JerryBellune@yahoo.com

Will a divided Congress imperil Fort Jackson, the state’s 4 other bases and their $24.1 billon impact?

Not if the SC Military Base Task Force formed by former Gov. Nikki Haley in 2013 can help it.

“We operate on the principle that all of our bases are vulnerable to closure,” said task force Chairman Bill Bethea.

“Should Congress authorize another base closure, factors such as infrastructure conditions, base operational costs, energy resiliency, and quality of education will be weighed strongly. Our best strategy to avoid closure is to be proactive, which is what we at the task force do every day.”

South Carolina’s military bases generate $24.1 billion in annual economic activity, support 181,847 jobs and $9.9 billion of income.

This translates to $884.1 million in annual tax revenue, or 8.4% of the state’s economy. 417,515 veterans and 56,969 military retirees bring in $3.5 billion in DoD retirement income, VA compensation, and pensions.

Defense contractors bring $2.1 billion in contracts.

Bethea said, “Our mission is to build strong relationships among federal, state, and local governments and our military installations.

“We advocate for resources and the people who serve and have served.”

The task force has strong support from the SC Congressional delegation, especially Congressman Joe Wilson, he said. US senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“We work closely with Gov. McMaster and the Military Caucus to provide relevant information for legislation we support,” he said.

The commanders for each base and the National Guard brief the Governor on the state of the bases.

“We are confident that our Congressional delegation will continue to value the importance and the impact our 5 bases bring to SC.

“Our 5 military bases and National Guard support multiple defense missions that contribute to the nation’s strategic readiness and homeland security.”