Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Marine Corps University, located aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico and currently headed by Brig. Gen. Helen Pratt, is responsible for educating leaders in the art and science of war and developing their critical thinking and decision-making skills.
To better accomplish this mission, in 2007, MCU and MCBQ developed a facilities master plan to unify the various schools and training centers that fall under the direction of MCU.
According to Ronald Reese, director of Facilities and Logistics for MCU, Phase II of the overall project should be complete by the end of spring or early this summer.
Much to the relief of visitors to and employees of MCU and the Gray Research Center, Phase I of the project, consisting of a parking garage and traffic circle, is already complete. The garage offers ample parking, both covered and uncovered, along with a covered bicycle rack, free of charge to all base users.
The second phase of the project involves the construction of Warner Hall, a large, multi-story building across the street from Breckinridge Hall. Nearly complete, “Warner Hall consists of the Brigadier General Simmons Center for Marine Corps History, which houses the archives of the Marine Corps and the history division, and the Warner Center for Advanced Military Studies, which provides a home for Command and Staff College and the School of Advanced Warfighting,” said Reese.
The open space between Breckinridge Hall and Warner Hall will become an informal gathering and discussion space known as the “Command Quad” and will comprise a fountain, benches and grassy areas. Also nearing completion, the finishing touches are weather-dependent but should be in place in the spring. On the opposing side of Warner Hall will be located a more formal, outdoor ceremonial space with sweeping views of the Potomac River and where graduation and award ceremonies will likely take place.
Four additional phases remain in the master plan, though work has not yet begun due to budgetary restrictions. Reese said that the remaining phases involve the movement of Expeditionary Warfare School, currently located on Geiger Road, to the MCU campus and the transition of the College of Distance Education and Training, Enlisted Professional Military Education, the Lejeune Leadership Institute, and the Center for Advanced Operational Culture Learning from temporary trailers into permanent buildings.
— Writer: ebaker@quanticosentryonline.com