The Army is moving to reduce troop strength by 40,000 soldiers over the next two years to meet mandated sequestration reductions.

There will be impact on Fort Riley , but one that is relatively minor.

Sen. Jerry Moran has reported that the post will lose 615 troop positions between fiscal year 2015 and fiscal year 2017.  He expressed relief. “Absolutely. Based on what many of the fears and concerns were that might happen at Fort Riley, this outcome today is pretty pleasing. We would prefer of course, not to lose any troops at Fort Riley, but if 40,000 reduction is going to occur probably unrealistic to expect nothing to happen at Fort Riley.”

Moran complimented the residents of the Junction City – Fort Riley – Manhattan who attended the community listening session in February to support the post, and demonstrate the care and compassion Kansas citizens have for the installation, soldiers, and their families.

The breakdown on the units that will lose soldiers has not yet been released, but Moran noted there have been assurances there will be no reductions in the Brigade Combat Teams.  “What we were fearful from the very beginning was the loss of one or more of those BCT’s, which would have been at least 4,000 solidiers. And the cuts were are told will not include any reductions to BCT’s.”

Between fiscal year 2001 and fiscal year 2017, Fort Riley will have grown 57 percent including the loss of 615 positions.