The Army is in the midst of relocating five historic barracks, which were originally constructed during World War II, to create new officer quarters and cut costs.
This move comes alongside a major construction initiative at Fort McCoy, where two new Collective Training Officers Quarters buildings are being built.
Each building will cover 48,000 square feet across four stories, with an estimated budget of $55.7 million.
Previously, another barracks was completed in 2020 at a cost of $20.6 million, while a building finished in 2023 cost $27 million.
Relocation Efficiency
In contrast, relocating the older barracks is a far more economical endeavor, at just $400,000 per building.
A set of comparable facilities that were moved in 2023 can house 50 service members during their training sessions on the base.
Tonya Townsell, a spokesperson for Fort McCoy, emphasized that both the modern quarters and the relocated barracks have unique benefits.
The new accommodations come equipped with contemporary amenities, whereas the older barracks foster a strong sense of unit cohesion, allowing personnel to have their own designated spaces.
Training Facility Features
These relocated barracks will serve troops coming to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, which sees over 100,000 personnel from active duty, reserves, and the National Guard each year.
The base boasts an array of facilities for live-fire exercises—including shooting ranges, trench complexes, simulation centers, and training villages—and it has long been recognized for its cold-weather training capabilities since it opened.
Historical Significance
This isn’t the first time Fort McCoy has moved buildings.
Back in March 2023, a contractor named Devooght House Lifters successfully relocated four barracks, each accommodating 50 soldiers, which are now operating effectively.
The relocation process involves contractors digging around the existing foundations and positioning beams underneath the barracks.
They then utilize hydraulic power to lift the structures and slide axles beneath them for transport.
Gareth Ferguson, a general engineer from the Directorate of Public Works, mentioned that the maximum speed during relocation reaches about nine miles per hour.
For January and February, contractors will continue the relocation of the barracks while the ground is frozen, planning to lay the new concrete foundations once temperatures rise.
These barracks have a rich history dating back to their construction in 1942, coinciding with the establishment of Fort McCoy’s cantonment.
An article in The Real McCoy newspaper from August 28, 1942, highlights that the first residents of these barracks were military police at Camp McCoy.
At that time, the base was rapidly expanding, constructing over 1,500 buildings, including barracks, at an impressive total cost of $30 million—an amount that would be roughly $545 million in today’s money.
Source: Taskandpurpose.com