The modernization challenges the Army faces today underscore the need for installations built for the 21st century, said Paul Farnan, principal deputy assistant Army secretary for installations, energy and environment.
As the Army faces a future marked by increased volatility and great-power competition, its installations must be “better positioned for success” as a key enabler for the fighting force, the author of a new paper writes.
In “The Future Installation Management Enterprise: Is the Army Equipped With the Right Capabilities?” Maj. Roye Locklear Jr. says the Army of 2028 will face persistent competition, adversary capabilities, rapid technological changes and increasing regional instability.
Registration is open for the Association of the U.S. Army’s Hot Topic event April 13.
“Army Installation Partnerships for Mission Assurance,” part of AUSA’s 2022 Hot Topic series, is an in-person, daylong event that will take place at AUSA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
The theme for the event is “Executing the Army Installations Strategy.”
Climate change is already affecting the Army’s mission and installations, a senior Army official said.
“Climate change is affecting the Army today,” said Paul Farnan, acting assistant Army secretary for installations, energy and environment. “It’s affecting how we operate, where we operate, what we do [and] how we train.”
Cyberattacks, climate change and increasingly devastating storms and wildfires are just some of the growing threats facing the Army as
Six sites slated to be returned to Germany and Belgium will now be retained by U.S. Army Europe and Africa as the need for facilities grows apace with operational requirements.
The move is a result of a 2018 assessment, directed by DoD, of the sites remaining in Europe. The assessment, conducted by U.S. Army Europe and Africa and Installation Management Command-Europe, found that growth requirements were outpacing facility construction and renovation, according to a press release from U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
The Army needs to be better prepared for the destructive power of climate change, Lt. Gen. Douglas Gabram, the Army Installation Management Command commander, told Congress.
“The Army takes very seriously the threats that climate change poses to our installations and facilities,” Gabram said March 26 in testimony before the House Armed Services readiness subcommittee.
Winter Storm Uri, a major February storm, caused severe damage across the southeastern United States with ice, snow and blackouts.
Army installations need to step up defenses against a combination of new and emerging threats, according to a new Rand Corp. report that warns traditional physical security, antiterrorism and emergency preparedness won’t be enough to provide safe outposts.
The No. 1 priority of Gen. James McConville, the 40th chief of staff of the Army, is people.
