Virginia Military Institute Lexington, Virginia Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds Phase I Feasibility Study January 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Description Page I. EXECUIVE SUMMARY 2 II. EXISTING CONDITIONS A. North Post Training Area 4 B. McKethan Training Area 6 III. RECOMMENDATIONS A. North Post Training Area 7 B. McKethan Training Area 9 IV. APPENDICES A. North Post Training Area Renderings B. McKethan Training Area Renderings
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds (MLFTG) are a critical component of the VMI Vision 2039 Post Facilities Master Plan, prepared and presented by the Superintendent, General J.H. Binford Peay III, and unanimously adopted by the VMI Board of Visitors. The Virginia Military Institute believes that the measure of a college lies in the quality and performance of its graduates and their contributions to society. Therefore, it is the mission of the Virginia Military Institute to produce educated, honorable men and women, prepared for the varied work of civil life, imbued with love of learning, confident in the functions and attitudes of leadership, possessing a high sense of public service, advocates of the American Democracy and free enterprise system, and ready as citizen-soldiers to defend their country in time of national peril. The fulfillment of this mission is as important today as in any time in our nation s history as VMI prepares its cadets to lead the nation s fight in the war on terrorism. VMI is unique among most all higher education institutions because of its statutory obligation of providing higher education and a military organization. The Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds (MLFTG) project is important to VMI s effort to deliver a unique education that includes making every cadet a leader and ready as citizen soldiers upon graduation. VMI has established a goal for 70% of its graduates to seek commissions as active duty, reserve, or National Guard military officers. Improved training grounds support VMI s mission. VMI is a physically demanding institution. The goal of a sound mind in a sound body is being realized to a high degree. Every cadet is required to participate in leadership, military, and physical training exercises to help build strength, confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills that will benefit the cadet, the state, and the nation. This feasibility study provides a review of existing conditions and recommended improvements. These recommendations include include improvements to existing challenge course, obstacle course, situational training lanes, patrol bases, command and control facility, access roads and infrastructure. Topography mapping, fencing and security, and environmental improvements will also be provided. The project will include relocating the firing 2
range and improvements to a Military Operations in Urbanized Terrain facility. A footbridge to allow cadet access to the leadership training facilities is also recommended. Implementation of the recommendations will result in providing outdoor leadership, military, and physical training facilities for cadets preparing them as citizen-soldiers. This feasibility study incorporates previously completed studies that have been undertaken to develop and refine the scope for the Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds. These studies include: Woods Creek Water Resources Evaluation, December 8, 2005. United States Army Corps of Engineers, SFCS, HOK, Draper Aden Associates. Challenge Course Inspection Report, January 2006. Structural Condition Assessment Report: Rappelling Station, July 2006. Clark-Nexsen Architecture and Engineering. Feasibility Study for Pedestrian Bridge, November 27, 2007. Draper Aden Associates Engineering, Surveying and Environmental Services. Draper Aden Associates is completing a Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan to address the Master Plan for the Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds. This study is expected to be completed in April 2008. North Post/Jordan s Point Entrance, November 28, 2007. Draper Aden Associates Engineering, Surveying and Environmental Services. VMI Post Facilities Master Plan, May 2007. The Virginia Department of Budget and Planning has approved the Detailed Budget Submissions for the capital project to Improve the Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds. The Detailed Budget Submissions were submitted in July 2007. 3
II. EXISTING CONDITIONS A. NORTH POST TRAINING AREA The North Post Training Area comprises 55 acres located on the north boundary of VMI s Main Post between Woods Creek and the Maury River. Included in the Training Area are the existing Rat Challenge Course, two (2) Obstacle Courses, a 30 point firing range, and high ropes/element training located in an east-west orientation across the hill. The obstacles are located within wooded areas and are intermingled with trees, branches, stumps, and open area. The VMI Challenge Program was developed by Dr. Clark King in 1968, then Head of the Department of Physical Education. Part of the original purpose of the program was to provide leadership opportunities for upperclass cadets, while at the same time involving New Cadets in a vigorous outdoor experimental program that would stretch them physically and emotionally, and enable them to overcome any self-imposed limits with which they may be confronted. The Challenge Program goals and objectives include: 1) improve physical condition, 2) help conquer fears, 3) improve relations with cadre, 4) improve self esteem, 5) help build team spirit, 6) improve ability to resolve conflict, 7) improve sensitivity to differences in ability, 8) develop problem solving skills, and 9) have fun. Much of the equipment was built in the early 1970 s and has not been extensively improved since construction. The existing Military Obstacle Course is not constructed in accordance with current Association of Challenge Courses and Technology (ACCT) standards. The elements in the Obstacle Course are similar to those utilized by the United States Armed Services. Spanning across the North Post Training Area is a lengthy VMI Obstacle Course which integrates physical conditioning with various obstacles. The trails which support this obstacle course have various soil stabilization forms which are beginning to fail. The forms which hold the soil are intended to prohibit soil erosion and delineate the path of the course. These rudimentary forms have reached the end of their useful life and are beginning to show signs of decomposition. Various Leadership Reaction elements are located across the training area in both open and forested areas of the training area. These obstacles collectively comprise the Leadership Reaction 4
