Army Test Ranges and Facilities

The Army Test Ranges and Facilities program is designed to support the operational needs of the Department of Defense by maintaining and enhancing test and evaluation capabilities across several key sites. This initiative ensures that various test centers, such as the White Sands Test Center and Aberdeen Test Center, are equipped to handle a wide array of testing requirements for military systems. The program's objectives include sustaining test infrastructure, replacing outdated equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. These efforts are crucial for supporting Army modernization priorities and ensuring readiness across different military domains.

The West Desert Test Center (WDTC) plays a pivotal role in chemical and biological defense testing. It provides unique facilities for testing protective gear, decontamination systems, and other defense solutions against chemical and biological threats. The center's objectives include maintaining state-of-the-art laboratories and test chambers that ensure the safety and security of chemical agents and biological pathogens during testing. WDTC also supports tactics development activities in environments that simulate operational threats, contributing to overall defense readiness.

The BioTesting Division at the Chemical Biological Center is integral to maintaining mission readiness for biological surety operations. This division focuses on testing biological weapons detectors, protective clothing, and decontamination systems within biosafety level 3 laboratories. The division's goals include sustaining core test capabilities, managing biosafety risks, and supporting defensive test activities. Support is provided for essential operations such as equipment maintenance, personnel training, and compliance with regulatory standards.

These programs collectively aim to enhance the Army's ability to conduct comprehensive testing across various domains while ensuring compliance with legal mandates. By focusing on infrastructure revitalization, civilian workforce support, contractor augmentation, and security measures, these initiatives strive to maintain robust test capabilities that align with evolving military needs.