WICHITA, Kansas -- Our state’s military men and women are waiting to hear from Washington to find out if the bases they report to now will be closed next year.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld says the closures are just one part of a plan to change the face of the military and to improve our chances against the war on terror.

The defense secretary insists closing some of the 425 bases nationwide could save the military nearly $50 billion dollars over the next 20 years.

Rumsfeld also argues that the closures would lead to a realignment of people and resources that will allow the military to act quicker and more efficiently.

"When combined with the proposed changes to U.S. global posture, that projected 20-year net saving increases from $48.8 billion to $64.2; or some $6.7 billion per year," said Rumsfeld.

Kansas is home to four military bases including McConnell Air Force Base. Our congressional delegation believes Kansas bases will be spared, in part because of their locations and the cost it takes to run those bases.

Rumsfeld will submit his recommendations Friday afternoon and the president could sign off on it as early as September.