Realignment of the Aerospace Defense Command

The results of an Air Force review supported the idea that certain mission responsibilities could be transferred from the Aerospace Defense Command to other major commands. The projected savings for the proposed realignment of the Air Force Aerospace Defense Command have decreased since the original estimate. In January 1978, the Air Force projected a net staff reduction of 1,084, a recurring net annual savings of $17.5 million, and a one-time cost of $2.8 million to implement the realignment. In March 1979, however, revised estimates projected a net staff reduction of approximately 791, a recurring net annual savings of $12.7 million, and a one-time cost of $4.9 million.

Differences in current staff reductions from the original estimate are due to a variety of adjustments, including congressionally directed reductions in the Colorado Springs area. The bulk of the savings can be attributed to the expected reduction in military and civilian personnel costs associated with the elimination of staffing spaces. In addition, the Air Force has proposed vacating the Chidlaw Building and estimated the savings would be $1.5 million annually. The Air Force estimates included only $0.2 million for increased recurring annual costs, all attributable to communications. However, information from command facility surveys indicated $0.7 million as the total annual recurring costs. This included not only communications but also building operations and maintenance and data processing equipment. An analysis showed that the Air Force one-time cost estimate of $4.9 million was understated by at least $1.9 million and possibly by $9.3 million. The results of the study estimated that construction and modification costs necessary to implement the realignment will range between $2.4 million and $9.8 million.