Pentagon Launches Competition for 'Next Great American Base'

The Department of War has initiated a competition among governors to determine the location for a new, state-of-the-art military base, referred to as the "Next Great American Base." Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the plan Wednesday, emphasizing a shift away from relying on aging infrastructure and towards building modern, self-sustaining military installations from the ground up.

This initiative aims to provide troops with upgraded living conditions and training facilities, moving beyond the practice of allocating significant funds to advanced weaponry while service members are housed in outdated barracks. "For too long, our military has been bogged down by the same old tired Washington playbook: spending trillions on exquisite weapons systems, while our troops live in aging bases, outdated barracks, and with inadequate infrastructure. That era is over," Hegseth stated during an address at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

The proposed base is envisioned as a fortress spanning hundreds of thousands of acres, capable of housing up to 25,000 service members. It will feature organic power generation, advanced air defenses, and cutting-edge technology. The installation is designed to be fully independent of the commercial grid, providing essential services such as healthcare and childcare.

Hegseth also noted that the base's design would align with President Donald Trump's executive order on "Beautiful Civic Architecture," advocating for timeless and classical styles in federal public buildings and military installations. "We owe our warriors nothing less than the gold standard," Hegseth said.

The selection process will be a merit-based competition, with governors pitching their states' proposals to Pentagon leadership. Key criteria for selection include the state's ability to reduce regulatory hurdles and bureaucracy to expedite construction, as well as offering the most advantageous package of land, community support, housing, and schools. "The state that cuts the most red tape and offers the best package of land and support will win the historic honor of hosting the most lethal, modern, and beautiful military installation on the planet," according to a press release from the Department of War.

To ensure transparency and prevent political favoritism, all pitch deliberations will be recorded and made public. "No backroom Washington deals. No political favoritism – just a straight-up, merit-based contest to see which state will partner with us to build the most modern, beautiful, and lethal military installation on the planet," Hegseth added.

This project is the fourth of six major strategic initiatives announced by the Secretary of War. The other initiatives focus on restoring physical standards and combat roles for men, improving the review of military standards, reforming complaint processes, overhauling senior leadership, and concentrating on core training and maintenance. FILE — U.S. soldiers take part in a military ceremony. The proposed base, dubbed the "Next Great American Base," would house up to 25,000 service members. ![FILE — U.S. soldiers take part in a military ceremony. The proposed base, dubbed the "Next Great American Base," would house up to 25,000 service members.]( "FILE — U.S. soldiers take part in a military ceremony. The proposed base, dubbed the "Next Great American Base," would house up to 25,000 service members.") FILE - President Donald Trump sits next to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The War Department says the winning state must cut red tape while offering a strong package of land, housing, schools and community support.