The Process of Evacuating and Abandoning an American Military Base
In the process of an American military base being abandoned and no longer occupied by US forces, the initial step involves the evacuation of the soldiers. This might seem straightforward, but the subsequent disposition of the base can be quite complex, depending on its location and the surplus military assets involved.
Critical Factors and Depending on Location
The process significantly differs based on whether the base is located in a foreign country or domestically within the United States. Additionally, the valuation and type of land involved play crucial roles. Federal laws govern the disposal of surplus military assets, which often necessitate offering the base to various federal, state, and local agencies first.
Alternate Usage and Transition
When bases are no longer needed, the US often offers them for alternate usage to avoid antagonizing allies. This approach can involve the base being transferred to local entities. For example, the Glenview Naval Air Station and Fort Sheridan near Chicago were initially downsized and saw some of their common recreational areas, golf courses, parks, playgrounds, pools, and gyms transferred to local government entities. The remainder was eventually sold or leased.
Base Transferee and Ownership Transition
In cases where the base is big enough and holds significant value, it can be transferred entirely to local entities or used for community purposes. One example is the Kirtland Air Force Base (KI Sawyer), where the Air Force didn't own all facilities but leased them. Most of the base was transferred or leased to local and state entities. The county took over the flight line and moved their county airport to it, which had been the airport previously before the base was established. General Motors purchased one alert pad, utilizing it for vehicle testing, while a lumber company converted the weapons area, air defense alert hanger, and industrial buildings into a large sawmillfacility. A significant portion of the family housing area was sold to a local Native American tribe, with other facilities transforming into unique community centers. For instance, the gym and swimming pool were repurposed as a YMCA branch. One of the major command and control radar and administrative buildings was repurposed for use by the state of Michigan, housing essential state agencies.
Two Main Scenarios for Evacuation
The process of evacuating a military base can occur under two primary scenarios:
1. Country Requests US Departure
One common scenario is when a host country requests the US to withdraw its forces and vacate the base. In this case, the base is decommissioned and handed over to local authorities or transformed into a different form of public or private usage. The process may require negotiations and agreements between the two nations to ensure a smooth transition.
2. US Decides Unilaterally to Pull Out
Another scenario involves the US deciding to unilateral pullout of a base. This can be done for various reasons, including budget cuts, geopolitical changes, or strategic realignments. In this case, the base is decommissioned, and the assets are either sold, distributed, or repurposed as mentioned above. The process of abandonment and repurposing ensures that the site can be reused for civilian or military purposes without prolonged disputes or ownership issues.
The future of military bases in the United States and abroad depends on a myriad of factors, including security needs, economic considerations, and diplomatic relations. Understanding the process of base abandonment and repurposing is crucial for both policymakers and communities alike, as it can significantly impact local economies and regional security.