MILITARY APPLICATIONS FOR SHIPPING CONTAINERS:

Shipping containers are an integral part of the global economy. They make it possible to efficiently transport goods around the world. However, storage containers can also be used for other purposes as well. The government and the military have found the following uses for shipping/storage containers.

Temporarily Housing Soldiers

Shipping or storage containers can be converted into temporary housing. Once completed with insulation, air conditioning, and electricity, these prove to be great housing options that can be set up quickly. These are often used in remote locations, such as combat zones. These units also provide an effective housing solution for the military. Shipping containers are being used as efficient and mobile sleeping quarters for military personal, that are quick to set up.

Equipment Supplies Storage

The containers can be kept in one location for storage or moved when needed. Because most shipping containers are weather-resistant and durable, they can be used to store sensitive equipment and ammunition or weapons used by the military. They make for an ideal storage solution for all kinds of weapons and ammunition, food, paperwork, medical supplies, uniforms, linens, extra living supplies and more.?

Temporary Training Facilities

Shipping containers can also be used by the military to create training areas such as shooting ranges or obstacle courses. These facilities can be set up quickly and in remote areas because shipping containers can be moved easily.

Field Hospitals

Containers can even be used to set up field hospitals when needed. These can be completed with operating rooms, recovery rooms, and other medical areas. A fully functional hospital can be set up quickly in a remote location using containers. These hospitals can be used to provide medical treatment to soldiers and civilians.

Security Barriers

When shipping containers are stacked and welded together, they can create strong security barriers for vulnerable areas. This is often necessary in war zones. This is a quick and cost-effective way to accomplish this.

Pop-up weapons system:

Believe it or not, shipping containers can used as weapons. An army can convert a number of 20-foot-long shipping containers into remote weapons station and can support power weapon systems such as: the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, Mk 19 grenade launcher, M134 Dillon 7.62-millimeter minigun, and the M249 squad automatic weapon. They can even support the Javelin anti-tank missile. The system is designed to be mobile and deployed at a moment’s notice, easily installed and used at any point on the battlefield.

Barriers for training operations:

Shipping containers can withstand a significant amount of damage while maintaining structural integrity. So, it stands to reason that they would make great barriers during military training exercises. They mimic the kind of obstacles that troops might encounter in real military situations and serve as appropriate cover under fire during training operations, too.?

Real-life Examples of Military Container Housing Units:

CHU, Middle East

Soldiers at the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Iraq and Afghanistan stay in a containerized housing unit (CHU). Unlike conventional steel shipping container homes, these CHUs have an aluminum body. A typical CHU measures about 22' x 8' and consists of a cot, ventilation, and essential accessories.

In Summary:

All these military applications of shipping containers help the military train, protect and mobilize to keep us safe. With the benefits of offsite manufacturing, shipping containers provide a mobile, durable and reconfigurable option.