The security and operation of military bases is directly linked to the security of any country; they are not only used for training, keeping weapons, or war exercises, but they are also considered the backbone of the country’s security system.
Sometimes, due to increasing population and expansion of cities, the lands around the base are at risk of encroachment, which not only poses a security problem but also affects the training and operations of the army.
To address this problem, the US DoD launched the Many Program, through which a strong partnership between the military and local communities is estimated to ensure that the areas around military bases remain safe and environmentally friendly.
What are the strategies to reduce encroachment around military bases?
Encroachment means unauthorized or illegal development around a military base, examples of which are residential buildings, industrial areas, or commercial establishments, as they may interfere with military activities.
To prevent this, the United States Department of Defense launched many programs to create buffer zones around the base and strengthen security through environmental protection.
Land Use Planning & Partnerships
Land Use Planning & Partnerships around military bases is a critical initiative where the Department of Defense works with local governments and organizations to ensure that no construction near military bases interferes with military operations or training.
For this, Joint Land Use Studies (JLUS) or Compatible Use Plans (CUP) are prepared, which decide, after consulting the local people, which area near the military base can be developed and which area should be completely protected.
The kind of partnership has not only balanced the planning of cities but also secured the military bases of the force and has given the local people clear information about future plans.
REPI Program
The Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program is the most influential program launched by the US Department of Defense to ensure that no work is carried out near military bases that could increase the risk of encroachment.
Under this program, the DoD works with local governments, landowners, and environmental organizations to purchase or place conservation easements on land surrounding military bases, ensuring the environment is not damaged and there should not be any construction work that affects training or operations.
At Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the REPI Program has protected thousands of acres of land surrounding the military base, benefiting not only the forces but also the surrounding environment that could have been contaminated.
Compatible Development Incentives
One plan to prevent encroachment around military bases is to provide financial incentives at the local and state levels. Three US states, Texas, Florida, and Arizona, have laws that encourage local governments to promote compatible development around military bases.
These areas are known as MIA, where development rules are slightly more stringent. Before any construction work begins, it is ensured that it will not interfere with military activities. The advantage is that local economic development continues and there is no problem in the security and training of the military.
Policy and Coordination Measure
To ensure that there is no encroachment around the military base, it is necessary to have laws and policies along with plans; for this, the Office of Local Defence Community Cooperation has been formed.
It provides financial and technical assistance to local authorities to effectively implement Compatible Use Plans. Under DoD Instruction 4165.57, a base is authorized to monitor the use of surrounding land and to take prompt action if any developments are observed that could impact military activity.
Apart from this, there are Encroachment Management Teams, which legally inspect the area and work in coordination with the local government so that no problem arises.
