Fairbanks, AK - The population on Fort Wainwright has nearly doubled since 2003. With that growth comes a shortage of indoor training space. The army says that’s having an impact on combat readiness. So, Fort Wainwright officials are looking at repurposing an ice rink on base to address the problem, but the project could put more pressure on an already limited local resource.
Since 2003, troop population at Fort Wainwright has risen from four to seven thousand soldiers. But the army hasn’t built any new training facilities to accommodate that growth. Allen Shaw is a spokesperson with the Fort Wainright Garrison. Shaw says army officials are thinking about repurposing an ice rink on base. “It will be more of an open area with circuit style workout machines where soldiers move through stations with pads and grappling and lifting and strength and core exercises," Shaw explains. "What we’re looking to simulate in athletic strength and endurance is what will be required on the battlefield.”
According to the army, many soldiers are returning from combat with preventable injuries, because of a laock of core training and strengthening. Looming budget cuts means shrinking funds for upgraded fitness facilities. At the beginning of fiscal year 2012, Fort Wainwright had an approved military construction budget of 330 million dollars. Shaw says spending reductions brought that budget down to 10 million dollars. “Nothing is targeted for a fitness facility," say Shaw.
Turning an ice rink into a fitness center comes with an 80 to 100 thousand dollar price tag and that’s just for the equipment. While the military’s priority is combat preparation and mission essential training, Shaw says the army also realizes that repurposing an ice rink in the Fairbanks area could have far-reaching effects. “There are only four sheets of ice in the Borough that people can use and it is fairly popular," he says. "Right now we have between 70 and 80 teams that use the ice on base. That’s just for practices and games.”
That doesn’t include recreational ice skating and other events. The army is taking public comment through the end of the day, December 5th.
You can email your comments to the army at pao.fwa@us.amry.mil or take a survey here.