The Obama Administration should review the proposed troop reduction of 5,300 soldiers would in effect be a population loss of about 13,000 people, when contractors, support personnel and dependents are taken into account. The economy in Vernon Parish alone would take hits to its major contributors, including the education system and public safety systems. The Vernon Parish and Beauregard Parish school systems stand to lose significant funding if the force reduction occurs.
The full impact on the state of Louisiana is the troop reduction goes forward has yet to be determined, but it's certain it would be a staggering blow to Louisiana's economy since Fort Polk is the single largest driving force of the economy here.