soldiers have to worry about budget cuts on top of everything else

Fort Hood looks at sequestration
Staff report
Army Times
Posted : Monday Aug 20, 201

Ongoing reductions to the active Army and the possibility of even deeper cuts from sequestration were among soldiers’ top concerns during a two-hour town hall conducted by leaders at III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas.

Lt. Gen. Don Campbell, commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood, said he is optimistic that the installation will not see dramatic changes because of its status as a premier Army post.

“I don’t believe you’ll see a large number of cuts at Fort Hood,” he said. “We have received no guidance on sequestration, and until we receive guidance, we will continue to evaluate the situation with Forces Command and the Department of the Army.”

Fort Hood is one of the Army’s largest installations and is home to the 1st Cavalry Division.

The town hall took place Aug. 14, and leaders fielded more than 200 questions via Facebook and phone. In addition to budget cuts, other issues of concern to soldiers and their families included housing and traffic congestion.

Sequestration, however, was one of the hottest topics during the town hall, with soldiers concerned about the impact of across-the-board defense cuts that could begin in January if Congress and the White House fail to agree on a deficit reduction plan.

The looming $500 billion in defense cuts – which would happen in addition to cuts that are already being made – could slash everything from personnel to programs and health benefits.
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