The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), also known as Natick Labs, embarked on an energy efficient shelter system that provides full-living capability for military personnel at base camps. The Self-sustaining Living Module (SLiM) concept developed by Leidos Inc. is designed to enhance self-sufficiency and habitability to support expeditionary bases. According to Leidos, the rigid-walled, modular shelter system can be set up by soldiers without material handling equipment and includes energy efficiency systems that reduce water and fuel resupply needs. Specifically, the SLiM system has several features that alleviate expeditionary basing challenges including solar energy collection and microgrid power management, rainwater collection, water purification systems, and easy onsite setup and teardown. In addition, with the capability of energy water and waste management subsystems, each SLiM system can accommodate squad size units in remote combat outpost/patrol base environments. Read more directly from the Leidos website. Similarly, in 2013 the U.S. Army ordered energy-efficient combat outposts with Berg Co. These mobile outposts fielded in operations in Afghanistan, Africa, and Turkey include soldier housing shelters, tactical operations centers, kitchens and hygiene centers. Combined with other efficient basecamp components, the shelters reduce between 30-50% of daily fuel use and over 70% of water use. Read more at the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy Plans and Programs website.
