Commission talks future of Army, visits Fayetteville
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- A commission charged with providing recommendations about the Army's force requirements held an open meeting in Fayetteville Wednesday.
The National Commission on the Future of the Army sent a delegation to the All-America city, allowing community feedback on what the active duty, reserve and guard units should look like in the coming decades.
"What we're more focused on is what's the right mix between the active army, the National Guard and the Army Reserve to meet the nation's requirements," said retired Army General Carter Ham, chairman of the commission.
Although the commission stressed their job is not to tackle defense budget cuts and base closures, the issues often took center stage with concerned local leaders.
"(It) would sort of be like telling the folks in Durham not to concern themselves with Duke and Chapel Hill not to concern themselves with the future of the University North Carolina," joked Fayetteville city manager Ted Voorhees.
Voorhees was among about two dozen speakers urging the commission to make special consideration for the Sandhills-region when making force recommendations to Congress.
Voorhees offered municipal services from the City to Fort Bragg as a cost-effective win-win for both cities that would cut out expensive contractors.
"Working down that path faster could save money faster which then releases more money for training and the direct support of soldiers," he said.
Cumberland County leaders highlighted veteran services, from treatment court to mental health resources.
"They are us," said commissioner Jimmy Keefe. "We are them, and when they come home we embrace them and when they don't we mourn them and their families."
Prior to Wednesday's meeting, the commission met with a number of Fort Bragg units and their commanders to take a look at their structure.
The commission will also focus on the transfer of Apache AH-64 aircrafts from the Reserve to active duty Army, a move that concerns service members when it comes to readiness and preparedness.
"I urge you to ensure that any recommendations regarding the future capabilities are based on long-term mission requirements and not on short-term budgetary pressures," said Asher Hildebrand, Deputy Chief of staff for Rep. David Price.
The commission heads to Raleigh this week, and is planning a similar open meeting on June 15th in Washington, D.C.
Recommendations are due to Congress on February. Those wishing to weigh in may also submit to http://www.ncfa.ncr.gov.
