J.M. SIMPSON: POST SEES UNPRECEDENTED CONSTRUCTION >>>

On the east wall of George Henry's office is a map of Fort Lewis.  Sprinkled across the map are many different colored spots. Each dot represents a beginning, fully involved or ending construction project.

There are a lot of dots on that map.

"What we're seeing here at Fort Lewis is unprecedented growth since World War II," said Henry, the post's resident engineer, as he drove past several construction sites.

Costs for the building are $250 million for fiscal year 2009 and $300 million for fiscal year 2010. Currently, there are over 20 construction projects underway with one to nine facilities being built per site.

"The Corps of Engineers is fully engaged in the Army's sustainment project," Henry said.

The work involves the building of everything from barracks and headquarters buildings to child development centers and motor pools.

The reason for the present construction rests on three interconnected factors - the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's, or BRAC, recommendations; the Grow the Army initiative; and the Transformation of the force.

Army Transformation describes the future concept of the force's plan for modernization. Put differently, transformation is the integration of new concepts, organizations and technology within the armed forces. In line with this thinking, the Army is working to grow its force by 75,000 soldiers.  More soldiers require more in terms of facilities. A major component of this concept involves the Army's transformation from a division-centric force toward a modular, brigade-centric force that is expeditionary in nature. The stationing of the three Stryker brigades - and all that entails in terms of personnel and training - is indicative of this.

And last, the BRAC gives the Army the authority to more efficiently and effectively dispose of excess facilities and installations while realigning and reconfiguring the remaining infrastructure to increase operational capacity and fighting capability.

"We've been busy," said Sid Jones, a project manager, as he observed the placing of a wooden truss for the roof on one of the new barracks being built.

He went on to explain that the barracks - the glass in the windows to how they are put together - are designed in such a matter that a terrorist attack cannot bring them down.

"These new barracks will serve our soldiers well for quite a while," added Jones.

And each colorful dot on Henry's wall map amplifies the commitment the Corps of Engineers has to the future soldiers at Fort Lewis.

Photo: J.M. Simpson