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Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009

Military Notebook: GAO report slams BRAC process

A report issued this month by the Government Accountability Office estimated that costs associated with the current round of Base Realignment and Closures have increased while savings have decreased.

The GAO, Congress’ investigative arm, criticized the latest BRAC round for dramatic cost overruns, negating much of the cost savings that BRAC was designed for in the first place.

The 2005 round of closures was “the biggest, most complex, and costliest BRAC round ever,” the GAO report said.

“Before it can realize savings from BRAC, DOD must first invest billions in facility construction, renovation, and other up-front expenses,” the report added, estimating that the Pentagon will spend nearly $35 billion to implement the 2005 BRAC list. The initial cost estimate of the 2005 BRAC was pegged at $21 billion.

The previous four BRAC lists cost the Department of Defense about $25 billion combined, the report said.

The Department of Defense is mandated to implement all of the 2005 BRAC recommendations by September 2011. It expects an annual savings of about $4 billion a year when the all of the recommended base closures have been finished.

Post-9/11 GI Bill may be further strengthened

Lawmakers are looking to add job-training programs to the education regimens covered by the Post-9/11 Bill, according to an Air Force Times article. The bill went into effect this academic year, covering all in-state tuition costs and many living expenses for veterans attending college.

The House has already passed a bill that would cover living expenses if a veteran took part in a Labor Department job retraining program.

The Senate is now discussing a bill that would similarly cover job training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Robins unit, airman win awards

Tech Sgt. Scott Woodring, a terminal attack controller based at Robins Air Force Base, was honored with the Capt. Lance P. Sijan Award this week. The Sijan Award is presented annually to airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities.

Three other airmen, based at other installations, were also honored with the award.

According to an Air Force news release, Woodring directed more than 100 missions that were credited with saving the lives of 10 Iraqi citizens.

Tuesday, the 402nd Software Maintenance Group was named a “Star Site” by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The designation is given to organizations that demonstrate an outstanding safe work environment.

“Wreaths Across America” Dec. 12

Andersonville National Cemetery will hold its annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 12 at 11 p.m. Anyone interested in participating in the ceremony must deliver their wreath by noon on Dec. 11.

If you have questions regarding the event, call Andersonville National Historic Site volunteer coordinator Lindsey Phillips at (229) 924-0343.

Wreaths Across America was founded in 1992 with an initial donation of 5,000 wreaths, laid on gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery for Christmas. In the 17 years since, the cause has expanded to an annual, national event.

To contact military writer Thomas L. Day, call 744-4489.