Composite Training Unit Exercises and Joint Task ... - Govsupport.us

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 2here a set of military ranges, with the "status quo" environment as a baseline. The preferred alternative,as the proposed action, analyzes greater use of range assets to support training exercises by combiningactivities together to maximize training opportunities. For this reason, the EA's baseline, or no-actionalternative, stands as no change from current levels of training usage.2.4.1.2 Preferred Alternative (Proposed Action)Under the Preferred Alternative, Commander, THIRD Fleet would have the option to conduct twoconcurrent, major range events. While the overall number of major range events depicted in the NoAction Alternative (14 exercises) would not increase, Commander, THIRD Fleet, would have theflexibility to assess two Strike Groups simultaneously which will enhance Navy readiness and support theFleet Response Plan. Concurrent major range events provide: flexibility to respond to surgerequirements; valuable opportunities for joint carrier operations; and enhanced operational capabilities.2.4.2 Evaluation Factors/Screening CriteriaEach of the alternatives must be feasible, reasonable, and reasonably foreseeable in accordance with Navyguidance in OPNAVINST 5090.1B, and CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508). Reasonable alternativesinclude those that are practical or feasible from the technical and economic standpoint and that usecommon sense.Alternatives were selected based on their ability to meet the following criteria:Provides access to instrumented deepwater range, instrumented air ranges, and class D airspaceProvides large enough area for the number of assets used during these major training exercisesProvides diverse geography to make training realisticMinimizes personnel time away from homeMinimizes logistics lead timeMinimizes aircraft, ship, and equipment "wear and tear" and fuel requirementsProvides a multi-dimensional, multi-threat, real-time environment that stresses all aspects ofnaval operationsAllows Commander, THIRD Fleet to fulfill Title 10 responsibilities2.4.3 Alternatives Eliminated From Further ConsiderationAlternatives considered during preparation of the EA/OEA included the use of alternate locations forconducting the exercises, reducing the number of exercises conducted during the year, and exercisesimulation.2.4.3.1 Alternative COMPTUEX/JTFEX Training LocationsCOMPTUEX/JTFEX training occurs at-sea and at various military training range locations throughoutCalifornia, Arizona and Nevada. The unique nature of the interplay between the SOCAL Range Complexassets, result in support for COMPTUEX/JTFEX at this particular location.There is no other series of integrated ranges that afford this level of operational support andcomprehensive integration for THIRD Fleet major exercises. By use of the SOCAL Range Complexassets, component commanders practice essential skills to examine and prioritize every potential threat,plan and develop tactical courses of action and effectively conduct military operations. There is noduplicative location where land, sea, undersea and airspace assets are controlled by military authoritiesthat allow full play and training by THIRD Fleet operational actors. This location and its supportingoperational environments allow readiness training to be conducted to properly build skills required forFebruary 2007 2-32