8.17.3 Unaccompanied Personnel Housing

rehabilitated barracks

The Army's Barracks Modernization Program is based upon a whole community approach providing modernized private living and sleeping areas for soldiers as well as a more functional work environment.  This is being realized with the construction and renovation of barracks, and associated Company Operations Facilities (COF), Battalion Headquarters (BN HQ) and Brigade Headquarters BDE HQ), and Dining Facilities (DEFAC).  For a detailed discussion of the Army Barracks Modernization Program see the Army Barracks Master Plan.  The Army Barracks Master Plan only includes requirements for active duty permanent party soldiers' barracks.

8.17.3.1 Army Barracks Standards

new barracks complex

The Army Barracks Modernization Program design criteria give commanders and contractors the direction to incorporate best business practices around a modular floor plan.  The Army Barracks Master Plan (Appendix I, Army Barracks Standards page 63) , promotes barracks with an appropriate balance between private and common areas.  The Vice Chief of Staff of the Army (VCSA) specified the “New Army Barracks Construction Criteria” in his Memorandum Subject:  New Barracks Construction Criteria, dated 11 July 2002 in which he strongly endorsed the new standards.  The criteria was further revised in Memorandum Subject:  Revised Barracks Construction Criteria, dated 1 May 2003 which makes the following four changes to the Army Barracks Standards:

• Establishes the two-bedroom/one-bath module as the standard module.

• Requires installation of a stove or cook top.

• Requires laundries in the barracks.

• Eliminates the separate solider community building.

See the above memorandum for detailed guidance.

8.17.3.2 Furnishings

Acquisition of new furnishings is planned and accomplished in concert with the facility design and construction schedule so that delivery of the new furnishings coincides with the beneficial occupancy date (BOD).

The U.S. Army Interior Design Manual (IDM) for Single Soldiers provides guidance to help furniture managers prepare order packages.  The manual uses standard Army furniture specifications; i.e., medium oak wood furnishings or acceptable wood/steel alternatives; construction and fabric specification; and specific information for authorized items of furniture.  The manual also contains standard living/sleeping room arrangements, and SCB plans with color schemes.  The manual includes information on waiver requirements, the procurement process, order forms, and final inspection checklist.

Construction design criteria for COFs, BBN HQ buildings, BDE buildings, and DEFAC facilities can be viewed on the web at ProjNet.

Key facility Types Standardization