[CPEO-MEF] Guard proposes laser-firing tank range at Arnold Center

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

Tennessee
THE TULLAHOMA NEWS
Guard proposes laser-firing tank range at Arnold Center
Brian Justice
November 10, 2003

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE - Part of Arnold Center may be returned to its
former military days reminiscent of Camp Forrest's World War II tank
training maneuvers, but with a 21st Century twist.

The Tennessee Army National Guard has a draft environmental assessment
available to the public at Lannom Memorial Library in Tullahoma that
outlines a proposed laser-firing tank range and artillery maneuver area
at Arnold Air Force Base.

The process would involve using military tanks firing at each other
using laser beams that would indicate direct, disabling hits; partial,
non-disabling hits; or clear misses.

A notice, issued by the Guard, said that if impacts are judged to be
minimal or insignificant, "a finding of no significant impact will be
issued and the Tennessee Army National Guard will proceed with the
proposed action."

That proposed action, according to Capt. Roger Burdette, Arnold Center
director of public affairs, would involve allowing the Guard to use part
of the center's property to conduct the laser tank maneuvers.

Burdette said last week that he is not totally familiar with what the
project's complete scope could become.

However, he said the Guard has already been given access to 6,300 acres
for training and wants an additional 5,000.

Burdette said the laser firing range would require about 155 acres to
conduct maneuvers and that the impact to the surrounding area should be
minimal.

"It basically involves target practice using lasers instead of live
fire," Burdette said. "Tanks would be used to shoot at tanks with
simulators."

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