The De-Militarization of America???

After last year's BRAC (Base Realignment And Closings) round, it was determined that the military presence at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico would be expanded... along with several other military installations... partly to absorb forces previously stationed at bases that were to be closed, but also to reshape America's military forces to meet current realities.

Troop numbers at adjoining Ft. Bliss, Texas, along with Fort Carson, CO and Fort Stewart, GA, were also to be expanded.

For people not familiar with New Mexico Geography, the combined territory of WSMR and Ft. Bliss stretches from El Paso, TX, on the U.S./Mexico border, north to near San Antonio, NM., a total of some 3,200 square miles. For reference, compare that to Rhode Island's 1,545 square miles.

WSMR is the home of America's missile program. It was there that Werner Von Braun started our fledgling missile program at the end of WW II. And, it was at WSMR that the first ever atomic explosion occurred in tests preceding the bombings of Japan in 1945. Needless to say, WSMR is unique among America's military facilities.

Anyway, it has just been announced that, in keeping with President Obama's budget restrictions, the troop expansion at WSMR/Ft. Bliss has been significantly reduced, along with the expansions planned for the above mentioned installations in Colorado and Georgia.

Understand, I do not know how this fits in with the overall picture of U.S. Military strength - present or planned. But for those of us who remember the anti-military posture of earlier Democrat administrations, this announcement has gotten our attention.