Fort Hunter Liggett completes $5.6M modernization of training range
Photo by Amy Phillips.
Upgrades align with large-scale combat readiness for national defense
– The Fort Hunter Liggett multipurpose range complex has completed a $5.6 million modernization project following two years of construction and upgrades aimed at enhancing training capabilities for military personnel.
The project included range upgrades, the creation of a secure vehicle staging area, and the construction of a new bivouac site. According to officials, these developments will provide more realistic and effective training opportunities for service members preparing for large-scale combat operations.
“The modernization of the multipurpose range complex significantly enhances our portfolio of high-caliber and modernized training facilities to customers,” said Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Trotter. “The fully automated targetry system provides realistic, challenging and customizable scenarios to meet customer’s training goals.”
The opening of the updated complex coincides with the start of Operation Mojave Falcon, a major Army Reserve training exercise bringing thousands of soldiers to Fort Hunter Liggett. The event is designed to improve the Army Reserve’s ability to conduct large-scale combat operations and support national defense objectives across more than 165,000 acres of training space.
“We’re excited to be the first to use the upgraded facility and look forward to working with the garrison to develop realistic and challenging convoy target training at the multipurpose range complex,” said Brig. Gen. William Wilkerson, deputy commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command.
The upgrades include new target emplacements, battle positions, and infantry clusters, allowing soldiers to engage a variety of simulated enemy threats. These features are intended to improve communication, teamwork, and strategic maneuvering under battlefield-like conditions.
Target lifters were refurbished to improve reliability during exercises. Fully automated and controlled from the range tower, the system allows for customized training scenarios without manual operation.
Additional enhancements include hasty battle positions and a secure area for vehicle staging, which support combined arms training by integrating infantry and armored units in live-fire scenarios.
“These upgrades provide soldiers with more diverse engagement scenarios, train against a wider variety of targets, simulating real-world combat more effectively,” said Reynaldo Vellido, range officer. He added that the new bivouac site offers a designated area for temporary living and administrative functions. “This makes extended training operations more feasible and comfortable,” said Vellido.
The modernization also included the installation of improved crossover roads and dynamic engagement zones. These features are designed to help units practice convoy operations and tactical movements in a controlled but demanding environment.
The project was executed in five phases and managed through the Range Complex Master Plan Sustainable Range Program. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah office handled contracting.
“This project was executed in five phases and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah office managed the contracts,” said Range Planner William Duckworth, who served as the on-site contracting officer representative. “We continue to enhance the complex to provide the best support to soldiers. Some future projects include replacing the old electrical infrastructure, constructing an ammunition loading dock, and renovating the latrine/shower point.”
“Fort Hunter Liggett exists to provide the best training facilities and support to our nation’s warfighters,” said Trotter. “Having the expansive space and first-class facilities, like the multipurpose range complex and many other capabilities, prepares troops for real-world operational scenarios with greater precision and realism. And we’re proud to be part of the team to strengthen soldier readiness as a lethal and cohesive force to meet today’s global challenges.”