Course. These elements are administered to smaller squads of cadets. The geographic separation between the various elements poses a challenge for proper supervision and safety. The existing 30 point firing range is located on the same hill as the challenge and obstacle courses. The existing range does not meet current standards for outdoor firing ranges. The range utilizes earthen embankments for the sidewalls and the backstop. There is currently no lead collection system for spent rounds that have been discharged into the side of the hill. There are no baffles present to prevent an accidental discharge of a round over the top of the hill. The property directly behind the hill on the north post is a private housing subdivision which has recently been developed. Located at the top of the ridge along the North Post terrain is an existing Rappelling/Climbing cliff. Steel pipes driven into the bedrock are used to tie off the belay and climbing ropes. Included in also is a steel beam platform which extends out over the cliff which is used to simulate a free fall rappel. The connection from Barracks to the North Post Training Area is down a series of concrete steps and landings to a wood decking foot bridge across Woods Creek. The existing Woods Creek foot bridge is antiquated and in need of replacement. There are safety concerns with excessive pedestrian loading on the bridge. The existing concrete steps used to convey the cadets to the Training Area are narrow and lack appropriate placement of guardrails. There is a seventy six (76) foot elevation difference between Burma Road adjacent to Barracks and the average flood plain elevation at Woods Creek. Additionally, Anderson Drive provides vehicular access to North Post and extends to the upper limits of the training area. A gravel path called the Woods Creek Trail is located on the North Post Training Area which is used to access the various training areas. The Obstacle Courses, Challenge Course, High Ropes/Element Training and Firing Range are currently sited to the north of the trail. Several storm sewer lines traverse the slope from behind Barracks that run towards the main sewer lines located along Woods Creek. The existing Woods Creek Road runs adjacent to the creek providing access to the existing tennis courts, student gravel parking area and to the most eastern limits of the post where the road enters Jordan s Point Park (owned by the City of Lexington). 5
B. MCKETHAN TRAINING AREA The two existing structures that serve as patrol bases require repairs and improvements. These include improvements to existing well and septic systems, structural improvements and modest changes to restrooms. The existing structure that serves as the Military Operations in Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) requires improvements to meet the modern training needs. The existing roads at McKethan Training Area require repair and improvement to support the training requirements. The existing entrance will need to be relocated to increase visibility for vehicles existing the training area. The command and control facility is in good condition. Improvements will include minor changes to the floor plan layout to make more efficient use of space. A support facility will also be constructed in the vicinity of the command and control facility. Existing utilities providing power, water, and sanitary systems require repair and upgrade to ensure that the infrastructure continues to support the training grounds. 6
III. RECOMMENDATIONS Improvements to the Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds (MLFTG) will occur at two locations at the Virginia Military Institute. The North Post Training Area is located on the northern most edge of the main Post and the McKethan Training Area is a remote training area located approximately three miles from the main Post. The improvements at North Post Training Area will consist of repairs and improvements to the obstacle and challenge courses, the pedestrian bridge over Woods Creek, an access road, and utilities infrastructure. Drill fields in support of the training grounds will also be developed. The obstacle course is comprised of a circuit of low and high hurdles, walls, rope climb, and various other obstacles which are designed to develop and test a cadet s physical aptitude. The obstacle course will be constructed to meet Army Conditioning Obstacle Course criteria and the ACCT (Association of Challenge Courses and Technology) standards. The challenge course (Leadership Reaction Course) provides different stations including pugil stick training, the bridge problem, the howitzer problem and various other tests designed to develop leadership, teamwork and confidence among the cadets. The pedestrian bridge over Woods Creek provides access from the main Post to the North Post Training Area. The length of the pedestrian bridge is approximately 60 feet. The access road, power and lighting, water supply and fencing will be upgraded to support the improved training grounds. The firing range located at the North Post Training Area will be relocated to the McKethan Training Area. The improvements at the McKethan Training Area will include the Situational Training Lanes (STX), improved and additional patrol bases, baffled firing range, road repair and improvements, land navigation topography mapping, vehicle and equipment parking, security office and fencing, Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT), Command and Control Facility, utilities infrastructure, pedestrian access and environmental improvements A. NORTH POST TRAINING AREA The challenge course, or Leadership Reaction Course (LRC), is designed for team problem-solving events. The purpose of the 7
