BRAC Again?

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has made his share of news the last few days, which we don't need to document here.

But you might have missed this little exchange between Gates and reporters en route to Kansas City, MO, where he gave the big speech that's making headlines:

Q When you talk about trimming overhead, possibly even combining agencies, could something along the lines of another BRAC even be on the table here?

SEC. GATES: I don't know. As I say, I'm trying to be realistic about this.

(Laughter.)

I will tell you, the services would love to have another BRAC. But it may be in the too-hard column politically.

Q Would you like to have another BRAC?

SEC. GATES: I think being able to further consolidate facilities is always a good idea. But there are just huge political challenges associated with it. So I'm just not -- that's not an important element in what I'm trying to do.