SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 2 ⎯ Description of the Proposed Action and AlternativesThe Army uses a standardized methodology for comparing maneuver impacts of different units. Thismethodology takes the weights and authorized yearly mileages for unit vehicles and converts them toa unit of measure called the Maneuver Impact Mile (MIM). The MIM is a unit of measure that theArmy uses to anticipate maneuver damage and required repair costs for its training areas. To calculateMIMs, the Army converts all unit vehicles into the equivalent of M1 Abrams tanks. The Army appliesdifferent physical characteristics of unit vehicles (weight, tire/track pressure etc.) to make theconversion to M1 tank mile equivalents. The SBCT must execute 104,898 MIMs of maneuver trainingto carry out its doctrinal maneuver requirements in comparison to the 49,576 MIMs needed tosupport the doctrinal training of the IBCT and the 39,320 MIMs that were executed in 2004 to supportthe doctrinal training of the 2/25 th ID (L).To support SBCT training, each platoon, company, battalion, and brigade must conduct maneuverevents to ensure the operational capabilities of the SBCT. Each platoon and company must train up to5 weeks per year to meet maneuver-training requirements. In addition, each battalion must conductsemi-annual maneuvers that last approximately 4 to 6 weeks per year to certify its subordinate unitsand each brigade must conduct maneuvers every 12 to 18 months and in advance of operational deployments,as required. Table 2–4, taken from Field Manual (FM) 7–1 Training the Force (Army2002b), illustrates the operations that must be rehearsed by the SBCT in combat maneuver training.Table 2–4Training Tasks for the SBCT (FM 7–1 Training the Force)Alert and Deploy the Brigade• Draw and Upload Basic/Operational Loads• Conduct Soldier Readiness/Administrative/Logistic Preparation for Overseas Movement• Deploy Advance Parties Or Liaison OfficersConduct Attack• Attack a Moving Enemy• Attack a Stationary Enemy• Movement to Contact• Move by Road or Rail to Aerial Port of Embarkationor Seaport of Embarkation• Upload Equipment at Aerial Port of Embarkationor Seaport of EmbarkationConduct Defense• Conduct a Mobile Defense• Conduct an Area DefenseConduct Support OperationsConduct Stability Operations• Domestic Support Operations• Peacekeeping Operations• Foreign Humanitarian Assistance• Combat Terrorism• Support Counter-Drug OperationsConduct Sustainment Operations• Provide Medical Treatment and Evacuation • Recover and Evacuate Disabled Equipment(air and ground)• Control Reconstitution of Subordinate Units• Move by Air/Surface Transportation • Conduct Mortuary Affairs Operations• Manage Terrain2.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE SBCTAn SBCT has approximately 4,105 Soldiers, 317 Stryker combat vehicles, 588 wheeled support vehicles,18 155 mm howitzers, and numerous trailers and other pieces of equipment (Table 2–5). Eachmajor unit of the SBCT is composed of a number of smaller constituent units, including battalions,companies, platoons, and squads. About half of the 4,105 Soldiers would be assigned to infantry battalions(Table 2–6). The rest would be distributed among the other battalions, companies, and platoonsthat comprise an SBCT (Table 2–6).An SBCT is a rapidly deployable unit designed for early entry into operational scenarios. The SBCTis capable of deploying with all combat gear and equipment loaded on the vehicle so that it can beginFebruary 2008 2–8 2/25th SBCT Final EIS