Louisiana Delegation Invites General To Discuss Fort Polk Combat Reductions

Press Release

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, David Vitter and U.S. Representatives John Fleming, Charles Boustany, Steve Scalise, Cedric Richmond, Ralph Abraham and Garret Graves are urging Brigadier General Roger L. Cloutier to attend the upcoming Army Listening Session at Fort Polk on March 3, 2015 to discuss the Army's ongoing active-duty Brigade Combat Team reductions. The Louisiana delegation would also welcome the opportunity to meet with General Cloutier in the coming weeks to discuss Army force structure reduction plans and alternative options.

"The Fort Polk community has been a great home to our soldiers, veterans and their families--we want to keep it their home," said Sen. Bill Cassidy. "Changes to the Army's structure will affect our national security and our communities. This should and must be discussed."

"Despite the increasing serious threats from abroad, the President is cutting our troops at a drastic pace that is well beyond what our military leadership has stated is essential for our nation's defense," said Sen. David Vitter. "Our Brigade Combat Team and Joint Readiness Training Facility at Fort Polk are absolutely necessary to continue protecting our country and maintaining a strong defense against terrorist and other threats abroad."

"The people of Leesville and the other communities near Fort Polk have shown unparalleled support for the Army and for its mission at Fort Polk. They take pride in Fort Polk and are fervent in their enthusiasm for the men and women who serve there." said Rep. Fleming. "Leesville and the surrounding communities have also shown their support for Fort Polk in very tangible ways, building new schools, partnering with the Army in land acquisition, and supporting infrastructure improvements throughout the area. It is vital that General Cloutier and the Army take every available opportunity to carefully consider the views of the Leesville community, and of its representatives in Congress."

"Fort Polk is important for families across Southwest and Central Louisiana, supporting thousands of jobs and generating $1 billion in payroll in 2013. When I visited this installation in November, I was reminded of the critical role this base plays in preparing our troops for combat situations through the Joint Readiness Training Center's highly realistic combat training," said Rep. Boustany. "I'm confident if Brigadier General Cloutier could find time to attend the Army Listening Session on March 3, the outpouring of public support combined with this base's impressive capabilities will convince him to protect Fort Polk from further unnecessary cuts."

"Fort Polk is a vital asset to America's national security and Louisiana's economy," said Rep. Scalise. "I am hopeful that Brig. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier will attend the Army Listening Session in Louisiana to hear about the state and community's efforts to support Fort Polk, and I urge the Army to maintain an open dialogue with the Leesville community and our congressional delegation."

"Fort Polk is a vital part of our state and very important to our national security," said Rep. Richmond. "The Fort Polk community deserves to have a voice in these discussions and we will keep working to make sure they are heard."

"Fort Polk plays critical roles both in the security of our nation and in the economic stability of Central Louisiana," said Rep. Abraham. "As Congress considers action against ISIL, now is the time to make sure the base has ample resources - including high troop levels - to continue its mission of keeping America safe."

"Fort Polk is the Army's premier training center because of incomparable ranges and unmatched cost-effectiveness. Fifty percent of all combat BCTs train at the JRTC, and Fort Polk is the only - only - post in the Army that is expanding," said Rep. Graves. "This is not possible without the Army's relationship with state and local partners who will be devastated by any troop reduction. Cutting troops at Polk destabilizes the partnership, which undermines community support, which compromises the mission. If the Army wants excellence in training, double down on Fort Polk, don't double cross it."