Possibility of major troop cuts at Fort Bragg by 2020

Army report raises possibility of major troop cuts at Fort Bragg by 2020
By DREW BROOKS
The Fayetteville Observer
Published: January 20, 2013

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fort Bragg could lose as many as 8,000 soldiers and Army civilians by 2020 under alternatives outlined by an Army report on possible force cuts.

All told, more than 10,500 jobs could be lost in Cumberland County and the surrounding region just a few years after the base realignment process brought thousands of new troops and civilians to the post.

The cuts could also mean a loss of up to $24.7 million in state tax revenue, lower home values and a dip in incomes in the region.

The report is a proposal, an Army release emphasized. No decisions on cuts have been made.

"These actions are being undertaken to reshape the Army's forces to meet more effectively national security requirements while reducing the Army's end-strength," the release said. "Force realignment and some level of force reduction will impact most major Army installations. The implementation of this force rebalancing is necessary to allow the Army to operate in a reduced budget climate, while ensuring the Army can continue to support the nation's critical defense missions."
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