Fort Knox in a Strong Position as Pentagon Releases Base Closure Guidelines

The Department of Defense (DOD) has released new guidelines outlining the criteria for the upcoming base closures, which could see up to 25% of military bases in the United States shut down. This announcement has sparked concern among communities that rely heavily on their local military installations, but there’s good news for Fort Knox. According to Bill Barron, executive director of the Fort Knox chapter of the Association of the United States Army’s CORE Committee, the guidelines suggest that Fort Knox is in a favorable position.

Barron noted that while the guidelines allow for some interpretation, the focus on multi-purpose bases and infrastructure support places Fort Knox in a strong position. As the Pentagon prepares for potentially the largest base closure round in history, the criteria used will be critical in determining which bases remain open.

Criteria for Base Closure

Here are the eight key criteria the Pentagon will use to decide which bases will be closed or realigned:

  1. The impact of closures on the operational readiness of the Department of Defense’s total force, including joint warfighting, training, and readiness.
  2. The availability and condition of land, facilities, and associated airspace at both existing and potential receiving locations, suitable for various military operations.
  3. The ability of existing and potential locations to accommodate contingency, mobilization, and future total force requirements.
  4. The cost of operations and the implications for manpower.
  5. The extent and timing of potential costs and savings, including how long it will take for savings to exceed costs after closure or realignment.
  6. The economic impact on communities near military installations.
  7. The availability of existing and potential infrastructure in communities to support forces, missions, and personnel.
  8. The impact of potential environmental restorations, waste management, and compliance activities.

As Fort Knox and other military installations await the preliminary list of bases targeted for closure, the focus remains on ensuring that their value to the Department of Defense and their surrounding communities is well-communicated. Given Fort Knox’s economic and strategic importance, the hope is that it will remain a vital part of both the local community and the nation’s defense strategy.