WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Army has released for public review and comment the programmatic environmental assessment, draft finding of no significant impact, and draft finding of no practicable alternative for the proposed fielding of the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense Capability (M-SHORAD) at six Army installations in the continental United States.
The Army requests review and comments from government agencies, Native American tribes, and the public before June 18, 2021. The Army will consider these comments, along with its analysis, prior to making a final decision.
Copies of the PEA, FONSI and FONPA are available for review at https://aec.army.mil/index.php?cID=352.
Written comments should be submitted to U.S. Army Environmental Command, ATTN: M-SHORAD Public Comments, 2455 Reynolds Road Mail Stop 112, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234-7588. Comments can also be sent via email to usarmy.jbsa.aec.nepa@mail.mil, with M-SHORAD Public Comment as the subject line.
The Army assessed fielding the M-SHORAD at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Carson, Colorado; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the PEA analyzes potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts and identifies related mitigation measures associated with construction, live-fire and maneuver training, and the increased number of soldiers required to field the M-SHORAD battalion (or, in the case of Fort Sill, a smaller training organization).
The M-SHORAD will improve the protection of tactical maneuver forces from current and future aerial threats. M-SHORAD systems will employ a variety of sensors and shooters (missiles and guns) to protect maneuvering forces. This capability is needed to improve the dedicated air defense capability in current maneuver formations to counter short-range aerial threats. Combatant commanders require M-SHORAD capabilities to provide air defense and force protection by maneuvering with and directly supporting divisional maneuver forces. This capability is part of the air and missile defense modernization strategy that incorporates improvements in systems across the air defense portfolio.
Five of the installations were chosen because divisional maneuver forces, such as armored and Stryker brigade combat teams, are stationed there. Since M-SHORAD provides air defense to supported divisional maneuver forces, co-location with these forces will enhance training and coordination. Fort Sill was assessed because it is home to the Army’s Fires Center of Excellence and would provide training for M-SHORAD soldiers.
Each battalion would consist of approximately 550 soldiers, 40 Stryker-based M-SHORAD vehicles and 270 additional support vehicles. Fielding may require construction of facilities and ranges to support M-SHORAD training. Because these would be permanent stationing actions, the families of the soldiers would accompany them. Fort Sill was assessed in the PEA as an institutional training site, consisting of a much smaller contingent of troops and equipment.
The public comment period officially begins with the publication of the NOA in the Federal Register. Public comments on the draft PEA should be submitted within the 30 days following that publication.
To request a copy of the PEA, or to submit questions, please contact the U.S. Army Environmental Command Public Affairs Office by email at usarmy.jbsa.aec.mbx@mail.mil or by phone at 443-243-0313, 210-792-6683 or toll-free at 855-846-3940.
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