FORSCOM and USARC BRAC move tightens links

The BRAC 2005-directed relocation of the headquarters of U.S. Army Forces Command -the Army’s largest command; as well as that of U.S. Army Reserve Command – responsible for the readiness of more than 1,700 troop units, from Fort McPherson, Ga., to Fort Bragg, N.C., co-locates them at a major Army installation with a large concentration of the very operational units and Soldiers they are responsible for as part of their mission.

By U.S. Army Forces Command Public Affairs and U.S. Army Reserve Command Public Affairs

A&M:  What has FORSCOM and USARC done to prepare for a move of this magnitude and complexity?

RESPONSE:  With operational continuity, workforce retention and recruitment, and the well-being of people as a foundation, both commands have aggressively planned and prepared since the initial BRAC announcement in 2005.  Each command established special planning teams to orchestrate the myriad specified and implied tasks associated with building their new shared headquarters complex and moving nearly 3,000 service members and civilian employees to North Carolina.   Today, construction of interim and permanent facilities at Fort Bragg are more than 60 percent complete, and advanced elements of the commands are set to begin moving later this Summer. Renovations are underway on the former Bowley School complex, which will host the advance group arriving at Fort Bragg in August 2010 -- and is adjacent to the main headquarters complex construction site.  The FORSCOM/USARC Inprocessing Center, also located at the Bowley site is complete and the combined liaison element is finalizing preparations to receive relocating members of the commands and rapidly assimilate them both to their new community and to their new work location.  Beginning in March 2011 and continuing through early fall of 2011, the main body elements of each command will make the move.  The new headquarters is programmed to be fully operational in July 2011.

A&M:   How will the relocation benefit the FORSCOM and USARC workforce?
RESPONSE:  Members of the workforce relocating to Fort Bragg receive the full complement of Permanent Change of Station entitlements available under the Joint Travel Regulations to assist them in making the transition.  The new headquarters is being built to achieve the U.S. Green Business Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) “Silver” rating.  The sustainable strategies incorporated will provide a healthier work environment, which should lead to better morale.  Some of these strategies include: increased natural light penetration, improved indoor air quality and an open environment conducive to workforce productivity and job satisfaction.

A&M:  What operational improvements will result from the move of the two headquarters?
RESPONSE:  Positioning of the two commands at a location with major troop units and their associated headquarters will enhance staff awareness of the effect their work has on Soldiers and families. The
co-location of the two commands in one structure will enhance the long-existing mission relationship between FORSCOM and USARC.  The new headquarters complex incorporates the latest in technology and communications capability, increasing productivity and resulting in improved operational capability.  Conference and Video Teleconferencing facilities provide greatly increased flexibility over that found in the current headquarters’ and will facilitate the high-level interaction each command must conduct as they execute complex Army Force Generation and operational Reserve Component responsibilities.

A&M:  How does the relocation affect the future of the two commands?
RESPONSE:  The well-designed, sustainable nature of the new home for U.S. Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command meets current command and control needs for an Army at war; while lending flexibility for future growth as the nation’s needs also change in the out years.