Nope, I'll not vote against our military, period.
I respect your opinion, and service. Personally, however, I don't see this as anti-military. I see it as pro U.S.A., in general, as this is the largest recreation area around, as is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of citizens, and military personel that don't want to loose it.
Here are some statements regarding this from a couple of the front men in the push to save J.V..
Some basic facts...
29 Palms Marine Base is already the largest Marine base in the world
The largest Military Base is Ft Irwin which is only 20 miles away from 29 Palms and Johnson Valley
29 Palms is already larger than Rhode Island
The strategy of multiple force tactical strikes that brought about the desire for more land has become obsolete in the 8 years since this process started
The Marines have indicated 6 options (including a no-action option) regarding expansion
4 of those 6 options were deemed suitable and satisfactory to complete the training mission
2 of those suitable options do not require any live fire on public land
We are not anti Military, we are Pro Public Land for Public Use
The Marines can save money, meet all of their training needs (by their own assessment), and keep public lands open
Thats all we are asking them to do
8 Years ago Johnson Valley was considered the best alternative because it was determined there would be no public resistance
Not a single neighboring town/county/or congressional district supports the expansion.
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#1 We worked out a solution for the Marines. We are asking them to not take the land, but pull a permit (like we do for KOH) from the BLM when they want to use the land to train. Then they would manuver in JV and shoot into 29. They could do EXACTLY what they want to do, and train like they want to train...but not have the expence of managing and patroling land that they will not use 95% of the year. That plan would also leave JV open to us.
#2 The Marines are our spearhead force. If JV expands, it would be larger than what our Army has. Why would our spearhead force need more land than our heavy-hitter, the Army? It make no sense.
#3 the expansion is all based on an out-dated 2004 document that was written when the Marines were being used as a 2nd Army in Iraq. The Marines DO OT want to be seen that way...otherwise, why would we need them? They have their own nitch. Furthermore, they can even put as many troops on the ground as they used to with the Task Force Review cutting back their numbers. The expantion is NOT NEEDED. The problem is that our government moves slow.
#4 Many MARINES do not want to lose JV. There are many in 29 that wheel in JV.
#5 The OHV community, especially the 4x4 community has always been, and will always be supportive of our armed forces. Our 4x4 roots, based with the invention of the Jeep...our entire existance is becuase of the military..
