VMI Military & Leadership Field Training Grounds, Phase I

Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA

A leading service academy, Virginia Military Institute was faced with the need to expand and improve their cadet training facilities to support the development of the skills needed for entry into elite military units. Leveraging our long relationship and targeted expertise, they partnered with Clark Nexsen to a fully baffled outdoor, 20,000+ SF firing range.

Featuring 30, 25-meter firing lanes and designed with multiple target systems, the range enables the use of multiple weapon and ammunition types, including M-16, 9mm, .223, and 7.62. Key features include the firing lanes’ walk down arrangement, automated target system, laminar flow air handling, and full baffling to protect the surrounding community from noise and errant rounds. Dividing the range into two, 15-lane ranges with a fully grouted masonry demising wall allows for a centrally-positioned control booth, providing visual control for two range masters and range controls for each space. Supporting effective training, the range equipment includes multiple target systems: a fixed pneumatic target system capable of edge and face movement and a running man system.

On an otherwise unusable valley site, this project also encompassed the design and installation of three drill fields suitable for soccer and lacrosse. The 40-acre site also includes a 31-element obstacle course spread over three miles of running trails, and a high ropes course used for both cadet training and corporate leadership training by outside groups.

SIZE  20,978 SF  /  COMPLETION  2011  /  COST  $11,216,000