The Fort Hunter Liggett (FHL) Multipurpose Range Complex (MPRC) modernization project is complete after two years of extensive upgrades and new constructions to provide cutting edge facilities for Warrior Readiness. The $5.6 Million comprehensive project includes range upgrades, a secure staging area for vehicles and a new bivouac site.
“The modernization of the MPRC significantly enhances our portfolio of high-caliber and modernized training facilities to customers,” said Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Trotter. “The fully automated targetry system provides realistic, challenging and customizable scenarios to meet customer’s training goals.”
The opening of the MPRC is just in time for the Army Reserve’s premiere training exercise – Operation Mojave Falcon (OMF) - with thousands of Soldiers from across the nation descending at Fort Hunter Liggett to train collectively. OMF is designed to enhance the Army Reserve’s ability to support large-scale combat operations and demonstrate its agility and commitment to national defense, and FHL is the perfect place for it with more than 165,000 acres.
“We’re excited to be the first to use the upgraded facility and look forward to working with the garrison to develop realistic and challenging convoy target training at the MPRC,” said Brig. Gen. William Wilkerson, the deputy commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command.
The MPRC upgrades include an expanded training area, featuring new target emplacements, battle positions, and improved infantry clusters. These enhancements allow Soldiers to engage a variety of enemy threats, fostering teamwork, communication, and strategic movement. The range also helps Soldiers develop their ability to assess threats and react dynamically to changing battlefield conditions.
The refurbishment of target lifters ensure reliability during engagements. Since they are fully automated and controlled from the range tower, units can conduct tailored training exercises without manual intervention, allowing for seamless scenario execution.
The addition of hasty battle positions and a secured vehicle staging area enhances the ability to conduct combined arms training, integrating infantry and armored units in live-fire exercises.
“These upgrades provide Soldiers with more diverse engagement scenarios, train against a wider variety of targets, simulating real-world combat more effectively,” said Reynaldo Vellido, Range Officer. He adds that the newly constructed bivouac site provides a dedicated area for units to set up temporary living and administrative spaces. “This makes extended training operations more feasible and comfortable,” said Vellido.
The MPRC upgrades also include improved crossover roads and dynamic engagement zones, allowing units to practice convoy operations and tactical maneuvers in a controlled yet challenging environment.
The $5.6 million comprehensive modernization project was validated through the annual Range Complex Master Plan (RCMP) Sustainable Range Program. “This project was executed in five phases and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah office managed the contracts,” said Range Planner William Duckworth who played a critical role as the on-site contracting officer representative. “We continue to enhance the complex to provide the best support to Soldiers. Some future projects include replacing the old electrical infrastructure, constructing an ammunition loading dock, and renovating the latrine/shower point.”
“Fort Hunter Liggett exists to provide the best training facilities and support to our Nation’s warfighters,” said Trotter. “Having the expansive space and first-class facilities, like the MPRC and many other capabilities, prepares troops for real-world operational scenarios with greater precision and realism. And we’re proud to be part of the team to strengthen Soldier readiness as a lethal and cohesive force to meet today’s global challenges.”
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