Lawton Constitution: Home Run: Fort Sill will gain two battalions

Lawton Constitution - Editorial

Were you scared and nervous about the Pentagon’s announcement about downsizing 40,000 troops that was released at noon on Thursday? Net impact is adding about 219 soldiers over next two years.

All that worry for nothing, eh? It’s time to concentrate on making Lawton an even more attractive place to invest, work, live and raise a family.

There are some things about the Army’s decision you might not have thought about lately.

Army leaders know of Lawton’s and Oklahoma’s commitment to our soldiers and our patriotism. They know of the overwhelming support from U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services committee, and Fourth District U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, a “cardinal” in the U.S. House’s leadership structure. That commitment, patriotism, congressional seniority and congressional support are not found everywhere. It has been and must continue to be a strong selling point for our city and state.

The Army also knows there is a large amount of tactical and strategic war-fighting brainpower and expertise — active and retired — in Lawton-Fort Sill that can be called on for ideas and advice when needed. Some of our Army leaders were taught in the classrooms and were junior subordinates of local retirees. The relationships are warm and respect is mutual.

The civilian community relationship and support between the Army and the city remains outstanding. Local leaders are unafraid to fly to where needed to support the Army mission, dependent education, new equipment needs and congressional budget battles. Some members travel to Washington in the spring with the local chamber of commerce while others travel in the fall with the state chamber, making the case for the Army and Fort Sill. Still other people go more often. Lawton can be counted on to fight for our nation’s Army.

Training is cost efficient and effective here, which is why the Army invested more than $1 billion at Fort Sill after the last base closing round, returning the Air Defense Artillery School to Fort Sill. It’s just a better place to be.

Meanwhile, world peace has been elusive. Military threats against our country and our friends have not subsided. They have morphed into threats from nation-states to — in some cases — threats from non-government, religious fanatical organizations, such as the Islamic State in the Middle East, Boko Haram in Africa and others.

For 240 years, our nation has had a dedicated Army to defend us, and Fort Sill — which was staked out in January 1869 — has been a key installation training center for it. During wartime Fort Sill has been built up, and then downsized after the fighting stopped. Its mission has been changed, but it has always been an important post for the Army and the country.

While the sigh of relief was heard across the city on Thursday afternoon, don’t plan a long nap. The next round of troop cuts could be around the corner when the impact of the Budget Sequestration Act is felt. It could mean that 30,000 more soldiers will be on the chopping block to balance the budget. The budget becomes effective Oct. 1.

Needed will be more trips to Washington, more support for the congressional delegation’s efforts. More salesmanship on the value of training, costs and community-military support at and within Lawton-Fort Sill will be required.

Online:Lawton Constitution