Development Near Bases Said to Hinder Training

Civilian encroachment on military bases statewide is making it harder for units to train, military leaders say. That, in turn, is affecting how well soldiers can complete their missions, they report.

More than 100 military, community and business leaders met this week to discuss the problem and how to make bases and surrounding communities more compatible.

Military leaders say that meeting with local government and community groups is helpful, and that bases should be considered in land-use planning.

Many residents complain about the noise from the bases.

And military leaders say housing developments have pushed endangered species onto bases, interfering with their maneuvers.