Supporting Georgia 's Military Bases

One of the most important “retention projects” is supporting the state's 13 military bases. These installations add more than $25 billion to Georgia 's economy and impact half a million jobs.

The United States Department of Defense (DOD) has announced potential military base closures and mission gains in Georgia . DOD recommended the closure of Fort Gillem , Fort McPherson , the Naval Air Station, and the Naval Supply Corps School , while adding missions at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Fort Benning , the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Moody Air Force Base, Robins Air Force Base, the Savannah International Airport Air Guard Station and the Submarine Base at Kings Bay . Georgia is second only to Maryland in net military gains.

The next step in the Pentagon's effort to reduce excess military infrastructure in the United States is for the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission to perform an independent, three-month analysis of the Department of Defense recommendation. After the analysis, the Commission will make a final recommendation of base closures to President Bush. The President must accept or reject the list in its entirety. If accepted, the President will submit the list to Congress for a vote.

Georgia has been preparing for the BRAC Commission review for four years. Governor Perdue appointed experienced military leaders to the Georgia Military Affairs Coordinating Council (GMACC) to direct Georgia 's preparation strategy. The Georgia congressional delegation supported more than $600 million for military construction and mission expansion. Community action groups in cities all over the state have raised millions for quality of life studies and military value studies for their bases. Governor Perdue met twice with senior military officials at the Pentagon.