Fort Bliss Monitor

Troop Talk

Many of you have been anxiously awaiting the outcome of the BRAC recommendations. The Secretary of Defense had forwarded his recommendations to the independent commission. If the recommended changes take place here it will be a challenge for the entire workforce of military, civilian, contractors and family members. This is one of the most sweeping changes to take place since 1968 when the air defense branch was created, and again in 1995 when the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment left and the three Patriot brigades were restationed here. There are good, sound reasons for consolidating many functions and moving others to where they can be performed more efficiently. To achieve this anticipated change, we must have a positive attitude, but we want to leave room for pro and con discussions and be prepared to make suggestions to the Army leadership when given the opportunity.

We provided data and other information to the BRAC Commission based on questions asked. The Garrison commander, his staff and with input from other organizations worked for months preparing the requested information which I personally feel had a huge impact on the outcome. Most of you know we have the largest training and maneuver area in the United States and its qualities align well with the Army’s current and future infrastructure needs. Fort Bliss’ ability to support maneuver force training, will ensure that the United Sates continues to have the best-trained and equipped military in the world and ensures the Army remains the world’s preeminent land power.

The recommendations made by the Secretary of Defense transforms Fort Bliss into a heavy maneuver installation that serves as the home to operational Army units. The relocation of the Air Defense Artillery Center and School and an ADA Brigade to Fort Sill generates the facilities and training capacity for the Army to activate a Heavy Brigade Combat Team and station three additional heavy BCTs, a unit of Employment Headquarters, and various support units at Fort Bliss. The relocation of a Fires Brigade here supports training and integration with the Unit of Employment (lst Armored Division Headquarters) and BCTs. Also, this will expand our mobilization support by gaining the mobilization functions previously performed by Fort Huachuca, Ariz. and establish a Joint Fort Bliss/Holloman AFB Pre-deployment/ mobilization site. Finally, in support of Army Reserve transformation, the Army will create an Armed Forces Reserve Center at Fort Bliss, consolidating the reserve center functions from several locations in Texas. These recom-mendations accommodate the return of forces from overseas, the Army’s Modular Force Transformation, and continued support for the Global War on Terrorism. Over the next four months the BRAC Commission will hold hearings, visit installations and meet with state officials. A final decision is not expected until November 2005 at the earliest.

We expect to receive additional and amplifying information in the near future that will better define BRAC’s implications and we will work closely with the Army and the local community to assess the impact of the recommendations. A major goal for us here and the Army is to do everything possible to make smooth transitions for affected military and civilian personnel and their families.

The recommendations, if approved, means good news for some at Fort Bliss and challenges for others. ADA and FA branches have a lot in common and if the final decision is to co-locate the schools we will work closely with Fort Sill, TRADOC and DoD/DA during this transition to facilitate properly taking care of our people. There are many questions but it is good planning to be prepared to execute. I have asked the staff to schedule town hall meetings, and to form a task force to consolidate concerns and issues that we can address early on in the process. It will be painful for some military and civilian employees and their families. Fort Bliss has been our home for many years, but has been an adaptive and versatile installation, hosting cavalary, infantry, and air defense units. Team Bliss and Team El Paso are up to meeting this challenge. We are, and will continue to be a DoD flagship installation.

Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane
Fort Bliss Commanding General



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	May 19, 2005

	Troop Talk Many of you have been anxiously awaiting the outcome of the BRAC recommendations. The Secretary of Defense had forwarded his recommendations to the independent commission. If the recommended changes take place here it will be a challenge for the entire workforce of military, civilian, contractors and family members. This is one of the most sweeping changes to take place since 1968 when the air defense branch was created, and again in 1995 when the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment left and the three Patriot brigades were restationed here. There are good, sound reasons for consolidating many functions and moving others to where they can be performed more efficiently. To achieve this anticipated change, we must have a positive attitude, but we want to leave room for pro and con discussions and be prepared to make suggestions to the Army leadership when given the opportunity. We provided data and other information to the BRAC Commission based on questions asked. The Garrison commander, his staff and with input from other organizations worked for months preparing the requested information which I personally feel had a huge impact on the outcome. Most of you know we have the largest training and maneuver area in the United States and its qualities align well with the Army’s current and future infrastructure needs. Fort Bliss’ ability to support maneuver force training, will ensure that the United Sates continues to have the best-trained and equipped military in the world and ensures the Army remains the world’s preeminent land power. The recommendations made by the Secretary of Defense transforms Fort Bliss into a heavy maneuver installation that serves as the home to operational Army units. The relocation of the Air Defense Artillery Center and School and an ADA Brigade to Fort Sill generates the facilities and training capacity for the Army to activate a Heavy Brigade Combat Team and station three additional heavy BCTs, a unit of Employment Headquarters, and various support units at Fort Bliss. The relocation of a Fires Brigade here supports training and integration with the Unit of Employment (lst Armored Division Headquarters) and BCTs. Also, this will expand our mobilization support by gaining the mobilization functions previously performed by Fort Huachuca, Ariz. and establish a Joint Fort Bliss/Holloman AFB Pre-deployment/ mobilization site. Finally, in support of Army Reserve transformation, the Army will create an Armed Forces Reserve Center at Fort Bliss, consolidating the reserve center functions from several locations in Texas. These recom-mendations accommodate the return of forces from overseas, the Army’s Modular Force Transformation, and continued support for the Global War on Terrorism. Over the next four months the BRAC Commission will hold hearings, visit installations and meet with state officials. A final decision is not expected until November 2005 at the earliest. We expect to receive additional and amplifying information in the near future that will better define BRAC’s implications and we will work closely with the Army and the local community to assess the impact of the recommendations. A major goal for us here and the Army is to do everything possible to make smooth transitions for affected military and civilian personnel and their families. The recommendations, if approved, means good news for some at Fort Bliss and challenges for others. ADA and FA branches have a lot in common and if the final decision is to co-locate the schools we will work closely with Fort Sill, TRADOC and DoD/DA during this transition to facilitate properly taking care of our people. There are many questions but it is good planning to be prepared to execute. I have asked the staff to schedule town hall meetings, and to form a task force to consolidate concerns and issues that we can address early on in the process. It will be painful for some military and civilian employees and their families. Fort Bliss has been our home for many years, but has been an adaptive and versatile installation, hosting cavalary, infantry, and air defense units. Team Bliss and Team El Paso are up to meeting this challenge. We are, and will continue to be a DoD flagship installation. Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane Fort Bliss Commanding General