Reserves' Reported Facilities Backlog Now Exceeds $2 Billion; Acquisition Planning Questioned

In 1970, Defense Reserve components reported a $1.2 billion backlog of facility needs. Between fiscal years 1970 and 1979, Congress provided over $1 billion to meet these needs. As a result of the increasing demand for facilities, a review was undertaken on the feasibility of Reserve Forces sharing or solely using regular force facilities which are either vacant or underused. The Department of Defense (DOD) has instructed the Reserve Forces to use the most cost-effective method when acquiring new facilities or expanding, repairing, and replacing existing facilities. The construction approval process by DOD starts each year with the Reserve units and programming offices of the Reserves' intermediate headquarters identifying facility deficiencies. Lists of construction projects needed to correct the deficiencies are forwarded through command channels. Eventually, each Reserve component includes all known requirements into a long-range program (backlog program). On the basis of the supporting documents submitted with the projects and minutes of the State board meetings, the Assistant Secretary of Defense or his designee approves or disapproves the projects included in each Reserve component's annual program. DOD has a single individual overseeing the entire Reserve construction program and seldom disapproves projects programmed by the Reserves. Congress then authorizes and appropriates funds for Reserves' facility construction in lump-sum amounts. However, Congress is furnished advance notification concerning the location, nature, and estimated cost of specific projects to be undertaken within the authorized amount provided for each Reserve component when the projects' estimated cost exceeds $175,000.