Virginia 

Military  
Institute 
 
Lexington, Virginia 

Military and Leadership 
Field Training Grounds Phase I

 
 

Feasibility Study 
January 2008 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Description Page
I. EXECUIVE SUMMARY 2

II. EXISTING CONDITIONS

A. North Post Training Area 4
B. McKethan Training Area 6

III. RECOMMENDATIONS
A. North Post Training Area 7
B. McKethan Training Area 9

IV. APPENDICES
A. North Post Training Area Renderings
B. McKethan Training Area Renderings
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds (MLFTG) are

a critical component of the VMI Vision 2039 Post Facilities Master
Plan, prepared and presented by the Superintendent, General J.H.
Binford Peay III, and unanimously adopted by the VMI Board of
Visitors.

The Virginia Military Institute believes that the measure of a

college lies in the quality and performance of its graduates and
their contributions to society. Therefore, it is the mission of the
Virginia Military Institute to produce educated, honorable men and
women, prepared for the varied work of civil life, imbued with
love of learning, confident in the functions and attitudes of
leadership, possessing a high sense of public service, advocates of
the American Democracy and free enterprise system, and ready as
citizen-soldiers to defend their country in time of national peril.

The fulfillment of this mission is as important today as in any time

in our nation’s history as VMI prepares its cadets to lead the
nation’s fight in the war on terrorism. VMI is unique among most
all higher education institutions because of its statutory obligation
of providing higher education and a military organization.

The Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds (MLFTG)

project is important to VMI’s effort to deliver a unique education
that includes making every cadet a leader and ready as citizen
soldiers upon graduation. VMI has established a goal for 70% of
its graduates to seek commissions as active duty, reserve, or
National Guard military officers. Improved training grounds
support VMI’s mission.

VMI is a physically demanding institution. The goal of a sound

mind in a sound body is being realized to a high degree. Every
cadet is required to participate in leadership, military, and physical
training exercises to help build strength, confidence, teamwork,
and leadership skills that will benefit the cadet, the state, and the
nation.

This feasibility study provides a review of existing conditions and

recommended improvements. These recommendations include
include improvements to existing challenge course, obstacle
course, situational training lanes, patrol bases, command and
control facility, access roads and infrastructure. Topography
mapping, fencing and security, and environmental improvements
will also be provided. The project will include relocating the firing

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range and improvements to a Military Operations in Urbanized
Terrain facility. A footbridge to allow cadet access to the
leadership training facilities is also recommended. Implementation
of the recommendations will result in providing outdoor
leadership, military, and physical training facilities for cadets
preparing them as citizen-soldiers.

This feasibility study incorporates previously completed studies

that have been undertaken to develop and refine the scope for the
Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds. These studies
include:

• Woods Creek Water Resources Evaluation, December 8,

2005. United States Army Corps of Engineers, SFCS,
HOK, Draper Aden Associates.

• Challenge Course Inspection Report, January 2006.

• Structural Condition Assessment Report: Rappelling

Station, July 2006. Clark-Nexsen Architecture and
Engineering.

• Feasibility Study for Pedestrian Bridge, November 27,

2007. Draper Aden Associates Engineering, Surveying and
Environmental Services.

• Draper Aden Associates is completing a Comprehensive

Stormwater Management Plan to address the Master Plan
for the Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds.
This study is expected to be completed in April 2008.

• North Post/Jordan’s Point Entrance, November 28, 2007.

Draper Aden Associates Engineering, Surveying and
Environmental Services.

• VMI Post Facilities Master Plan, May 2007.

The Virginia Department of Budget and Planning has approved the

Detailed Budget Submissions for the capital project to Improve the
Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds. The Detailed
Budget Submissions were submitted in July 2007.

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II. EXISTING CONDITIONS

A. NORTH POST TRAINING AREA

The North Post Training Area comprises 55 acres located on the

north boundary of VMI’s Main Post between Woods Creek and the
Maury River. Included in the Training Area are the existing Rat
Challenge Course, two (2) Obstacle Courses, a 30 point firing
range, and high ropes/element training located in an east-west
orientation across the hill. The obstacles are located within wooded
areas and are intermingled with trees, branches, stumps, and open
area.

The VMI Challenge Program was developed by Dr. Clark King in

1968, then Head of the Department of Physical Education. Part of
the original purpose of the program was to provide leadership
opportunities for upperclass cadets, while at the same time
involving New Cadets in a vigorous outdoor experimental program
that would stretch them physically and emotionally, and enable
them to overcome any self-imposed limits with which they may be
confronted. The Challenge Program goals and objectives include:
1) improve physical condition, 2) help conquer fears, 3) improve
relations with cadre, 4) improve self esteem, 5) help build team
spirit, 6) improve ability to resolve conflict, 7) improve sensitivity
to differences in ability, 8) develop problem solving skills, and 9)
have fun. Much of the equipment was built in the early 1970’s and
has not been extensively improved since construction.

The existing Military Obstacle Course is not constructed in

accordance with current Association of Challenge Courses and
Technology (ACCT) standards. The elements in the Obstacle
Course are similar to those utilized by the United States Armed
Services.

