This story is part of WABE’s project called “Atlanta Asks,” in which we invite our audience to ask us questions so we can find the answer.
Shannon J Gilliam asks: “Is Atlanta a friendly city towards active-duty military? I know there is a sizeable amount of reservist in the metro area but few active.”
This is a deceptively complicated question, both because of the meaning of the word “friendly” and because of Atlanta’s recent history with its military institutions. Both Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem in the south metro Atlanta area closed in 2011 due to a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process, leaving Dobbins Air Reserve Base as the only major military hub in the metro Atlanta region. Currently, Georgia’s closest active duty installations to the city are outside of the metro area, including Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Fort Benning in Columbus and Fort Gordon in Richmond County.
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