Soldiers, kin face cuts in base services so money can be spent on Afghan war
- January 14, 2010 05:21:36
- Read all 18 opinions
January 9, 2010 by POPEYE
Filed under Featured Stories, US News
(MILITARY TIMES) Soldiers and their families on Army posts around the country could see cutbacks in trash pickup, lawn-mowing and other services as the military tries to hold down non-war spending while escalating the fight in Afghanistan.
Even as total defense spending rises, the portion of the Army budget dedicated to running its bases is down 20 percent this year, according to figures provided to The Associated Press by an Army official who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about them.
The budgets for individual bases are not yet final. But the proposed cuts vary in size and run as deep as 40 percent at some major installations, including Fort Campbell, according to the figures.
Fort Campbell, the home of the 101st Airborne Division, is considering eliminating lawn-mowing and janitorial services and shortening hours at recreation centers, Fort Campbell spokeswoman Kelly Tyler said. But that may not be enough, she said.
Some members of the military are worried money will be pulled from programs that help spouses and children cope with soldiers’ repeated tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, who as head of the Army’s Installation Management Command is in charge of the budget for bases, said in a recent commentary distributed to Army post newspapers that the service has enjoyed unprecedented levels of funding in the past years, but that can’t continue.
“As the country faces some stiff economic challenges, we are forced to reduce funding and exact a greater level of stewardship over our resources,” Lynch said. Starting this year, “performance levels for some installation services will be notably less than we’ve had in recent years and will remain at that level for the foreseeable future.”
Army posts provide many of the services that soldiers and their families have come to rely on, including child and youth programs, continuing education, dining and recreational facilities and help with overcoming drug and alcohol abuse.
Lynch said that certain services, such as police and fire protection, will be fully funded and that the Army is committed to continuing family-focused programs, such as child care. He did not specify where cuts would be made.
It wasn’t clear how the military’s other branches might be affected, though the Army is by far the largest. Officials with the Marines, Navy and Air Force did not respond to requests for information.
Some of the Army’s biggest posts, where soldiers have completed four and five combat tours since the wars began, are facing significant spending reductions, according to the figures obtained by the AP.
At Fort Campbell, where about 17,000 soldiers are leaving this year for Afghanistan, commanders have been told that the operating budget for the current fiscal year could drop 40 percent, from $177.5 million last year to $106.5 million, Tyler said.
Cuts could be 39 percent at Fort Stewart, Ga., 25 percent at Fort Bragg, N.C., 22 percent at Fort Drum, N.Y., and 21 percent at Bamberg, Germany, the figures show.
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Start holding contractors responsible for gouging and stop stealing from families who go year after year without thier loved one and who rely on those benefits to help with the fact that more than likely that soldier's family survives below the poverty level.
However, it looks like you may get your wish for many services o be handled by base personnell if the cut backs occur. But, will that justify adding to the unemployeed?
Since everyone is covered, it shouldn't make any difference.
You have blocked me.
The govt had never honored the promises made to our troops,
Hope an Change. Not for our troops just our enemies.
That's why I wrote "daf" (Yes You, the one above Fannie)
I should have said I tagged on you , because your comment was closest to her at the time.
My apologies.