FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico – Fort Buchanan marked a major milestone March 23, 2026, with the groundbreaking of its new Advanced Skills Training (AST) Barracks, a $22.27 million military construction project that will expand the installation’s capacity to support short‑term institutional training for Soldiers across Puerto Rico.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Caribbean District is overseeing the project.
The new AST Barracks addresses a long‑standing gap in Fort Buchanan’s training infrastructure. Until now, the installation has had no dedicated barracks, requiring trainees to stay nearly 50 miles away in facilities not designed for institutional training. The new facility will eliminate that burden by placing students within walking distance of their classrooms and creating a more efficient, mission‑focused training environment.
The barracks will provide modern, on‑installation lodging for Soldiers attending courses conducted by the 1‑333rd Regiment Multifunctional Training Battalion and the 1st Mission Support Command. These five‑ to fourteen‑day courses include specialized instruction in Quartermaster operations, Mortuary Affairs, Human Resources, and leadership development.
“This project directly supports Soldier readiness”, said Caribbean District Resident Engineer Caleb Santiago-Morales. “By providing purpose‑built lodging on the installation, we’re ensuring Soldiers have the right environment to focus on their training and professional development.”
Facility Features
The 30,000‑square‑foot barracks will accommodate 128 occupants and includes:
- Twenty‑four two‑person sleeping quarters with private bathrooms
- Eight ten‑person rooms with shared bathrooms
- Two meeting rooms
- Day rooms and common areas
- Laundry facilities
- Storage, janitorial, mechanical, and electrical rooms
- Modern building systems, including fire protection, information systems infrastructure, and energy‑efficient mechanical systems
The AST Barracks will significantly enhance Fort Buchanan’s ability to support specialized military education and leadership development by increasing its capacity to host short‑term training and improving the quality of life for Soldiers attending courses. The project also reinforces Fort Buchanan’s role as the Army’s strategic hub in the Caribbean, supporting operations, partnerships, and emergency response missions throughout the region.
As the Army’s home in the Caribbean, Fort Buchanan provides a critical land‑based platform for U.S. national security efforts in the region and Latin America. The Soldiers who train here contribute directly to that mission, ensuring the Joint Force maintains a ready, capable force positioned in a region vital to homeland defense and humanitarian assistance.
“This facility is an investment not only in infrastructure, but in the Soldiers who train here,” said Col. Charles L. Decker, USACE Caribbean District commander. “It strengthens Fort Buchanan’s ability to support the Army’s mission for decades to come.”
Looking Ahead
Construction is expected to be completed in July 2028. Once built, the AST Barracks will become a cornerstone of Fort Buchanan’s training footprint, providing Soldiers with the modern, mission‑appropriate accommodations they need to succeed in their courses and return to their units better prepared to lead and serve.
The project is expected to create approximately 200 direct jobs and 150 indirect jobs during construction.