Pete Hegseth Launches Competition for New Military Fortress

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the Next Great American Base project during a policy address at Marine Corps Base Quantico. The initiative aims to replace aging military infrastructure and outdated barracks with a modern, self-sustaining fortress spanning hundreds of thousands of acres and capable of housing 25,000 service members.

The proposed installation will be engineered to operate independently of the commercial grid, featuring organic power generation, autonomous systems, and advanced air defenses. In accordance with an executive order by President Donald Trump, the facility will utilize timeless, classical architecture. The project is one of six strategic initiatives focused on military modernization, which also include reforming senior leadership and restoring male physical standards and combat roles.

To determine the location, the United States Department of Defense is launching a merit-based competition. State governors and adjutant generals are invited to pitch proposals directly to senior leadership. The selection process, led by the assistant secretary of war for energy, installations, and environment, will prioritize the quality of the land package, community support, and the state's ability to reduce regulatory bureaucracy and red tape.