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HomeNewsClarksville Mayor Kim McMillan releases statement regarding Fort Campbell Troop Reductions

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan releases statement regarding Fort Campbell Troop Reductions

City of Clarksville - Clarksville, TNClarksville, TN – I have just received confirmation from MG Gary J. Volesky, Commanding General of Fort Campbell, that there will be minimal troop reductions at Fort Campbell.  I’m sure there may be comments from some about the economic impact the soldiers have on our economy.

But the people of Clarksville don’t see our men and women in uniform as dollar signs.  For us, this is about family.

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan
Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan

As I’ve said before, the soldiers at Fort Campbell are people we worship with, go to school with, share running trails and play softball games with.  They are our neighbors, our brothers and sisters.  Their value to our community is much greater than economics.

I do not envy the men and women who had to make the tough decisions about these reductions or the communities where significant reductions are being made. We know that the soldiers play a vital role in those communities as well.

While I will always appreciate our community’s involvement and support of our troops, I believe this decision demonstrates the military’s belief that the soldiers who serve at Fort Campbell are essential to the safety and stability of the United States on an international scale. As always, our gratitude goes to our soldiers and their families for their willingness to serve and their commitment to each of us.”

Excerpt from MG Volesky’s notification:

Today the Secretary of Defense announced the next round of Army force reductions for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 that decrease the Army’s Active Component size from 490,000 to 450,000 Soldiers, and cuts Army Civilian positions by 17,000.  The reductions affect the entire Army and are a direct result of sequestration.

If sequestration continues, the Army will be required to further reduce Active Army end strength to much lower levels.  This would force us to deploy forces that are insufficiently trained or delay sending forces until they are fully trained, either course of action may cause increased casualties.

Based on the Secretary’s announcement, Fort Campbell will lose approximately 360 military positions, or about 1% of our total population.  The reductions will be achieved through the inactivation of an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) company from the 52nd EOD Brigade, a reduction in the size of the 101st Division Headquarters and other small training and base support reductions.  At this time, we are not aware of any civilian reductions.

These decisions are based on an 18 month Department of the Army analysis of mission requirements and installation capabilities.  Your participation in our Community Listening Session played a critical role in helping to inform Army leadership of the importance of Fort Campbell not only to the Army’s mission, but to the Kentucky and Tennessee communities as well.   Thank you for continuing to make Fort Campbell the best installation in our Army.

I ask that you continue to support our great Soldiers and their Families.  We couldn’t do what we do without each and every one of you!

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