Marine Corps Recruit Depot Consolidation -- Can We Afford the Savings

摘要

The collapse of communism and the subsequent dismemberment of the Soviet Unionhas radically altered the threat now facing our nation. As victors of the cold war, the United States Armed Forces achieved the undisputed military leadership role on earth. Regrettably, this title may now be in jeopardy as loud demands for peace dividends exact severe force structure reductions from all services. The U. S. Marine Corps has not been spared from these fiscal realities and must be proactive in responding to the sacrifices mandated by austere DoD Budgets. To this end, the Marine Corps must effectively validate all resource allocation decisions, to include 21st century base and station requirements. This study examines a critical element of the Corps' installation criteria, by analyzing future Marine Recruit Training requirements against current Marine Corps Recruit Depot capacities. It next addresses the advisably of whether existing recruit training capabilities can and/or should be consolidated in light of ongoing Base Realignment and Closure studies.