The Beginning
The Heart of Texas Defense Alliance (HOTDA) was chartered as a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization in 2005. The concept of a regional defense organization to advocate for Fort Hood and the defense community was first formed in February 2003. Seven cities (Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Belton, Temple, Gatesville and Lampasas) and three counties (Bell, Coryell & Lampasas) joined by pledging operating funds.
Prior to the creation of HOTDA, regional defense organizations had a history of success in the larger metropolitan areas with military installations here in Texas and around the U.S. Additionally, the Texas Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military Installations and the Governor’s Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC) strongly recommended the formation of regional organizations and pledged to be advocates for the strategic plans developed by new regional defense organizations.
HOTDA’s initial priorities were focused on the Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) 2005 process.
Relevancy Today
Global security environment, fiscal constraints and uncertainty make it clear that the Department of Defense (DoD) must continue to make deliberate decisions about the future force structure and capabilities of our military. The regular active duty Army is being drawn down from a recent high of 570,000 in 2011 to 450,000 by the end of 2018. Yet, it is still engaged in more than 140 locations worldwide supporting seven named operations. As a result, Guard and Reserve components are now playing a more active role. Here in Central Texas our communities have felt and observed the impacts of the last 14 years of persistent conflict. The potential for even greater impact, both positive and negative, to the region exists.
Currently the Department of the Army (HQDA) estimates that the Army has 18 percent excess capacity in installation infrastructure. This will increase to 21 percent as the force reduces to 450,000 by the end of FY18. This excess is costing the Army almost $500M annually and could grow to over $550M during the drawdown. Add to this the fact that the DoD’s facilities inventory is mismatched to meet the needs and requirements for the current strategic environment, and it becomes increasingly clear that there is a need for a future round of BRAC. While a BRAC round will likely not occur before 2019, it is a process that has proven to be very successful in saving money in the past and will be used to do so again. BRAC will bring with it challenges and opportunities. Those challenges and opportunities are best addressed by a regional organization with defense expertise, contacts and a common interest in the outcomes.
During the last seven years, Fort Hood has seen its assigned strength decrease from a high of nearly 54,000 in 2009 to its current strength of under 38,000. These reductions are commensurate with the Army’s across the board reductions. Clearly,the result has been excess capacity and capability at Fort Hood. That excess capacity and capability represents an opportunity that must be maximized. Today, Fort Hood is the only Army installation to have four Brigade Combat Teams, as well as one of the Army’s three Corps level headquarters, three additional general officer level commands, and thirteen separate brigade level commands.
DoD states that future decisions will be based on the Military Value Analysis (MVA). In that regard, preparations for a future BRAC, both inside and outside the installation, must occur years prior to any decision made by the BRAC Commission. HOTDA is working closely with Fort Hood and local communities to enhance the military value of Fort Hood. HOTDA’s knowledge of the U.S. Army and its relationships with senior leaders in military and civilian sectors allows us to determine Fort Hood’s strengths and weaknesses. We are in a position to work with Fort Hood and local communities to capitalize on those strengths and correct any weaknesses. The situation is fluid. Challenges and opportunities can best be addressed by a permanent, regional organization such as the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance.
Today the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance has six strategic goals. These goals are revised, updated and approved by the HOTDA Board of Directors every spring.
- Analyze local, state and national information regarding future plans that potentially impact Fort Hood’s force structure, functions, missions, and capabilities; assess and address regional weaknesses and threats; seek additional opportunities that sustain or grow Fort Hood’s authorized end strength.
- Maintain effective communication and action linkages with Fort Hood, Department of Defense, and Legislative decision makers.
- Strengthen the “One Voice” approach to articulate the requirements of Fort Hood to the Central Texas region and its community, to defense industries and to external audiences.
- Facilitate municipal coordination with defense industries.
- Advocate for military spouse, veteran and DoD/DA Civilian employment opportunities.
- Support initiatives to grow enrollments, particularly among military family members; facilitate efforts that encourage, create, and fund defense related research opportunities at regional higher education institutions.
These goals serve to focus HOTDA’s efforts on ensuring the economic stability of the Central Texas region and sustaining and increasing the impact of Fort Hood, the number one economic engine for the region.
Written By: MG (RET) Kendall Cox, Executive Director, Heart of Texas Defense Alliance
Published in the Greater Killeen Business Quarterly 2016 Annual Report & Economic Outlook