Army Looks To Expand Training Bases

Citing the need for larger battle spaces for military exercises, the U.S. Army has announced plans to acquire up to 5 million acres to expand its bases.

1 minute read

June 23, 2007, 9:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


The Army, needing more room for combat practice with advanced battlefield technology, wants to expand its training areas by up to 70% in the next four years, says a Pentagon official who oversees training.

The Army now uses about 7 million acres on 102 training sites and ranges across the USA. Its wish list for land acquisition by 2011 totals another 4.9 million acres, says James Gunlicks, Army deputy director for training. That's about the size of Connecticut, Delaware and the District of Columbia combined.

Proposals already underway in California, Colorado and Hawaii would add 540,000 acres. Those include a 120,000-acre addition to the Army's National Training Center at Fort Irwin in California and a controversial proposal to almost triple the size of Colorado's 235,900-acre Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site.

Gunlicks says the need for 4.9 million acres "does not necessarily mean the Army will be able to purchase that much. But we would like to have that additional (land)."

He says that most training sites aren't big enough to accommodate realistic maneuvers using modern combat tools: faster fighting vehicles, advanced weapons and more sophisticated command and communications gear."

Wednesday, June 20, 2007 in USA Today

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog