[alum]

Back when GEN Alum was LT Alum we lived on some posts with small towns outside the gates. They were small to someone who had previously lived in suburbs/cities but usually relatively big to other towns in the community. Many of the towns outside military bases (especially for the armed services that require large training areas) were tiny hamlets or farms before the government took over.

Would you really want the military to leave your area? The $ the military contributes to the local economy more than outweighs the price of milk at the commissary. Jurisdictions get very upset when the bases close. Not just the active-duty get reassigned. Civilian jobs are also relocated.