emergency ready, they must train under real world scenarios that include operating in
remote and austere locations.
The locations in JLUS Project Area where the AZARNG conduct helicopter training provide
an excellent environment for training military members who will deploy to forward
operating locations around the world. By conducting helicopter operations in Pinal
County, the military is also training in an environment exactly like locations where they
are expected to provide support for civil authorities in times of state emergencies.
Real world training scenarios include flying helicopters at low levels, also referred to
nap‐of ‐the‐earth where pilots closely follow the land terrain to reduce aircraft radar
signals and also to enhance the ability to see ground level activities. Because AZARNG
helicopters pilots are expected to fly day and night operations, they must train in a
similar fashion. Military helicopter pilots are also expected to be able to take off and land
in austere locations where there are no helipads or other facilities to operate from.
Training must be carried out in a manner that mimics the real world conditions pilots will
encounter when deployed. The inability to conduct training in a manner that ensure full
readiness, may result in mission failure at a future time when successful execution can
mean the difference between life and death.
Because the AZARNG training operations in the TFTA are conducted over and on lands
that are mostly publicly and privately owned, it is imperative that advance coordination
and formal agreements are in place that ensure the viability of military activities.
Agreements that enable the military to conduct low level helicopter flights over federal
and state lands and provide locations where remote landing zones can be used, provide
for training to into the future with reduced risk of interruptions. Coordination and formal
agreements can also reduce misunderstanding regarding the military operations and
improve public and stakeholder perception of the value of the training activities. In
addition, the agreements provide for an opportunity to identity the best locations,
timeframes and training methods that would reduce impacts to other land users in the
JLUS Project Area. In some cases, it may be possible to establish locations that reduce or
even preclude public use so that military training can take precedence over other land
uses.
5.9
Land Use (LU)
The basis of land use planning and regulation relates to the government’s role in
protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Local jurisdictions’ general plans and
zoning ordinances can be the most effective tools for preventing or resolving land use
compatibility issues. These tools ensure the separation of land uses that differ
significantly in character. Land use separation also applies to properties where the use of
Background Report
5-67