Environmental process continues for training area proposal Published April 7, 2011 By 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Balancing vital training needs with the concerns of the community is the top priority of Cannon AFB officials during the environmental assessment (EA) for a possible Low Altitude Tactical Navigation area. Using feedback from the public, the 27th Special Operations Wing's EA of the training area proposal continues to analyze potential impacts in the proposed region. Public feedback provided essential information allowing the Air Force to make more informed decisions during the environmental process, officials said. Special operations forces have specific training needs requiring unique skills. Establishing the right training area will allow aircrews the flexibility to train for low-level missions while avoiding visual detection - a training opportunity that does not exist in the region today. Avoiding detection and flying at low altitudes are two critical skills aircrews must be proficient in when operating in hostile territory. "Our special operations aircrews must be prepared to handle any terrain, any weather and any adversary, anywhere in the world," said Colonel Stephen Clark, 27 SOW Commander. "Challenging, realistic training is essential in preparing our Airmen for the threats they face today and in the future." The need for specialized training is the driving force behind the move to establish a training area, Colonel Clark said. This training area promises to decrease battlefield risks to Airmen by familiarizing them with diverse types of terrain. The flexible training environment will help Airmen avoid visual detection by honing their flying skills. "Our Airmen are entrusted to us by loving families," Colonel Clark said. "We order our aircrews to fly dangerous missions. We have a responsibility to send them out as well-trained as possible. The ability to train in this area helps us to do just that." Unlike traditional military operations areas or military training routes, the proposed training area minimizes repeated impact on any one area because crews are not restricted to specific routes. Aircrews will comply with the same Federal Aviation Administration visual flight rules and regulations that apply to all other military, commercial and general aviation aircraft. At no time will they be authorized to fly over cities, towns, persons, vessels, vehicles, structures, national recreation areas and wilderness areas at altitudes less than the minimums mandated by FAA regulations and Air Force instructions. Aircraft will maintain proper lighting and communication at all times, officials said. The environmental impact analysis process affords Cannon officials several opportunities to listen to civilian feedback and factor them into the development of alternative training plans. "We are committed to working with the communities within any affected areas," said Colonel Clark. "We work hard to respect noise sensitivities while accomplishing our training goals." Initial public comments have been taken into consideration and adjustments to the initial proposal are being made, officials said. The Air Force will continue to conduct an environmental analysis and will take into consideration various factors in order to mitigate environmental impacts. The first comment period ended in November 2010. The Air Force will allow for public comment on a draft environmental assessment released in the May timeframe. The final report is due by late summer. The EA will be staffed through Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command. The process will conclude with one of three outcomes: a finding of no significant impact and subsequent establishment of the training area, a determination to proceed with an environmental impact study or a recommendation to terminate the proposed action. The draft EA will be sent to local, state and federal authorities to include Native American tribes in the area. It will also be posted at local libraries and on Cannon AFB's public website. Visit the Cannon website, www.cannon.af.mil, for more information, details about the public comment process and the draft EA, when available.