FOLA, West Virginia — November 8, 2023 — The Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2), based in Morgantown, West Virginia, has broken ground on the development of a reclaimed coal mining property into a facility where military personnel from across the nation can train and field test technology.
CMI2’s Adaptive Experimentation Facility, located in Clay County, West Virginia, offers a challenging and combat-realistic facility for military users seeking a multi-domain environment for research and development for military technology. The groundbreaking signifies the beginning of a continued series of investments, starting with a permanent office structure for the Adaptive Experimentation Facility (AEF).
Including remarks by Governor Jim Justice and West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, the groundbreaking event took place in front of the current temporary operations center structure with a view of the new facility space.
“This groundbreaking represents our continued commitment to and investment in Clay County and the Adaptive Experimentation Facility,” said CMI2 founder Dr. Zenovy Wowczuk. “A collaborative and innovative approach to the development of the facility has shown us there is a very real need for such facilities by the military, for training purposes and for field testing military technology. The feedback we have received from the military personnel who have used the facility has been overwhelmingly encouraging, and the logical next step for us is the investment in permanent facilities there.”
The new CMI2 facility will include nearly 9,800 square feet and be constructed over the next year. Looking ahead to 2024, the new facility and the Adaptive Experimentation Force team will continue to support the military in exercises at the site.
To date, the AEF has hosted some of the most notable units in the nation’s military. From the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course, the West Virginia Army National Guard, and the 101st Airborne Division to Picatinny Arsenal and the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, the facility is quickly becoming a key destination for military experimentation and development.
“I’m thrilled to see CMI2 building new facilities right here in Clay County, making our state a key destination for military experimentation and development,” Senator Shelley Capito said. “No matter which branch or unit, I know that the resources provided by CMI2 will result in even greater military readiness and signal that the opportunities for defense innovation are tremendous in West Virginia.”
Today’s groundbreaking signifies the ongoing commitment and continued series of investments in not only Clay County but also the entire State of West Virginia with the construction of the first permanent office structure for the AEF.
“As technology continues to advance, we must ensure that we are equipped with practical solutions to handle every threat that comes our way,” said Senator Joe Manchin. “Whether it’s testing against vulnerabilities or protecting critical infrastructure, we are well on our way to preparing our fellow West Virginians for a safer, better future. I am proud to have appropriated funds for this program and the countless opportunities that will come from it.”
Architectural services for the facility are provided by the Mills Groups LLC of Morgantown, West Virginia, and the contractor for the new building is Fairchance Construction Company of Fairchance, Pa.
