Defense Infrastructure: Realignment of Air Force Special Operations Command Units to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico
Highlights
In September 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) recommended closing Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, unless a new mission for the base could be identified by December 31, 2009. In June 2006, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced that Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) would establish a new mission at Cannon Air Force Base and the command would take ownership of the base on October 1, 2007. As a result, Cannon Air Force Base will remain open. While DOD has satisfied the intent of the recommendation by finding a new mission for the base, this BRAC recommendation was unusual because it contained a contingency clause. Therefore, we reviewed DOD's implementation of this recommendation under the authority of the Comptroller General to conduct evaluations on his own initiative. This report (1) describes the factors underpinning the decision to house AFSOC at Cannon Air Force Base and (2) provides information on the cost estimate and timeline for the movement of personnel to establish the AFSOC mission.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| If Congress decides to authorize a future base closure round, it may wish to consider whether to allow a future BRAC Commission the authority to add a contingent element to a recommendation and, if so, under what conditions. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
The matter for Congressional consideration suggests that if Congress decides to authorize a future base closure round, it could add language to a future BRAC legislation about whether to allow a future BRAC Commission the authority to add a contingent element to a BRAC recommendation. However, until such time such legislation is enacted, we will not be in a position to report our suggested matter for Congressional consideration has been implemented. |