[chico20854]

By the spring of 97 Hood would have been cleared out of active duty field units, less some rear detachments, and recalled reserve and guard units would be cycling through on their way to the front. Lots of space there, BTW, with III Corps HQ, two two-brigade divisions (1st Cav and 2d Armored) and 6 ACCB all stationed there and the entire North Fort area reserved for the 49th AD. There would still be a small rennmant garrison staff (post commander, MP detachment and so on, but most support jobs would be done by civilian employees).

So what did the Army plan to do at that point? One of the 10 Army Reserve Training Divisions (not sure which one) would set up basic and advanced individual training at Hood, Bragg, Drum and other bases that hosted divisions in peacetime, making use of the otherwise empty barracks and ranges. Ft. Hood was the largest base in the Army in terms of area (Bragg had the most troops), so probably training mechanized and armor troops.

Another thing to keep in mind is housing POWs, and once refugees (domestic and Mexican) become an issue there's a possibility that they will be housed on base.

Finally, the Army Airfield at West Ft Hood is a former SAC base and the hill overlooking the runway is riddled with former nuclear weapon storage caves. Bet a few dollars that SAC was back in 1997 with dispersed bombers, maybe B-1s from Dyess up the road.

Just my thoughts!!!!