Spanning across the North Post Training Area is a lengthy VMI

Obstacle Course which integrates physical conditioning with
various obstacles. The trails which support this obstacle course
have various soil stabilization forms which are beginning to fail.
The forms which hold the soil are intended to prohibit soil erosion
and delineate the path of the course. These rudimentary forms
have reached the end of their useful life and are beginning to show
signs of decomposition.

Various Leadership Reaction elements are located across the

training area in both open and forested areas of the training area.
These obstacles collectively comprise the Leadership Reaction

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Course. These elements are administered to smaller squads of
cadets. The geographic separation between the various elements
poses a challenge for proper supervision and safety.

The existing 30 point firing range is located on the same hill as the
challenge and obstacle courses. The existing range does not meet
current standards for outdoor firing ranges. The range utilizes
earthen embankments for the sidewalls and the backstop. There is
currently no lead collection system for spent rounds that have been
discharged into the side of the hill. There are no baffles present to
prevent an accidental discharge of a round over the top of the hill.
The property directly behind the hill on the north post is a private
housing subdivision which has recently been developed.

Located at the top of the ridge along the North Post terrain is an
existing Rappelling/Climbing cliff. Steel pipes driven into the
bedrock are used to tie off the belay and climbing ropes. Included
in also is a steel beam platform which extends out over the cliff
which is used to simulate a free fall rappel.

The connection from Barracks to the North Post Training Area is

down a series of concrete steps and landings to a wood decking
foot bridge across Woods Creek. The existing Woods Creek foot
bridge is antiquated and in need of replacement. There are safety
concerns with excessive pedestrian loading on the bridge. The
existing concrete steps used to convey the cadets to the Training
Area are narrow and lack appropriate placement of guardrails.
There is a seventy six (76) foot elevation difference between
Burma Road adjacent to Barracks and the average flood plain
elevation at Woods Creek. Additionally, Anderson Drive provides
vehicular access to North Post and extends to the upper limits of
the training area.

A gravel path called the Woods Creek Trail is located on the North
Post Training Area which is used to access the various training
areas. The Obstacle Courses, Challenge Course, High
Ropes/Element Training and Firing Range are currently sited to the
north of the trail.

Several storm sewer lines traverse the slope from behind Barracks
that run towards the main sewer lines located along Woods Creek.

The existing Woods Creek Road runs adjacent to the creek

providing access to the existing tennis courts, student gravel
parking area and to the most eastern limits of the post where the
road enters Jordan’s Point Park (owned by the City of Lexington).

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 B. MCKETHAN TRAINING AREA

The two existing structures that serve as patrol bases require

repairs and improvements. These include improvements to
existing well and septic systems, structural improvements and
modest changes to restrooms.

The existing structure that serves as the Military Operations in

Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) requires improvements to meet the
modern training needs.

The existing roads at McKethan Training Area require repair and

improvement to support the training requirements. The existing
entrance will need to be relocated to increase visibility for vehicles
existing the training area.

The command and control facility is in good condition.

Improvements will include minor changes to the floor plan layout
to make more efficient use of space. A support facility will also be
constructed in the vicinity of the command and control facility.

Existing utilities providing power, water, and sanitary systems

require repair and upgrade to ensure that the infrastructure
continues to support the training grounds.

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III. RECOMMENDATIONS

Improvements to the Military and Leadership Field Training

Grounds (MLFTG) will occur at two locations at the Virginia
Military Institute. The North Post Training Area is located on the
northern most edge of the main Post and the McKethan Training
Area is a remote training area located approximately three miles
from the main Post.

The improvements at North Post Training Area will consist of

repairs and improvements to the obstacle and challenge courses,
the pedestrian bridge over Woods Creek, an access road, and
utilities infrastructure. Drill fields in support of the training
grounds will also be developed.

The obstacle course is comprised of a circuit of low and high

hurdles, walls, rope climb, and various other obstacles which are
designed to develop and test a cadet’s physical aptitude. The
obstacle course will be constructed to meet Army Conditioning
Obstacle Course criteria and the ACCT (Association of Challenge
Courses and Technology) standards. The challenge course
(Leadership Reaction Course) provides different stations including
pugil stick training, the bridge problem, the howitzer problem and
various other tests designed to develop leadership, teamwork and
confidence among the cadets.

The pedestrian bridge over Woods Creek provides access from the
main Post to the North Post Training Area. The length of the
pedestrian bridge is approximately 60 feet. The access road, power
and lighting, water supply and fencing will be upgraded to support
the improved training grounds. The firing range located at the
North Post Training Area will be relocated to the McKethan
Training Area.

