Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton
Construction is underway on Defense Munitions Proving Ground (DMPG), a state-of-the-art munitions testing and training range in Walker County.
DMPG is poised to become a cornerstone of national defense and local development, transforming 1,900 acres of reclaimed coal mining land into a new facility that promises to create numerous job opportunities in construction, maintenance, engineering, and range operations.
At the facility’s groundbreaking ceremony on August 7, Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt highlighted the importance of the development.
“DMPG will make major investments over the next two years by bringing a world-class facility and dynamic opportunities to the state of Alabama, particularly to Walker County,” he said. “What’s exciting about what’s taking place here is that once again, Alabama is stepping up to deliver for our nation’s security.
“Technology of the future to sustain and strengthen U.S. deterrence against our enemies will be developed right here where we are standing,” Aderholt continued. “Alabamians and Walker Countians will be instrumental in producing multi-use equipment and parts that will directly impact weapon development and certification for the United States Department of Defense.”
The facility, set to begin munitions testing activities in the third quarter of 2024, will enable the science and technology community to verify and evaluate crucial technologies for the warfighter, enhancing American soldiers’ operational readiness and resilience.
Colonel Guy Yelverton, Integrated Fires and Rapid Capability project manager for the U.S. Army, expressed the significance of the facility: “The lethality testing and the arena testing that will take place here is incredibly important for us to understand the quality and lethality of our warhead so that when we give those designs to the production facilities, it’s right the first time.” WL
