[Federal Register: January 31, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 21)]
[Notices]
[Page 4999-5000]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31ja03-58]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army
Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the
Digital Multi-Purpose Range Complex at Fort Benning, GA
AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.
ACTION: Notice of intent.
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SUMMARY: Fort Benning proposes to construct and operate a digital
multi-purpose range complex (DMPRC). The DMPRC would provide a state-
of-the-art range facility to meet the Army's training needs for
soldiers to conduct gunnery courses in a realistic training environment
by expanding the installation's training capacity. The current
facilities (ranges) on Fort Benning do not meet modern gunnery
standards and are inadequate to support full gunnery training and
qualifications, requiring either training to modified standards or
transporting units from Fort Benning to Fort Stewart, a distance of
approximately 200 miles, for the required training. The project would
include construction of the firing and target area, installation of
fiber optics, construction of support facilities, upgrading of
associated existing roadways, and construction of utilities to support
the site. The proposed DMPRC would ensure soldiers are fully combat
ready. The DMPRC would provide a suitable training range to fully
support future needs of Army Transformation. Incorporating modern
technology and range design into the DMPRC will allow Intermediate
Brigade Combat Teams at Fort Benning to train more realistically and
efficiently.
DATES: To be considered in the Draft EIS, comments and suggestion
should be received not later than March 3, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Please direct written comments concerning the scope of the
Digital Multi-Purpose Range Complex to Mr. Archibald Caldwell,
Assistant Range Officer, Directorate of Training, U.S. Army Infantry
Center, Attn: ATZB-OTR, Fort Benning, GA, 31905-5122 or e-mail to
Caldwella@benning.army.mil.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Archibald Caldwell by telephone at
(706) 545-3446 or by e-mail to Caldwella@benning.army.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Fort Benning is the ``Home of the Infantry''
and conducts Program of Instruction training for Mechanized Infantry
Students and sustainment training for elements of Mechanized Infantry
Division units. Today's Army includes Mechanized Infantry units with
both M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles (BFVs) and M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams
tanks. Although the Army is undergoing a transformation, Abrams tanks
and BFVs will play vital roles in Army operations for a significant
period of time (20-30 years). In addition to Infantry School training,
Fort Benning is the home of several Forces Command deployable units and
approximately 44 tank crews and 84 BFV crews. These assigned units are
stationed at Fort Benning and must maintain their proficiency through
required gunnery training. Consequently, Fort Benning needs a range
that will accommodate all weapon systems that are relevant to ground
warfare.
BFV crews and Abrams tank crews train for combat readiness by
practicing and qualifying at different skill levels, known as gunnery
Tables I through XII. Existing facilities on Fort Benning do not meet
full training standards for BFV or Abrams tank training due to
inadequate firing distance to the targets and width between the firing
lanes. Currently Hastings Range (the existing facility) can only
support a modified version of Table XII gunnery qualification training
for the BFV and Abrams tank in a non-digitized environment. The digital
component of the proposed DMPRC will enhance training by providing real
time monitoring to increase safety and by providing feedback for after
action reviews.
The proposed DMPRC would support Army Transformation by providing a
quality range that would meet the training requirements of the current
operational assets (Legacy Forces) as
[[Page 5000]]
well as support the additional training requirements of the
Intermediate Armored Vehicles to be used by the Intermediate Brigade
Combat Teams.
Alternatives to be considered include:
1. No Action--Continue to conduct some modified gunnery training at
Fort Benning and conduct remainder of gunnery training at existing
ranges at Fort Stewart.
2. Transport to Fort Stewart (transport troops from Fort Benning to
existing ranges at Fort Stewart to conduct all Table XII gunnery and
related training).
3. Proposed Action--Conduct and operate DMPRC in Fort Benning
Training Compartment D-13.
4. Construct DMPRC in Training Compartment K-21 on Fort Benning.
Scoping: A mailing list has been prepared for public scoping and
review throughout the process of preparation of a draft Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS). This list includes local, state, and Federal
officials having jurisdictional expertise or other interests in the
project; concerned citizens; conservation groups; and local news media.
Comments received as a result of this notice will be used to assist the
Army in identifying additional significant resources to be evaluated,
as well as potential impacts to the quality of the human and natural
environments. Individuals or organizations may participate in the
scoping process by submitting written comments or attending a public
scoping meeting. The time and location of the scoping meeting will be
announced in the Columbus Ledger Enquirer, on the Fort Benning Web site
(http://www.benning.army.mil/EMD/index.htm), and by public notice sent
to parties on the mailing list. Comments concerning the scope of the
EIS may also be submitted to the address listed above.
Robert L. Hope,
Chief of Staff, Installation Management Agency, Southeast Region.
[FR Doc. 03-2317 Filed 1-30-03; 8:45 am]
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