Defining The Army Installations Of The Future

DRIVERS OF CHANGEEcosystem ConvergenceStorms, heat waves, and otherunpredictable weather events will combinewith human ecological systems to impactArmy operations and magnify the threatsposed by adversaries and competitors Climate change is creating new combat theaters, notablyin the Arctic region, and transforming existing ones likeSouth Asia15 “The International Energy Agency (IEA), a researchgroup, estimates that putting up and running buildingsconsumes 36% of the world’s energy and produces some40% of energy-related carbon emissions.”16 Congressional gridlock delayed recovery funding forTyndall Air Force Base following Hurricane Michael17 In 2017, the United States scored a D on the AmericanSociety of Civil Engineers’ Infrastructure Report Card –struggling outside infrastructure poses vulnerabilities toinstallations 18 A 2019 DoD report lists 17 out of 21 surveyed Armyinstallations as vulnerable to flooding within the next 20years 1913

CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE ARMYArmy Modernization is HereArmy modernization willnot occur without aconcurrent paradigmshift concerning the rolesand capabilities ofinstallationsA substantial portion ofcurrent and futureconflict is virtual, shiftingthe location of thebattlefield: “The Meadesand Gordons will be theBagrams and Kandaharsof the future“20Future warfightingtechnologies will behighly networked,integrated, and sensorrich – installations willplay critical roles inenabling, operating, andsecuring thesetechnologiesArmy modernization will not prove successful without a concurrent paradigm shift regarding the roles and capabilities ofinstallations. Future warfighting technologies will be highly networked, integrated, and sensor-rich. Installations will playessential roles in storing, tracking, maintaining, and operating the current Modernization Priorities and technologies.14

CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE ARMYInstallations areCatalysts for ReadinessReadiness encompassesrecruitment of qualitypersonnel, retention ofSoldiers and families, andcutting-edge training –installations enable allthreeHigh-quality physicaltraining ranges willremain essential,particularly as the Armyimplements nextgeneration vehicles andweapons systems andadopts the CombatFitness Test (CFT)Installations will lead theway in implementingeffective and networkedSynthetic TrainingEnvironments across theArmyInstallations will continue to serve as the generators of Army readiness. The definition of readiness and metrics tomeasure it are rapidly evolving as the Army prepares for new types of combat. Installations must support SyntheticTraining Environments which enable virtual collaboration and conduct frequent stress-test exercises to assess real-timereadiness.15

CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE ARMYCurrent TRLs SupportSmart Environments“4/5 of the future needsof smart cities aretechnologically capabletoday. We don’t needhigh bandwidth, lowlatency of 5G to do manyof the functions.” 21Dense smartenvironments willstruggle with the needsto construct data centersand implement edgecomputing infrastructureto process data at thesource.23“The cost of lithium-ionbatteries has plunged 85percent in a decade, and30 percent in just thepast year.”22Installations can become smart environments that support two goals of facilitating installation operations and awarenessof various facets of the smart environment and empowering the Units, Soldiers, and families of the environment bygiving them access to data and information and increasing their input and ability to customize at the lowest possiblelevels.16

CAPABILITIEIS FOR THE FUTURE INSTALLATIONScale Functions and OperationsSCALING TO WINCOMBINING COMBAT POWERNetworked installations will coordinate andleverage the total Army inventory and allow theArmy to maximize its warfighting, materiel, andTotal Force resources.Army installations will not only enable powerprojection and build readiness but serve aswarfighting platforms by jointly conducting aerialoperations and cyberwarfare and integrating withdeployed Soldiers.SUPPORTING FINDINGSUPPORTING FINDING“Installations today end up creating a crisis becausewe put too many troops and too much equipmentin one place and then we have trouble mobilizing itin a timely way, hindering throughput.”24“If the future battlefield is fluid, where are theforces going to be controlled from? Static locationsin the continental US! These won’t be outside ofthe war fight either.“25KEY CAPABILITIESReal-time, virtual supply chain across enterpriseDashboard/backbone of core metrics across constellation (e.g. energy, resources, data, soldier information)Ability to ramp up security as needed (i.e., drone / airspace safe zones)Unified standards to support Total Force (Active, Reserve, and Guard components)17

