Columbus to Protest Reduction in Army Force

COLUMBUS, Georgia (AP) - Columbus officials are protesting a plan that could trim the number of soldiers in a Fort Benning unit.

The military presence is a major driver of the local economy.

The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports that Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and the city council are expected to approve a resolution Tuesday opposing any reductions in the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team.

The move comes a week after the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce asked residents to voice their concerns on the possible cuts. A new Army plan calls for reducing the service from 562,000 to 490,000 soldiers.

Losing the brigade at Fort Benning could affect an estimated 7,100 jobs.