Pentagon outlines self-sufficient military bases under Fortress America plan

The Pentagon is placing energy, water and communications resilience at the center of its military installation strategy, with a proposed prototype base intended to operate independently of civilian infrastructure. Dale Marks, assistant secretary of war for energy, installations and environment, described the approach at an Association of Defense Communities convention in Tampa, Florida, according to an October 29 department report.

The linked initiatives, Fortress America and the Next Great American Base, combine infrastructure hardening with a new installation concept. Marks said the planned model would use microgrids and a small nuclear reactor, isolated computer networks, and water systems designed to recycle supplies. The resilience objective is 30 days of operation detached from external utilities.

A prototype for installation modernization

Fortress America also encompasses domestic supply chains, strategic reserves and resilient space and communications capabilities. The department describes a public-private economic model, but the October 29 report does not establish project financing terms, a construction contract or an open procurement.

Marks said lessons from the prototype would subsequently be applied to existing installations. He also linked modernization to service-member retention, calling for better housing and a compact community with schools, healthcare and town centers. These are elements of the proposed design, rather than facilities already delivered.

Site selection remains competitive

In a separate October 27 update, the department said top-scoring locations would be presented by governors to senior officials next spring. An initial land guideline of 100,000 to 250,000 acres is not an absolute cutoff: smaller proposals may be considered if they can support the mission. Former bases and land adjoining existing installations are among the locations eligible for consideration.