Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) Facility

The Challenge

Modern warfighters need to train in real-life environments, and the Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) facility at Fort Knox makes it happen. As part of a contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Barge Design Solutions was tasked with designing a simulated city that includes buildings, a mock airstrip, and an "African Shanty Town" to provide a realistic warfare training environment at the Zussman MOUT facility in Kentucky.

The Solution

Barge provided project management, structural design, and mechanical design. The urban mock-up consisted of four two-story residences with basements, seven one-story residences, a three-story hotel with a basement, a three-story municipal building, and a one-story operational warehouse with a perimeter wall. A 2,000-square-foot range operations center, built in a retrofitted water tower on the site, was also part of the design.

The MOUT facility allows military teams to role-play different training scenarios or prepare for real-world engagements without fear of a true enemy presence. Operations areas are under full video monitoring and recording for review and critique.

The Result

The Barge team's exceptional work on the MOUT facility showcases their ability to craft innovative and authentic training environments that bolster the crucial mission of the U.S. military. Their profound expertise in design, engineering, and project management was instrumental in delivering a facility that fulfills the rigorous demands of military training.