[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 21 (Friday, January 31, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4999-5000]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-2317]


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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 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Archibald Caldwell by telephone at 
(706) 545-3446 or by e-mail to [email protected].

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]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-M