The improvements at the McKethan Training Area will include the

Situational Training Lanes (STX), improved and additional patrol
bases, baffled firing range, road repair and improvements, land
navigation topography mapping, vehicle and equipment parking,
security office and fencing, Military Operations in Urban Terrain
(MOUT), Command and Control Facility, utilities infrastructure,
pedestrian access and environmental improvements

A. NORTH POST TRAINING AREA

The challenge course, or Leadership Reaction Course (LRC), is

designed for team problem-solving events. The purpose of the

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LRC is to provide leadership opportunities for upper-class cadets
while involving new cadets in a vigorous outdoor experiential
program that would stretch them physically and emotionally. The
LRC is designed to teach cadets leadership that will facilitate
reaction, leadership under stress, problem solving, and team
building. The LRC consists of a series of different stations to
include the twelve foot wall problem, ten foot log problem, bridge
problem # 1, bridge problem # 2, fuel barrel problem, ammunition
over water problem, howitzer problem, ravine swing over water
problem, electric fence, swinging bridge and tunnel problem. The
existing Leadership Reaction Course was constructed in the 1970’s
and modernization of the course will improve the quality of
training and integrate today’s safety standards.

The High Ropes/High Element training area will also be improved

and upgraded to meet modern safety standards. Training includes
high water entry, rappelling, high ropes and rock climbing.

The obstacle courses will be constructed to meet Army

Conditioning Obstacle Course and Association of Challenge
Course Technology (ACCT) criteria and replace the existing
courses. The existing obstacle courses have not been upgraded for
many years.

A pedestrian bridge will be constructed to extend from Barracks to

the North Post Training Area which will replace the existing
footbridge over Woods Creek. This will improve safety and
facilitate access to the training area.

Part of the terrain on the North Post Training Area will be

improved by leveling portions to provide additional drill and
training areas. These areas will be increasingly vital to support the
growth of the VMI Corps of Cadets.

To improve traffic circulation and support field training the

transportation infrastructure will be enhanced. At the Jordan’s
Point entrance improvements will include widening the road, an
entry gate, realignment of the Woods Creek Trail, landscaping and
a pedestrian bridge. The Anderson Drive vehicle bridge will also
be improved.

Environmental improvements include integrating Stormwater

Management Facilities to control the quantity and improve the
quality of the water entering Woods Creek. Woods Creek will be
enhanced and protected through the restoration of a riparian buffer
and the removal of alien species.

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 B. MCKETHAN TRAINING AREA

The McKethan Training Area will ensure that the cadets will
increase confidence in their abilities and reinforce skills learned in
the classroom. Training exercises at the McKethan Training Area
are designed to be an excellent environment for simulating combat
conditions and to train under specified conditions and standards.
This will result in better development, evaluation and sustainment
of training.

The existing firing range located at the North Post Training Area
will be relocated to the McKethan Training Area. The new firing
range will contain thirty firing positions, overhead baffles,
sidewalls, bullet traps, target stands, ammunition bunker, and an
observation tower. The new range will meet current design and
safety standards. The overhead baffles will prevent the chance of a
fired round escaping the range and damaging public/private
property or causing personal injury. The existing firing range does
not meet current regulations for outdoor firing ranges. The new
firing range will be a better training vehicle and ensure the safety
of the cadets and the surrounding community.

The two existing structures that serve as patrol bases require

repairs and improvements. One base will require improvements to
existing well and septic systems and modest changes to restrooms.
The second patrol base will need improvements due to
infrastructure deficiencies. These patrol bases provide training on
how to secure a patrol base, execution of an alert plan and
associated troop rotations, withdrawal plans (signals, order and
rendezvous point), sanitation and hygiene plans, and re-supply of
food and water. These activities are the same that are used in the
active duty Army and provide a realistic training atmosphere to
practice the various patrol base activities.

The existing roads at the McKethan Training Area will be repaired

and improved to support the training requirements. Improvements
include enhancing the main entrance to increase safety for vehicles
entering and exiting the training area. The existing gravel vehicle
parking and equipment storage areas will also be improved.

To enhance the Land Navigation Training the existing topography

mapping that is available is no longer an accurate representation of
existing structures and natural features in the training area.
Improved mapping will allow for more realistic training to
accurately represent elevations, hydrographic objects, vegetation,

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transportation routes utilities and infrastructure. The updated
mapping will increase the training options for Land Navigation.

An existing MOUT (Military Operations in an Urbanized Terrain)

facility will need to be improved to meet today’s training
standards. The MOUT will provide enhanced training capabilities
and be consistent with training methods utilized by today’s
military.

The Command and Control facility will receive modest

improvements to upgrade the life safety features of the facility. A
support building will also be constructed adjacent to the Command
storage.

Security fencing and a structure which serves as a security office at

the McKethan Training Area will be improved.

Existing utilities providing power, water, and sanitary systems will

be repaired and improved to ensure that the infrastructure
continues to support the training area.

The McKethan Training Area is three miles from VMI’s Main Post
and the North Post Training Area. Pedestrian access to the
McKethan Training Area is by way of a three mile trail adjacent to
the Maury River and will be improved. The Chessie Trail will
receive improvements to the existing trail network and
improvements to the pedestrian bridges along the trail. Vehicles
access the site using state maintained roads.

Environmental improvements will be incorporated to mitigate

negative impacts to the environment from stormwater runoff.

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APPENDICES

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