As we rummage through the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, we understand the importance of military personnel. From the rapid deployment of troops for disaster relief to quickly assembled field hospitals, the ability to rapidly deploy and remove critical facilities underpins military operations. However, this also poses a challenge, as traditional steel buildings lack the propensity to be quickly assembled or removed.
Fabric structures have emerged as an indispensable asset to the armed forces because of their versatility and durability. In this article, we’re exploring why fabric structures have transformed military operations.
Fabric structures are known for their rapid deployment capabilities, which makes them invaluable solutions for emerging threats and crises. While you may think that the primary use of military fabric structures is for storage, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Beyond a doubt, it becomes clear why prosperous military organizations like the United States Army Corps have invested in fabric structures when you examine versatility.
The armed forces regularly rely on fabric structures to establish field hospitals and medical facilities during times of crisis. Military personnel can quickly erect the structure to save lives in tense medical situations. During the pandemic, fabric structures were the preferred choice for deployable hospitals as unlimited free-span space allows for multi-functional uses. Further, many fabric structures were used as temporary vaccination sites. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers advocated for this during the global pandemic. Fabric structures were deployed in New York hot zones, spanning parking lots, cathedrals, stadiums, and Central Park.
Fabric structures are utilized in airborne operations to provide immediate shelter upon landing. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Publication on Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (JP 3-18) acknowledges fabric structures in airborne operations, including parachute tents and drop zone shelters. Our fabric structures are also invaluable for use as airplane or drone hangars.
Our fabric structures are perfect in disaster relief situations, both domestically and internationally. They are lightweight and can act as temporary shelters for displaced populations, storage for essential supplies, and can serve as command centers for coordination. Temporary infrastructure is crucial in ever-fluid disaster relief situations. Further, our structures offer a cost-effective, reusable solution for felled communities with transient housing needs.
For military personnel, having an area for themselves amid the chaos is crucial. Fabric structures can create comfortable and secure barracks with mess halls and sleeping quarters. Our industry-leading engineering ensures that our buildings withstand harsh climate conditions. Thus, this guarantees that essential personnel are recharged and well-rested, even during unpredictable weather events.
Calhoun’s fabric structures offer a cost-effective option for operations that require security checkpoints or vehicle inspection. Generally, our structures can anchor to nearly any foundation – from wood posts to concrete. Our structures are flexible solutions for use at land borders, high-security areas, or outside hospitals.
For example, this CC Series 42×146 is a vehicle inspection and security hub at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD.
Our structures are engineered to last, from their rust-resistant hot-dipped galvanized steel frame to the 3D non-linear finite element analysis that pre-emptively protects our fabric from harsh environments. Weather resilience is paramount. We offer a 15-year warranty on our standard fabric covers and a 25-year warranty on our elite fabric, with the knowledge that our buildings are extremely weather resilient against hail, strong winds, and heavy snow loads. The fabric cover on every structure is further treated with ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers to ensure protection from the sun’s powerful UV rays.
To increase the durability of our fabric, we also offer fire-retardant fabric covers, which provide extra protection. Calhoun’s FR fabric is manufactured with self-extinguishing properties. Thus, the fire-retardant material prevents the flame from causing damage – instead of encouraging its proliferation (like wood).
Fabric structures are indispensable for modern military operations due to their versatility and durability. Whether you need sleeping quarters or temporary housing, you can trust Calhoun to meet your needs.
To learn more about our military options, click here.
To get started on your next tactical solution, click here.
