Military Bases: DOD Has Processes to Comply with Statutory Requirement for Closing or Realigning Installations

In the early 1960s, the Secretary of Defense, at the President's direction, developed and implemented a base closure program, with minimal consultation with Congress. This program resulted in hundreds of base closures and realignments, including closure of more than 60 major bases. Subsequently, in 1977, Congress enacted 10 U.S.C. 2687 to establish procedures that DOD must generally follow when closing or realigning a military installation, in the United States or its territories, where 500 or more civilian personnel were authorized to be employed.6 In 1978, Congress amended the law by lowering the threshold to 300 or more civilian personnel.