Pentagon opens state contest for new military base

States will pitch the Pentagon

The Pentagon is asking governors to compete for a military installation that would cover hundreds of thousands of acres and house as many as 25,000 service members. Pete Hegseth announced the plan Wednesday during an address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, presenting it as part of a broader military modernization strategy.

Governors will be able to pitch their states directly to senior military leaders. The Pentagon plans to select the location through a merit-based process that considers available land, community support, housing, schools and other services. States will also be judged on their willingness to remove regulatory barriers and speed construction.

The Pentagon said deliberations over the pitches will be recorded and released publicly as a safeguard against political favoritism. The competition’s education component makes the quality of local schools part of the decision alongside infrastructure and regulatory cooperation. Plans also call for health care and child care for military families.

Plans for a self-sustaining installation

Hegseth described the project as the first new U.S. military base built in 40 years. He contrasted the proposal with aging installations, barracks and other infrastructure currently used by service members.

The proposed base would generate its own power and operate independently from the commercial electrical grid. Plans include modern air defenses, advanced technology, large training areas and new living facilities for troops and their families.