The Army released a force-reduction analysis Friday on plans that list Fort Benning among bases that could lose a combat brigade.

By 2020, the Army plans to reduce forces from 562,000 to 490,000 to meet budget constraints. According to a release from U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., those plans include the deactivation of eight brigade combat teams. Two of those will be units stationed in Europe, while the others will come from 21 U.S. installations that have been identified.

Those installations include three Georgia bases, which are Fort Benning in Columbus, Fort Gordon in Augusta, and Fort Stewart in Hinesville, the release stated. In making its final choice, the Army will consider environmental issues, socioeconomic impact, military value, cost and other factors.

Fort Benning is in Bishop’s district.

“It cannot be understated how important Fort Benning, its service members, and support staff are to the community and economy of the greater Columbus region,” said Bishop in the release.

Most brigades have about 3,500 troops but can be as large as 5,000.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.