What does BRAC mean in UNCLASSIFIED
The acronym BRAC stands for Base Realignment and Closure. It is a term that is used in the United States to refer to the process of deciding which military installations should be kept open and which should be closed or realigned for economic purposes. The Department of Defense (DoD) oversees this process, and ultimately makes decisions about base closures and realignments. BRAC has been used since 1988, when Congress gave the DoD authority to close excess military bases as a cost cutting measure. Since then, several rounds of BRAC have taken place, each resulting in significant changes to the U.S. military installations across the country.
BRAC meaning in Unclassified in Miscellaneous
BRAC mostly used in an acronym Unclassified in Category Miscellaneous that means Base Realignment And Closing
Shorthand: BRAC,
Full Form: Base Realignment And Closing
For more information of "Base Realignment And Closing", see the section below.
Definition
BRAC is an acronym referring to Base Realignment and Closure (or BRAC), which is any activity related to reorganizing certain major US military installations, such as reducing personnel or changing mission requirements. This type of change was authorized by the US Congress in 1988 with BRAC becoming an official part of legislation known as “The Management Efficiency Act” signed into law by President Reagan. Since then there have been four rounds of closures in 1991, 1993, 1995, 2005 with subsequent adjustments taking place since that time leading up to today's implemented base organization structure.
Purpose
The purpose of BRAC is twofold. First it allows various branches of the U.S. armed forces to more closely align their assets with current needs while conserving taxpayer money via decreased overhead costs associated with redundant or out-of-date facilities or services among other things; Secondly it allows for increased modernization across all branches through strategic investments made possible by reductions made through the base closure program resulting in a more capable fighting force overall than if these kinds of consolidations had not occurred.
Advantages
The advantages derived from BRAC are numerous but can be summarized as improvements in efficiency and effectiveness both financially and operationally for all branches of service including those at each individual installation level where operations become better managed due to reduction in redundancy or obsolete infrastructure which lead directly back into increased savings from more efficient spending nationwide as well as more appropriate utilization by all branches globally based on their current operational needs at any given moment.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages associated with BRAC primarily involve long-term effects such as local job losses due to closing a base or realigning resources away from one region or another; Impact on local economies due to reduced income now flowing within a certain area; Reduced morale within some communities affected by base closures; Erosion effects on natural resources located near former locations as they no longer receive regular maintenance care; And further congestion issues within already dense population areas resulting from potentially increased local traffic flow.
Essential Questions and Answers on Base Realignment And Closing in "MISCELLANEOUS»UNFILED"
What is BRAC?
BRAC stands for Base Realignment and Closing. It is the process in which military bases that are no longer needed or have become too expensive to maintain are closed down, while other bases are either expanded or newly built in order to meet the needs of the armed forces.
Are all military installations subject to closure under BRAC?
No, not all military installations will necessarily be affected by a BRAC decision. Factors such as size, location and mission requirements will determine whether an installation should close or stay open.
How often does DoD conduct BRAC Rounds?
The Department of Defense has conducted four rounds of base realignments and closures (BRAC) over the past 40 years. While there is no set timeline for future rounds, these have been spaced out at six-year intervals.
Does BRAC only result in closures?
No, while some military installations are closed due to BRAC decisions, many more remain in operation and undergo significant changes either as a result of expansion or relocation within their existing facilities.
Who makes the final decision on base closures under BRAC?
The President carries out the final decision on any recommended base realignment and closure action as recommended by an independent panel appointed by Congress known as the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRACC).
How can local communities influence a BRAC outcome?
Local communities can present their case before the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRACC) in order to demonstrate why a particular installation should remain open. This can include economic impacts on employment opportunities, community services and essential infrastructure that would be impacted if the installation were to close.
What happens after a BRAC decision is made?
After an official recommendation from the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRACC) is approved by both houses of Congress and signed into law by the President, the Department of Defense begins implementation preparations including funding allocations for projects related to relocating personnel or closing/expanding bases.
Is compensation available for those affected by a BRAC closure or reduction-in-force action?
Yes, workers who become unemployed as a result of a realignment or closure action may qualify for assistance through retraining programs under Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for American workers program administered by U.S. Department of Labor Employment Training Administration (ETA). Those enrolled in TAA are eligible for allowances such as job search allowances to cover expenses associated with seeking new employment opportunities outside commuting area impacted by closure/realignment actions.
Final Words:
Despite its disadvantages, Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) remains an important tool utilized by the Department of Defense for managing its vast network of installations across the United States ensuring that our national security remains strong through more efficient spending practices while yielding substantial benefits gained through reducing redundant operations and streamlining responsibilities so that our armed forces remain capable now and into future conflicts if needed.
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