Soldiers, kin face cuts in base services

[unhappycamper]

Soldiers, kin face cuts in base services
By Kristin M. Hall - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jan 10, 2010 8:37:28 EST

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Soldiers and their families on Army posts around the country could see cutbacks in trash pickup, lawn-mowing and other services as the military tries to hold down non-war spending while escalating the fight in Afghanistan.

Even as total defense spending rises, the portion of the Army budget dedicated to running its bases is down 20 percent this year, according to figures provided to The Associated Press by an Army official who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about them.

The budgets for individual bases are not yet final. But the proposed cuts vary in size and run as deep as 40 percent at some major installations, including Fort Campbell, according to the figures.

Fort Campbell, the home of the 101st Airborne Division, is considering eliminating lawn-mowing and janitorial services and shortening hours at recreation centers, Fort Campbell spokeswoman Kelly Tyler said. But that may not be enough, she said.

Some members of the military are worried money will be pulled from programs that help spouses and children cope with soldiers' repeated tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/01/ap_army_services_cut_posts_010810/



unhappycamper comment: Whatever happened to 'Support Our Troops'?