The Army is testing a series of rigid-wall camp structures, which could replace tents in field deployments. The structures offer more comfort, shelter, water-consumption efficiency, and lighting than tents. Light in weight, the rigid-wall structures are designed so that 10 soldiers can be set up in fewer than 15 minutes by four soldiers. Washable mattresses replace cots; LEDs provide lighting, and the R-Value insulation is rated at about 12, compared to four for conventional tents. The efficiencies would mean that convoys would have to make fewer deliveries of supplies, the developers at the Natick (Mass.) Soldier Systems Center say. Tests will take place at Fort Benning, Ga., and Fort Bliss, Texas.
