With the U.S. Army moving to increase its size by 74,000 soldiers by 2010, officials Wednesday mapped out decisions to add six combat brigades and eight support units across the country, as well an agreement to delay moving two brigades out of Germany until 2012-13.
Growing in a hurry
Originally, the growth of the army was to take place over five years; now it will be done in three. Accelerating the increase is aimed to relieve the strain on forces already stretched by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gen. Richard Cody, the Army vice chief of staff, said the Pentagon will eventually be able to shorten deployment times from the current 15 months back to 12 months.
Where troops will go
While installations across the country will see more soldiers, Ft. Bliss, Texas, Ft. Carson, Colo., and Ft. Stewart, Ga., will be big winners, each getting two new combat brigades. A brigade is generally about 3,500 soldiers, but the size can vary depending on the type of unit. Ft. Stewart will lose one of its existing heavy brigades, but will still have a net gain of nearly 4,000 troops. Support brigades would be scattered throughout the U.S. — with two going to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, one to Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., one to Ft. Lewis, Wash., and one to Ft. Polk, La. And a support unit in Ft. Irwin, Calif., will shift to Ft. Richardson, Alaska, and another will go from Hawaii to Ft. Drum, N.Y.
Big boost for Texas
Texas, which has a long history of military installations, is expected to gain more troops, even beyond the brigades heading to Ft. Bliss. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) said the Army will bring 14,000 new troops to the state. Three support brigades will also go to Texas — with an air defense brigade and a logistics brigade going to Ft. Hood, and another unit going to Ft. Bliss.
Forces in Europe
The plan freezes orders for rapidly reducing Army forces in Europe by two heavy brigades scheduled to come home from Germany at least two years sooner than under the new program. Now, one brigade will remain in Germany until 2012 and the other until 2013.
By the numbers
*The overall effort would cost $66.4 billion in 743 military construction projects through 2013. Projects include 69,000 barracks spaces, 4,100 family housing units and 66 child centers.
*The plan affects 304 Army installations as well as 380,000 soldiers and family members.
