Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) – Be advised that Senators John McCain and Jack Reed are introducing legislation that will allow for an open dialogue on the future of our nation’s defense infrastructure and how to improve the base closure process.
The dialogue is only open if your defense communities engage now. Thus, your attention and action on this matter are critical if you wish to protect the interests of your members, your credit union, and the communities you serve.
Defense credit unions should be part of this process.
Our partners at the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) invited DCUC to listen in on a townhall last Friday which highlighted several details within the new legislation. First, it will establish a force structure goal, which is believed to be an essential first step in defining our military’s long-term infrastructure needs. Second, this legislation also takes major steps to ensure the process is fair and transparent. Finally, the bill shows a true commitment to supporting a community’s ability to achieve life after closure. This BRAC proposal represents progress and should be given serious consideration.
At this time, DCUC will not take a position for or against this proposed legislation as the outcome of this closure process will both benefit and negatively impact members in different communities. At the same time, we agree with our ADC partners and remain concerned that the independence of the process is compromised by eliminating the BRAC commission. We realize a commission may not be the optimal solution, but we agree that some sort of independent review is necessary. This would ensure the process is transparent and that communities will have an opportunity to tell their stories. This can take the form of an independent review panel that would evaluate DoD’s recommendations, accept and evaluate community input, and determine whether the recommendations are justified. The panel would not have the power to remove or add bases to the list; it would simply release its findings. We agree that this compromise is a way forward that will ensure broader support for the legislation.
As community leaders, military credit unions should be very aware of decisions being made in Washington that will directly impact your communities. The attached summary is provided for your use so that each of you can speak with authority in your town halls and civic meetings. I encourage you to engage with your Congressional Delegation and partner with other community leaders if you wish your voices to be heard.
Again, a decision to hold a new round of BRAC is a tough call for communities, the Congress and DoD. However, it is a decision that will need to be made sooner or later. DCUC’s commitment to you is to continue to provide valuable information you can use and to do all we can to ensure our defense credit unions and communities remain strong regardless of the outcome.
