BRAC process, timeline explained Published Nov. 29, 2006 By Col. Bryan Benson 71st Flying Training Wing Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Team Vance -- Next week the highly anticipated Base Realignment and Closure list will be publicly released by the BRAC commission. Your leadership team and public affairs have been preparing our responses to questions and will objectively communicate the details of the BRAC process to the public. We are all aware of the impact any BRAC announcement has on the local community and its stakeholders, and we want to ensure everyone is aware of the BRAC process, where the decision authorities reside and when decision milestones are required. BRAC is the process the Department of Defense uses to reorganize its base structure to more efficiently and effectively support our forces, increase operational readiness and facilitate new ways of doing business. There were four previous BRAC rounds in '88, '91, '93 and '95 that produced net savings of approximately $16.7 billion through 2001 and $6.5 billion thereafter. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 authorized DoD to pursue a BRAC round in 2005. The BRAC commission is comprised of nine members whose names were submitted by the president and congressional leaders and have been confirmed by the Senate. While there has been much speculation about the specific date for the release of the list, the Secretary of Defense must submit his recommendations for realigning or closing bases no later than May 16, 2005, as required by law. Again, it is quite possible we will see this list as early as next week. The commission then has the authority to change the recommendations if they feel it deviates from the selection criteria. The commission will visit each base on the list, hold regional meetings and solicit public input prior to making its recommendations to ensure the process is as open and fair as possible. The following timeline will go into effect after the list is released: Sept. -- Commission report due to President Sept. -- President's approval or disapproval of list Oct. -- Any revised recommendations back to the President Nov. -- President sends approved revised recommendations to Congress April 15, 2006 -- BRAC commission authority terminates Implementation of the commission's recommendations must start within two years and actions must be complete within six years. Vance Air Force Base and Enid have continuously shown their commitment to excellence in everything we do. Team Vance has carried out its mission of training the world's best pilots for many a decade with unequivocal community support, and we will continue to accomplish our mission until told otherwise. As military people, our position has to be one of neutrality. We cannot speculate on the criteria or the base's estimated performance against those criteria, particularly in comparison to other installations. Together, we will await the formal announcement and trust the committee makes wise choices that best serve our nation's interests. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend and don't forget to watch your wingman. Thanks for all you do for America, Team Vance.