CAPABILITIEIS FOR THE FUTURE INSTALLATIONManeuver with SpeedWARFARE OF THE FUTURECONNECTIVITYFuture combat will occur at unprecedented speedsand demand highly-complex warfighting systems.To support this future environment, installationsmust be networked and operate with agility.Sensor proliferation on installations and amongpersonnel will democratize data and otherinformation, push decision making to the edge, andenable rapid operations.SUPPORTING FINDINGSUPPORTING FINDING“In many cases, new weapon systems have notbeen deconflicted with what is needed on aninstallation to support. The speed and velocity ofnew weapons systems could quickly outpace aninstallation’s ability to support.”26ARM, a semiconductor designer, estimates that by2035 there could be 1 trillion networked IoT chips 27“Researchers have built a new type of computerchip that boosts the performance and slashes theenergy demands of systems used for AI.”28KEY CAPABILITIESData management and sharing standardsJust-in-time materiel delivery between platforms leveraging drones and autonomous capabilitiesOn-site manufacturing (i.e., 3-D printing) and repairCybersecurity standards within built into buildings and products18

CAPABILITIEIS FOR THE FUTURE INSTALLATIONDevelop Esprit de CorpsCOHESIVENESS IN A VIRTUAL AGEMODERNIZING TRAININGInstallations must leverage technologies and virtualcapabilities to maintain cohesiveness despiteincreased physical distances between and divergentneeds of Soldiers and personnel.Installations must continue to support physicaltraining and accompanying ranges, but must alsoprioritize building readiness for less-traditionalcombat personnel like cyber operators and dronepilots.SUPPORTING FINDINGSUPPORTING FINDING“Communities used to form because of sharedexperiences in a physical place, now the GarrisonCommander (GC) needs to think about a hybrid:some things pull people into post, but how do youhave a virtual presence as well?”29Synthetic Training Environments (STEs) willsupplement in-person training, allow for increasedreps, and reduce environmental and transportationburdens.KEY CAPABILITIESNetworked Synthetic Training Environments (STEs) across installation landscapeRobust AR/VR capabilities to enable adaptive trainingFlexible work and communication options to maintain cohesiveness across physical distancesTalent management system to align personnel with ideal assignments19

CAPABILITIEIS FOR THE FUTURE INSTALLATIONProvide a Positive Installation Experience“THE INSTALLATION” TO “MY INSTALLATION”FAMILY EXPERIENCEYounger Americans increasingly expect flexible,customizable workspaces and lifestyles. Relativelyminor policy changes and physical upgrades toinstallations could significantly improve retention.Families play critical roles in enabling readiness andcontribute to Army talent retention. Livableinstallations will benefit families and takeadvantage of the talents which dependents mayoffer.SUPPORTING FINDINGSUPPORTING FINDING“When you talk to corporate CEOs, the moreenlightened ones regard workspace as a recruitingand retention factor.”30“Millennials in particular want to be great parents.Army life is very difficult for families, andinstallations could help or hinder this.”31KEY CAPABILITIESDiverse personal mobility options (including without cars)Fence line designed around only critical assets with virtual security / awarenessIntegration with commercial vendors and delivery servicesUnified IT systems at base level and across enterprise (including with other services)Comfortable and flexible office spaces and abundant outdoor amenities (trails, etc.)20

CAPABILITIEIS FOR THE FUTURE INSTALLATIONENABLE THE MODERN ARMYREFRAMING INSTALLATION ROLESOVERCOMING DINOSAURSInstallations must articulate visions in which theyare central platforms in prosecuting Multi-DomainOperations and generating readiness. This requiresa substantial cultural shift within the Army.Redefine installation management from amanagerial task to an operational one to changeparadigms and generate buy-in for evolving legacyinstallation features and transitioning certainservices to the commercial sector.SUPPORTING FINDINGSUPPORTING FINDING“A major cultural challenge is that people don’tthink of installations as operational, even if they saythat they do.”32“Installations were built on an industrial agemodel a physical environment to execute a staticmission. This worked for many years but is notsuitable for the future.”33KEY CAPABILITIESSupport of next-generation weapons and Army Modernization prioritiesCutting-edge facilities for drone and cyber operatorsVirtual integration with and tracking of all Soldiers under installation purviewAutonomous and routine stress-testing to tangibly demonstrate existing vulnerabilities21

