Army War College Closing?
College that Graduated Tommy Franks, Normana Schwarzkopf may close
CARLISLE, Pennsylvania – Far from the front lines, Tommy Franks, Norman Schwarzkopf and other generals have found a peaceful place to study on the bucolic grounds of the U.S. Army War College.
They study war tactics and hone leadership skills in the college’s quaint stone buildings, located at a military installation that dates to the Revolutionary War era.
But its history and illustrious roster of graduates haven’t kept the War College off-limits as the Pentagon plans its new round of military base closings.
Based in central Pennsylvania for 54 years, the college is considered vulnerable to relocation to a larger Army post because of its small size. Its home is the 500-acre Carlisle Barracks, and it costs nearly $50 million a year to operate while serving about 300 residential students.
“I know they’re looking at it,” said Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pennsylvania, whose district encompasses most of Carlisle Barracks.
Other military communities across the country are also nervously awaiting Friday’s expected announcement on closures. The Pentagon, which wants to save billions by streamlining operations, is to make public its recommendations to the nine-member Base Realignment and Closure commission.
Carlisle Barracks, which employs more than 1,600 people, is also home to a commissary, health clinics and an Army heritage center. It became an American military post in the 1770s.
