Army prioritizes infrastructure funding at annual wargame

By Stefan AlfordSeptember 29, 2023

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Army wrapped up its annual Facility Investment Plan wargame here this week to prioritize infrastructure needs and program funding for future construction and renovation projects.

Senior leaders representing the active Army’s major commands participated either in person or virtually Sept. 25-29 to review all real property assets in the service’s inventory – from barracks and work centers to quality of life facilities like child development centers, dining facilities, and fitness centers.

The Army Materiel Command-led and Installation Management Command-hosted FIP wargame event began in 2020 to establish a cyclic and evolving process to strengthen installation readiness for the Army of 2030 and beyond.

The wargame captures military construction, restoration, and modernization needs as identified by installations, which are then prioritized by senior leaders, explained Jordan Matthews, AMC G-4 facilities division chief and FIP program lead for AMC.

Following the FIP wargame, the prioritized construction and modernization projects are submitted for Army senior leader approval. The approved FIP is then incorporated into the Army’s funding plans and submitted to the Secretary of Defense as part of the Army’s Budget Estimate Submission.

In FY22, restoration and modernization projects from previous FIP wargame efforts resulted in 222 awards totaling $1.2B, including 50 barracks projects at 17 installations; a cyber center of excellence; two child development centers; airfield, rail and pier repairs supporting deployment readiness; and utilities power substations and heat plants.

Barracks projects continued to see increased emphasis in FY23, said Matthews, with approximately 45 barracks projects awarded for $1.07 billion. In addition, 13 Child Development Centers/Youth Centers for $114 million were awarded. Combined, the barracks and centers make up 65% of all investment funding, according to Matthews.

“These investments directly affect the quality of life of Soldiers and Families on Army installations and reflects our commitment to People – the Army’s top priority,” he said. “The Army will also award 50 additional projects totaling $1.15 billion supporting power projection, stationing, modernization, installation readiness, energy and utilities, and other (Army Senior Leader) directed initiatives.”