LRC is to provide leadership opportunities for upper-class cadets while involving new cadets in a vigorous outdoor experiential program that would stretch them physically and emotionally. The LRC is designed to teach cadets leadership that will facilitate reaction, leadership under stress, problem solving, and team building. The LRC consists of a series of different stations to include the twelve foot wall problem, ten foot log problem, bridge problem # 1, bridge problem # 2, fuel barrel problem, ammunition over water problem, howitzer problem, ravine swing over water problem, electric fence, swinging bridge and tunnel problem. The existing Leadership Reaction Course was constructed in the 1970 s and modernization of the course will improve the quality of training and integrate today s safety standards. The High Ropes/High Element training area will also be improved and upgraded to meet modern safety standards. Training includes high water entry, rappelling, high ropes and rock climbing. The obstacle courses will be constructed to meet Army Conditioning Obstacle Course and Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) criteria and replace the existing courses. The existing obstacle courses have not been upgraded for many years. A pedestrian bridge will be constructed to extend from Barracks to the North Post Training Area which will replace the existing footbridge over Woods Creek. This will improve safety and facilitate access to the training area. Part of the terrain on the North Post Training Area will be improved by leveling portions to provide additional drill and training areas. These areas will be increasingly vital to support the growth of the VMI Corps of Cadets. To improve traffic circulation and support field training the transportation infrastructure will be enhanced. At the Jordan s Point entrance improvements will include widening the road, an entry gate, realignment of the Woods Creek Trail, landscaping and a pedestrian bridge. The Anderson Drive vehicle bridge will also be improved. Environmental improvements include integrating Stormwater Management Facilities to control the quantity and improve the quality of the water entering Woods Creek. Woods Creek will be enhanced and protected through the restoration of a riparian buffer and the removal of alien species. 8
B. MCKETHAN TRAINING AREA The McKethan Training Area will ensure that the cadets will increase confidence in their abilities and reinforce skills learned in the classroom. Training exercises at the McKethan Training Area are designed to be an excellent environment for simulating combat conditions and to train under specified conditions and standards. This will result in better development, evaluation and sustainment of training. The existing firing range located at the North Post Training Area will be relocated to the McKethan Training Area. The new firing range will contain thirty firing positions, overhead baffles, sidewalls, bullet traps, target stands, ammunition bunker, and an observation tower. The new range will meet current design and safety standards. The overhead baffles will prevent the chance of a fired round escaping the range and damaging public/private property or causing personal injury. The existing firing range does not meet current regulations for outdoor firing ranges. The new firing range will be a better training vehicle and ensure the safety of the cadets and the surrounding community. The two existing structures that serve as patrol bases require repairs and improvements. One base will require improvements to existing well and septic systems and modest changes to restrooms. The second patrol base will need improvements due to infrastructure deficiencies. These patrol bases provide training on how to secure a patrol base, execution of an alert plan and associated troop rotations, withdrawal plans (signals, order and rendezvous point), sanitation and hygiene plans, and re-supply of food and water. These activities are the same that are used in the active duty Army and provide a realistic training atmosphere to practice the various patrol base activities. The existing roads at the McKethan Training Area will be repaired and improved to support the training requirements. Improvements include enhancing the main entrance to increase safety for vehicles entering and exiting the training area. The existing gravel vehicle parking and equipment storage areas will also be improved. To enhance the Land Navigation Training the existing topography mapping that is available is no longer an accurate representation of existing structures and natural features in the training area. Improved mapping will allow for more realistic training to accurately represent elevations, hydrographic objects, vegetation, 9
transportation routes utilities and infrastructure. The updated mapping will increase the training options for Land Navigation. An existing MOUT (Military Operations in an Urbanized Terrain) facility will need to be improved to meet today s training standards. The MOUT will provide enhanced training capabilities and be consistent with training methods utilized by today s military. The Command and Control facility will receive modest improvements to upgrade the life safety features of the facility. A support building will also be constructed adjacent to the Command storage. Security fencing and a structure which serves as a security office at the McKethan Training Area will be improved. Existing utilities providing power, water, and sanitary systems will be repaired and improved to ensure that the infrastructure continues to support the training area. The McKethan Training Area is three miles from VMI s Main Post and the North Post Training Area. Pedestrian access to the McKethan Training Area is by way of a three mile trail adjacent to the Maury River and will be improved. The Chessie Trail will receive improvements to the existing trail network and improvements to the pedestrian bridges along the trail. Vehicles access the site using state maintained roads. Environmental improvements will be incorporated to mitigate negative impacts to the environment from stormwater runoff. 10
APPENDICES 11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19