A solution to INDOPACOM infrastructure challenges that comes with multiple benefits.

It’s widely recognized that INDOPACOM doesn’t yet have the infrastructure it needs to implement the strategic shift to that theater. The U.S. has spent 6 decades reducing its network of bases (from a peak of 93 after WWII to 40 today ¹). It now needs to restore, updgrade, and update its base network in a single decade. Traditional construction with its long lead times and supply chain problems simply isn’t viable.

A compelling alternative is steel-framed fabric structures which offer the following critical benefits:

Time Savings

They can be manufactured, installed, and made operational in a matter of months not years. And because they are manufactured in the U.S., using far fewer materials than traditional construction, there are virtually no supply chain issues.

Cost Savings

They cost a fraction of traditional construction. Depending on the size and nature of the structure they can be 70%-80% less expensive. That means the DoD could potentially install three or four steel-framed fabric structures for every one traditional building.

The DoD could potentially install three or four steel-framed fabric structures for every one traditional building.

Sustainability & Durability

They are better suited to the rigors of the climate than traditional construction. INDOPACOM is one of the most corrosive environments on earth thanks to high temperatures, high humidity, UV radiation, and salt air. The steel we use in our structures is hot-dip galvanized post production which protects it from corrosion, and the PVC fabric doesn’t absorb mold and mildew.

They can also withstand the wind loads found in INDOPACOM when built to code, and have proven their durability even in super typhoons.

Adaptability

They are highly adaptable in keeping with the INDOPACOM strategy to be agile, mobile, and flexible. Steel-framed fabric structures can be retractable, expandable, move on rails, include cranes and mezzanines, and can even be disassembled and relocated.

In short, steel-framed fabric structures solve a number of challenges facing INDOPACOM. They allow the DoD to move more quickly, spend less money, reduce sustainment costs, and increase the durability and adaptability of its infrastructure.

1 Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, August 1, 2022