Army efforts to improve the resilience and security of its installations require close cooperation with contractors and communities, Lt. Gen. Jason Evans, deputy Army chief of staff for installations, said April 13.

Installations “are no longer a sanctuary,” Evans said. Instead, they would be considered part of the front line of future warfare. Preparing for this culture change requires a new breed of installation commander and staff who will need ongoing and up-to-date training, he said.

The Army has a path charted with its series of installation roadmaps approved in recent years, including a climate strategy issued this year that calls for policies aimed at adjusting to climate change.

Speaking at an Association of the U.S. Army-sponsored Hot Topic focused on preparing installations for the future, Evans said the Army has made great progress in preparing installations to withstand climate change, cyberattacks and energy challenges, but it needs help.

For example, installations need to be more energy efficient and self-sufficient, Evans said. Being environmentally green means “being flexible, adaptable and reliable,” he said.

Industry is interested in being part of the installations’ transformation, particularly when it involves data-driven enterprises, and Evans said he wants them involved, although many details need to be worked out. 

“The Army cannot do this alone,” he said, asking for insights from communities and local politicians about ways to work together. “Our communities and contractors outside the gate are our mission partners.”