Our nation’s best and bravest based out of the Mid-Atlantic Fort Meade base are about to get a serious upgrade when it comes to their living quarters.

East Greenwich, R.I.-based Picerne Military Housing division has just entered into a deal with the U.S. Army to develop an 816–bed property there. It's the first time the U.S. Army struck a deal with the private sector to build on-post housing for unaccompanied junior soldiers, and it's a serious upgrade to what came before it.

The $72 million public-private partnership will produce a garden-style apartment community that includes a weight lifting and fitness room, a cyber café, basketball and volleyball courts, and a club room with flat screen TVs, sports tickers and gaming area. The gathering spaces are designed to reduce isolation and boost morale. They include a 6,233-square-foot community clubhouse, a resort-style lap pool, and an outdoor grilling area and picnic pavilions. Not too shabby, for sure.

The apartments will feature a laundry room with washer and dryer and free cable, high-speed Internet and utilities. All service members living at Reece Crossings will also enjoy private master suites which include individual bathrooms, walk-in closets, personal climate controls, and private climate-controlled secure storage for military gear.

Reece Crossings, the planned development, will include 432 one- and two- bedroom apartment units, the first of which are scheduled for completion in December 2013.

“These apartments are not something we could build on our own with our dwindling resources," said Colonel Edward C. Rothstein, Garrison Commander at Fort Meade. "This new community will improve the military experience for our unaccompanied junior enlisted troops, giving them the opportunity to live on post, close to the community, work and training resources here to support them.”