Army Considering Military Theme Park

AP (Via KDKA Pgh) ^

[PurpleMan]

(AP) FORT BELVOIR, Va. The Army is considering a proposal to allow a private developer to build a military theme park that would include “4D” rides and bars including a “1st Division Lounge.”

Military officials said a massive entertainment and hotel complex built next to a national Army museum could draw more than 1 million people a year. But authorities in Fairfax County are objecting because of already traffic-clogged roads surrounding the proposed site.

[PurpleMan]

This is so stupid on so many levels including I-95/Rte 1 traffic issue, the general area growth, and the recent history of Disney getting axed out of Manassas, but just for a minute think of the story headlines/ledes:

"Soldiers in Iraq to Forgo Body Armor For DC Amusement Park Rides"

"Training Scrapped For Amusement Park - Soldiers To Use New Theme Park M-1 Tanks"

"The Army's Mickey Mouse Idea Of A Theme Park"

"Train as You Fight; Fight As You Train -- Six Flags Baghdad Not Far Behind?"

Oye.

[EagleUSA]

"Train as You Fight; Fight As You Train -- Six Flags Baghdad Not Far Behind?"
-----
They might even catch Hezbollah training there!!! :-)

[NonValueAdded]

Oh, I dunno, sounds like these guys went to one and had a pretty interesting time: Titans get surprise wakeup by 101st Airborne Division

[KC_Conspirator]

I live in Kingstowne and drill at Ft. Belvior. What a mess this is going to be, as if its not awful already!

[kerryusama04]

On the contrary, I think this is Grrrreat! Disney programs our kids to tree huggin vegetarians with this tactic. It's high time we start fighting fire with fire.

[JamesP81]

I dunno. Something about this just seems, well, wrong.

[mr_hammer]

Good recruitment tool.

[Hazcat]

I spent the first three years at Ft Belvoir. 902nd (FB) Engineers.

[DustyMoment]

Who comes up with this stuff?

[PurpleMan]

"Who comes up with this stuff?"

Since the Army has already told Fairfax County about the plan tells me that this is some low-level slug making the decision. It has to have percolated through the Army's leadership.

[Kaylee Frye]

Sounds cool to me - they should open one up here! We are sadly lacking in theme parks in the Pacific NW!! I miss the South...

[gaijin]

Oh, I get it; it's will be a recruiting tool, sort of a Blue Angels for the Army...?

That's cool! And sort of necessary, as boys are now increasingly raised without male mentoring...

[gaijin]

Same reason why hunting equipment makers now have to cater to women --men are no longer teaching their sons how to hunt.

We've got easy divorce, and women are in narrow respect goloriously free, so male role models are kind of going away.

[kerryusama04]

Re: hunting equipment:

My local gun store has a 22 rifle with a bright pink stock on it on display. They tell me they sell a lot to dads teaching their duaghters how to shoot. I know society has been going limp for a long time, but I hope we've bottomed out and are on an upswing.

[TET1968]

http://ordmusfound.org/ receives over 200,000 visitors a year.

[Corin Stormhands]

Woo hoo!

Season passes to see stuff get blowed up ping!

[Ramius]

yah... I don't see the problem. Looks like loads of fun. Some great theme rides and attractions could be developed.

[fzx12345]

Not likely until:

1) Finishing the Fairfax Parkway
2) Van Dorn Street Extension

...I hope.

[Jonah Hex]

"Remember, you get better value with our Weekend Pass at Six Flags Over Baghdad!"

[ExGeeEye]

Yee ha! I'd go.