FUTURE STATES FOR INSTALLATIONSINSTALLATION AS A PLATFORMMODULARITY TO CUSTOMIZEFLEXIBILITY TO SCALEAbility of individual installation components to besubstituted, replaced, or built upon withoutdisrupting other components.Ability of individual platforms to respond to newinputs, stakeholders, and missions gradually overtime and as necessitated by contingencies.Supporting Finding“One building is a robotics lab: different projects allthe time, modular power systems, tech guysworking on stuff, cruise missile component, easy forteam to claim its area without building a wall, plugand-play electronics. Once you can get in there,everyone can get synergy from innovation.”34Supporting FindingToday’s teams “have 60-day product developmentcycles and draw people from different components.How do spaces adapt, how to create a series ofspaces to accommodate different sized teamswithout rebuilding the space?”35“Buildings become flexible platforms and ‘wickedsimple’ to configure”36KEY CAPABILITIESMulti-purpose facilities and infrastructure to accommodate multiple weapons systems and missionsCommon protocols to support virtual communication between personnel, buildings, and commandIntegrated with commercial service providers and civil authoritiesSupports seamless additions of mission-centric and lifestyle-oriented additions (e.g., drone launch zones, micromobility options, solar panels on residences)22

FUTURE STATES FOR INSTALLATIONSCONSTELLATION OF INSTALLATIONSADAPTABILITY TO RESPONDINTEROPERABILITY TO DELIVERAbility of installation network to respond toshutdowns or disruptions of any single node.Ability to adapt to new missions and use personneland data across installation portfolio.Supporting Finding“Every autonomous system will be able to processand make sense of the information it gathers on itsown, without relying on a command hub. This willenable the creation of radically distributednetworks that are resilient and reconfigurable.”37Supporting FindingAir Force recently demonstrated mission andpersonnel interoperability by switching control ofPersian Gulf aerial assets from the Qatar-basedCombined Air and Space Operations Center toCONUS Shaw Air Force Base38KEY CAPABILITIESAssured internet and cellular capabilities across all installationsCommon IT standards to enable Soldiers and civilians to plug-in and work regardless of physical locationCommon Operating Picture accessible by stakeholders across installation enterprise (GCs, Pentagon, etc.)Ability of Constellation to form and reform based on function and as necessitated by contingenciesInterconnected exercises at training installations and knowledge sharing / collaboration at R&D facilities23

ROADMAP FOR THE FUTUREALIGN TO MISSION IE&E should emphasize modern installations’ impact while making the case for the installation of the future.installation prototypes (Platform / Constellations) align especially well with the following ArmyModernization Priorities: Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing Synthetic Training Environment (STE) Army Network Modernization2020 ACTION ITEMSOrganize and/or participate inwargame initiative to test alignmentof Modernization Priorities withinstallations within the context ofMulti-Domain OperationsSTRATEGY/OUTCOMENear-Term (1-2 years)Mid-Term (3-5 years)Long-Term (5-10 years)Highlight the ModernizationPriorities for which futureinstallations add most valueCoherently articulateinstallations’ support ofreadiness and resilienceIntegrate Future WarfighterCapabilities Use wargame findings to engageArmy Futures Command CrossFunctional Teams for APNT, STE,and Army Network Emphasize installations’ ability todeliver AFC quick wins Leverage Army partnerships(FORSCOM, TRADOC, AMC, AFC,etc.) to shift entrenched culturalattitudes within Army Considerations and Challenges Implement capabilities acrossinstallation enterprise to supportthe various warfighting systemsand joint-force partnerships whichenable MDONeed to quickly identify potential MDO-focused wargames andintegrate with relevant CFTsWargame should incorporate representatives from across DoD services24

ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURESUPPORT PERSONNEL AND COMMUNITY Soldier and family welfare are essential enablers of the Army’s readiness and mission success By providing flexible lifestyle options and efficient services, installations will deliver the welfare neededto recruit and retain current and future Army talent People are demanding flexible, virtual options in Professional Military Education: “Younger people don’twant to move to Syracuse just to take a course”392020 ACTION ITEMSConduct a study/survey or analyzedata on Soldier and family installationfacility and amenity preferencesSTRATEGY/OUTCOMENear-Term (1-2 years)Define role of communityinside and outside of thewireMid-Term (3-5 years)Long-Term (5-10 years)Fully integrate communityLeverage Soldier / familydatabases to match talent to available services for servicemembers and familiesinstallation needs Use survey results and site visits to Take advantage of increased Army Leverage flexible working options,installation networks, andinform decisions on features toinformation sharing to sponsor apersonnel management systemskeep versus evolveportal giving garrison commandersto deliver Soldiers and families Produce data-driven, installationinsights into the skills andflexibility in training, education,by-installation assessment ofcapabilities of existing andand community servicescommunity integration andincoming installation personnelservice evolutionConsiderations and Challenges Overcoming dinosaurs and entrenched stakeholdersDifficulty of capturing and organizing personnel data25

ROADMAP FOR THE FUTUREMODERNIZE INFRASTRUCTURE – INSTALLATION AS APLATFORM Army’s championing of smart capabilities will generate maximal input and Army buy-in if thisimplementation occurs on a single, flagship installation Focusing on a single prototype versus various installations will generate comprehensive, “installationexperience” data which IE&E can wield as it makes the case for budget prioritization2020 ACTION ITEMSBegin scanning for potentialprototype installations and partnerorganizationsDetermine high win-probabilityinitiatives, technologies, and systemsto introduce to a single platformSTRATEGY/OUTCOMENear-Term (1-2 years)Mid-Term (3-5 years)Long-Term (5-10 years)Outline the specificSelect a flagship installationRedefine installations ascapabilities and technologies on which to build prototypeOperational Platformsto implement across Army platform and conduct high- within the context of Multiinstallationswin probability pilotsDomain Operations Partner with internal Measure impact of modernization Use output and momentumstakeholder(s) (FORSCOM,efforts on prototype installationgenerated from AFC collaborationthrough longitudinal studies whichand prototype findings to redefineTRADOC, USACE) to identifytrackSoldierandfamilyinstallations in operational termsinstallation which will readilysentimentsas enablers of Multi-Domainsupport Installation as a PlatformOperations Analyze prototype findings toapplicationsinform the specific capabilities Identify promotable GC willing towhich should be introduced acrosssteer installation’s transition to anthe installation enterpriseoperational platformConsiderations and Challenges Difficulties identifying and/or engaging prototype partnersPrototype features should be “two-door initiatives”26

ROADMAP FOR THE FUTUREENABLE INFORMATION SHARING – CONSTELLATION OFINSTALLATIONS Interviewees and participants from the Visioning and Strategy Sessions emphasized the importance ofconnectivity across the installation spectrum to enable training, ensure readiness, and drive efficiencyand cost savings Similar to the buildout of the Installation as a Platform, this Constellation should likewise proceed as aprototype, this time among a cluster of installations2020 ACTION ITEMSAssess Wi-Fi and 4G/LTE coveragecapabilities across installationportfolioScan for a regional or functionalcluster of suitable installations (i.e.,possessing baseline networkcapabilities) in which to pilotinformation-sharingSTRATEGY/OUTCOMENear-Term (1-2 years)Mid-Term (3-5 years)Long-Term (5-10 years)Design Platform architecturewith protocols and modularplug-and-play capabilitiesDetermine and beginconnecting cluster of 3-4installationsMove towards Roll-out ofConstellation acrossinstallation enterpris

immediate and long-term impacts on Army operations, Soldier and family well-being, and the future installation. . Societal Evolution Governments and hierarchical entities will struggle to stay ahead of divisive media . ENT OM than from bullets; kids dont know how to drive if t