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Locals React To The Dreaded Acronym "BRAC"

Story Published: Jan 27, 2012 at 5:08 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 27, 2012 at 8:50 PM EDT

For a military community like the north country, BRAC is one of the most dreaded acronyms.

It stands for Base Realignment and Closure Commission and it can have a devastating effect on the local economy.

It could cripple businesses like Bradley's Military Surplus that cater to soldiers.

"We actually even have special hours that the military can come in before they have PT," said Bradley's assistant manager Michael Seymour.

That's why when BRAC is mentioned, organizations like the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization get right to work, sharing the Fort Drum story.

"It is a community fight.  You want to put your story out, you want to talk about what your folks do," said Carl McLaughlin of the FDRLO.

This isn't the north country's first time dealing with BRAC. 

This would be the sixth time.

A BRAC round in the 90's closed Plattsburgh Air Force Base. 

But, Fort Drum has survived BRAC so far. 

Most recently, a major round of closures in 2005 actually resulted in the Army post gaining new soldiers.

For the BRAC process to even begin, Congressional approval is needed.

North country Congressman Bill Owens (D. - 23rd District) said he's not sure that will happen.

"I think you're going to have a very hard time with getting this type of approval from Congress," said Owens.

In additon, Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno said he doubted BRAC would target large installations for closure.

See that report

So for now, at Bradley's Military Surplus and other stores across the north country, it's business as usual.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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