“This new BTC complex will greatly enhance the Soldiers overall training experience and provide them a top notch living and training facility,” says Wayne E. Griffith, project engineer for the new Basic Training Complex 3 (BTC 3) Battalion Headquarters and Barracks.
Phase one of the Fort Jackson BTC 3 project is 99 percent complete and includes the battalion headquarters and three new barracks, a running track and a training pit. In providing a consolidated footprint, the new facilities will ensure more education and efficient training for the soldiers. The new buildings also emphasize that the Army cares about the Soldier. As soon as new trainees are moved from trailers into brand new, permanent homes with 21st century classrooms and accommodations, it will boost morale.
There is space for a sixth barrack, but it’s not in the plans yet. The battalion headquarters was awarded at approximately $5 million. With 25,500 square feet, it serves as administrative, command operations, special functions, storage, and classroom components for a training battalion. The barracks and track were under a separate contractor and cost approximately $37 million. Each barrack houses trainee soldiers and company administrative, training, and command operations with a surge capacity of 288 persons.
The most unique thing about each of the BTC 3 buildings is that they have epoxy floors made from recycled trees that require washing, but not waxing. Griffith emphasized that construction details like this are beneficial to the soldiers because less maintenance means more time to train for survival. All the barracks have spacious bathrooms off of the “sleeping bay” with a total of 48 showers and 16 sinks. Enough shower and sink space gives officers and commanders more training hours by speeding up shower time.
Along the walls there are rubber hospital guards for protection against damage. Within the barracks and headquarters there are classrooms with wall-to-wall whiteboards, separated by paneled, sliding walls made of sound proof material.
Furthermore, the buildings are LEED Silver certified, with high-reflectivity rooftops for energy efficiency. The BTC 3 barracks also have a mass notification system in their entrance way that is tied to a speaker to alarm the occupants of both the barrack and the rest of the base of an emergency. The mechanical room monitors carbon dioxide and humidity levels in the barracks to keep trainees in the best physical and mental health possible. Located in the center of BTC 3 is a quarter-mile track made with shock absorbent material. Pull up bars are located in a training pit made from old, recycled tires.
When asked how construction of BTC 3 represents the Corps’ motto, “Army Strong, Building Strong”, Griffith replied that most of the team working on this project have served in the military and are personally vested in their work. They know what an integral part of the Army’s mission this building represents and how important it is to the Soldiers morale.
The final inspection for the BTC 3 phase one construction is scheduled for July 2, 2012, with a goal of having soldiers move in this November. The Corps’ BTC 3 team has done an excellent job at Fort Jackson, serving their country and our Army Soldiers by giving them the housing they deserve.