After dealing with lower-hanging fruit, Elon Musk’s U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) now has its sights on a bigger target: the Defense Department and its projected $1 trillion new budget. One cost-saving idea that both military officials and external analysts have suggested is to close or consolidate dozens of U.S. military bases.
The idea is attractive at first glance: streamline the military’s footprint, sell off unused real estate, and save the taxpayer billions. But another round of base closures—on top of five such rounds since 1988—could severely undermine the United States’ ability to mobilize for a major war. It would also deepen the recruiting crisis that threatens the all-volunteer force.
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