The U.S. Army has announced the details of its plan to cut 40,000 troops over the next two years and it calls for Fort Campbell’s personnel to be reduced by 363 soldiers - far less than some thought.
One scenario called for as many as 16,000 soldiers to be cut from the base on the Kentucky/Tennessee border as part of a reduction in military spending.
Christian County judge-executive Steve Tribble says he’d rather the base not lose any of its 26,500 soldiers, but says he’s happy with the decision.
“We’re thankful that it was not any worse," Tribble said. "Honestly, I think it shows the Department of Defense, the Pentagon, the people making these decisions understand what a great thing we have at Fort Campbell.”
“I’ve told some people since I heard this, that with them only taking such a small number from us, I’m very hopeful that, even in the years to come, that we will gain more troops back, because if this really is about saving money, I think they’ll realize what a bargain they have at Fort Campbell," Tribble said.
A larger reduction could have been a major blow to the community in the wake of the Pentagon’s decision last year to deactivate the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade – a move that lowered the base’s active population by 2,400 soldiers.
Kentucky U.S. Senator and presidential hopeful Rand Paul issued a news release Thursday expressing his relief at the slight reduction. Paul, along with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, sent multiple letters advocating for Fort Campbell to the Department of Defense.
“Kentucky has absorbed a disproportionate amount of troop cuts in the past and, while I am disappointed to see any more from Fort Campbell, it is reassuring to know the Army recognizes the value of our bases and backed away from its earlier plans for devastating new cuts,” Paul said, in the release.
Kentucky 1st District Rep. Ed Whitfield had a similar reaction in his own statement:
“I am certainly pleased that Fort Campbell will not face major restructuring or troop cutbacks. The Army’s decision to spare Fort Campbell is a testament to the value it places on the strategic importance the forces stationed there including, the 101st Airborne Division, the 160th SOAR, and the 5th Special Forces Group. However, I am extremely disappointed in the Department of Defense’s decision, under President Obama’s leadership, to move forward with these drastic cuts elsewhere in our military. I will continue to adamantly oppose any efforts to further reduce troops and services and will continue to fight for the men, women, and families stationed at Fort Campbell, and the communities that support them. With the numerous threats currently facing America, our nation's commitment to security, defense operations, and military personnel must remain strong, and I will continue to make the Fort Campbell community a top priority.” - Kentucky 1st District Rep. Ed Whitfield
Meanwhile, WKYU reports that Fort Knox will see a slight increase - 67 soldiers - as part of the Army's plan.
