Fort Riley officials unveiled their Campaign 2020 Plan to area community leaders Friday.

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Collins said the upcoming reorganization of forces at the post will involve the growth of two brigades and the inactivation of one brigade. “By 2016 two armored brigade combat teams will remain here on Fort Riley. Each brigade will gain an additional combined arms battalion, and the field artillery battalion, brigade engineer battalion, and brigade support battalion will all increase in size. ” Collins added the growth of those units will offset the inactivation of the light infantry brigade.

“Upon completion of the reorganization in 2016 Fort Riley’s total population will be reduced by approximately 1,200 to 1,700 soldiers.”

Collins informed the community leaders together there needs to be an effort to ensure the Fort Riley population is not reduced farther. “The upcoming Army Listening Tour and the supplemental programmatic environmental assessment will analyze the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of Fort Riley. ” Collins said the Army is preparing a supplement to an assessment conducted in 2013. The Listening Tour is expected to occur as early as June of this year.

Collins also stated, “Although this supplement is not directly associated with base realignment and closure the data compiled may be used for upcoming force structure decisions. You can help by ensuring maximum participation in the listening session, and submitting written comments to show the region’s commitment to Fort Riley, and the impact Fort Riley makes on the region. ”

Among other strategic initiatives included in the plan are the opening of the new Irwin Army Community Hospital in 2015, increased training and employment opportunities for mental health professionals at Fort Riley, and the beginning of the privatization of Fort Riley utilities.