Soldiers assemble newly developed tactical command post

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Soldiers from the 7th Mission Support Command at Panzer Kaserne in Germany assembled a newly-developed tactical command tent designed to support them in any environment.

The tent is a star-shaped structure covering 6,000 square feet, capable of expanding quickly and being used as a brigade-sized operations shelter for up to 200 people.

"It's designed to withstand high winds of up to 80 miles per hour and can support snow loads of up to 20 pounds per square foot in temperatures ranging from -40 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit," said contractor om A. Galbicsek, a retired U.S. Army soldier. Galbicsek said.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Edward Johnson of the G4 (supply) of the 7th MSC, who helped plan the new tent system, said soldiers were looking for a flexible, modular system with a rapid initial deployment of just two tents.

The tactical tent comes equipped with portable twin 250 kilowatt-hour generators that allow for lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Johnson said future upgrades to the current design include a dining facility and housing modules.

The tents, comprised of interlocking aluminum frames and laminate skins, require almost no tools to assemble.

The 7th MSC is an Army Reserve Command providing forward-stationed consequence management and civil affairs assets to the U.S. Army in Europe.