Panel reviews closing USAFE, PACAF installations

[unhappycamper]

Panel reviews closing USAFE, PACAF installations
By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Aug 14, 2010 13:01:20 EDT

Thousands of airmen would lose their jobs if Congress closed military installations overseas to cut defense spending.

Lawmakers as well as the Pentagon itself are reviewing how shuttering some bases in Europe and Japan would affect both national security and the defense budget. The Air Force has 16 installations in Europe and six in Asia.

A task force appointed by Congress has already weighed in positively; a Pentagon advisory board is studying the potential cost savings and impact on the U.S. and its allies.

“We are looking at (if we can afford overseas bases),” said a board member who agreed to talk with Air Force Times on background.

~snip~

Today, support is building in Congress to close installations in Europe and Asia.