Base realignment to challenge welders across the country

The military is shrinking - and the welding profession will shrink a little alongside it.

No source I can find indicates how many welders work in bases and associated industries across the United States, but it's in the tens of thousands. Think of the number of fabrication and repair facilities it takes to support a large military base.

In Foster's Online, American Federation of Government Employees 2nd Vice President John Joyal, "for 19 years, I've qualified, trained, and familiarized the best welders in the world to work on nuclear submarines from the cradle to the grave. That's what I do, lock, stock and barrel." Joyal works for the metalworkers, welders and other workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, one of the facilities scheduled for closure by the BRAC (Base Closing and Realignment Commission).

I don't know how much of a chance these guys have, but they should be in your thoughts. From what I've seen, they don't let local politicians get into this very much because they know everyone will protect his job, whether or not it's what the military needs. Good luck, guys.