Military downsizing in the United States: A study of military base closures in California from the late 1980's to early 1990's

Hobreigh R Fischer, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Abstract

Military Downsizing in the United States examines military downsizing efforts during the late 1980's and early 1990's. It begins with an outline of the historical development of the United States military, and it then evaluates the key economic and political factors involved in the recent decision to close bases around the country. Military Downsizing in the United States then evaluates three separate base closure case studies in California. The case studies are Fort Ord, the Long Beach Naval Complex, and Norton Air Force Base. The goal of these evaluations is to determine whether interest group or elite politics is controlling the base closure process.