What is the primary role of the United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB)?

The United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB), commonly referred to as Leavenworth, serves as the U.S. military's sole maximum-security correctional facility. It is designated for male service members who have been convicted of serious offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice via court-martial.

Where is the USDB located, and what is its common nickname?

The United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) is situated on Fort Leavenworth, a United States Army post in Kansas. It is colloquially known as Leavenworth.

What is the security classification of the USDB, and how does it differ from other military correctional facilities?

The USDB is classified as a minimum-maximum security facility, specifically designated as Level III for Maximum Security. This distinguishes it from smaller facilities like the Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility or the Naval Consolidated Brig, which house service members with sentences under ten years.

What is the maximum capacity of the current USDB facility?

The current United States Disciplinary Barracks facility has a capacity to house 515 prisoners.

Which branch of the U.S. military manages the United States Disciplinary Barracks?

The United States Disciplinary Barracks is managed by the United States Army Corrections Command.

What is the minimum sentence length for service members to be confined at the USDB?

Only male service members convicted of offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice with sentences exceeding ten years are confined to the USDB.

Where are female prisoners from the U.S. Department of Defense typically incarcerated?

Female prisoners serving within the U.S. Department of Defense are generally incarcerated at the Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar, rather than the USDB.

When was the United States Disciplinary Barracks established by an Act of Congress?

The United States Disciplinary Barracks was established by an Act of Congress in 1874, originally known as the United States Military Prison.

How were prisoners utilized in the construction of the original USDB facility?

Prisoners themselves were used for the bulk of the construction of the original USDB facility, a process that began in 1875 and concluded in 1921.

What was the original capacity of the USDB, and what nearby federal prison did its prisoners help construct?

The original USDB facility was designed to house up to 1,500 prisoners. From 1895 to 1903, prisoners from the USDB were employed in the construction of the nearby United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth.

What architectural plan did the original USDB follow, and how did it differ from the civilian prison at Leavenworth?

The original USDB followed the Pennsylvania plan, featuring cell blocks radiating from a central structure with relatively isolated individual cells. In contrast, the civilian prison at Leavenworth was modeled on the Auburn Correctional Facility, utilizing a large rectangular building that incorporated communal living aspects.

What nicknames were given to the original 19th-century USDB facility?

The original 19th-century United States Disciplinary Barracks was nicknamed "The Castle" or "Little Top" due to its significant size and prominent location on bluffs overlooking the Missouri River.

What fate befell the Hofer brothers, conscientious objectors, at Fort Leavenworth during World War I?

During World War I, Joseph and Michael Hofer, Hutterite conscientious objectors who refused to enlist or wear uniforms, died at Fort Leavenworth in 1918. They were held in solitary confinement, subjected to beatings, and starved to death.

What security enhancements were made after David Newman's escape from the USDB in 1988?

Following David Newman's escape in August 1988, bars were installed on the windows of all buildings within the complex, and interior chain link fencing topped with razor wire was added between the buildings and the exterior stone walls.

How was the ambiance of the old USDB detention barracks described in 2002?

In 2002, the old detention barracks were described as having a "medieval ambiance," with well-worn stone and brick walls that had witnessed many years of inmate experiences, giving a sense of stepping back in time.

What happened to the main buildings of the original USDB barracks, known as "The Castle"?

The largest buildings of the original USDB barracks, referred to as "The Castle," were demolished in 2004. However, the walls and ten of the original buildings have been converted or are in the process of being repurposed for other uses at Fort Leavenworth.

When did the current, state-of-the-art USDB facility become operational, and what was its construction cost?

The new, state-of-the-art United States Disciplinary Barracks facility became operational in September 2002, with a construction cost of $67.8 million.

How is the new 51-acre USDB site secured?

The new 51-acre site of the USDB is enclosed by two separate fences, each standing 14 feet high.

What are the key design features of the housing units in the new USDB facility?

The new USDB facility features three housing units, each capable of accommodating up to 142 prisoners. These units are described as "bow ties," characterized by a two-tiered, connected triangular shape.

What improvements in cell design and overall environment are noted for the new USDB facility compared to the old one?

The new facility's cells have solid doors and windows, unlike the barred cells of the old facility. It is also described as being much quieter, brighter, and lighter, leading to a preference among inmates and a more efficient design and layout.

In 2009, which facilities were considered for relocating detainees from Guantanamo Bay, and what objections were raised?

In 2009, the USDB and the Standish Maximum Correctional Facility in Michigan were considered for relocating 220 prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Kansas officials, including Senator Pat Roberts, objected, citing the need to acquire private land for a standoff zone due to the prison's location on the fort's perimeter.

What commendations has the USDB received from the American Correctional Association (ACA)?

In 2012, the USDB received a perfect 100% rating from the American Correctional Association (ACA) and has maintained this high standard in subsequent triennial inspections, even with staffing deployed overseas.

What are the primary Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) for corrections personnel at the USDB?

Corrections personnel at the USDB primarily consist of Army Corrections Specialists, designated by MOS 31E. The facility also includes liaisons from other branches of the Department of Defense and DA Civilians.

What incident occurred in August 2010 within the Special Housing Unit of the new prison?

In August 2010, two inmates overpowered an MP guard in the Special Housing Unit, and were later joined by eleven others. A special tactics unit intervened to regain control, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to several inmates and one rescuer. This was the first such incident in the new prison.

Where are deceased prisoners who are not claimed by their families buried?

Deceased prisoners whose families do not claim them are buried in a cemetery located near the original United States Disciplinary Barracks.

How many German prisoners of war are buried in the USDB cemetery, and for what crime were they executed?

Fourteen German prisoners of war are buried in the USDB cemetery. They were executed in 1945 for the murder of a fellow prisoner of war.

What is the USDB's role concerning capital punishment within the U.S. military?

The USDB serves as the U.S. military's death row, housing inmates convicted of capital offenses under the UCMJ and sentenced to death by court-martial.

What types of individuals are currently held on military death row at the USDB?

Currently, the death row at the USDB holds former U.S. military personnel convicted of murder. The facility is also designated to house enemy combatants tried by military commission at Guantanamo Bay, should they be convicted and sentenced to death.

Who was the last person executed by the U.S. military, and when did this occur?

The last execution carried out by the U.S. military was that of Army PFC John A. Bennett on April 13, 1961, for rape and attempted murder.

What is the current specified mode of execution for the U.S. military, and what was the historical method at the USDB?

While lethal injection is the currently specified mode of execution for the U.S. military, all executions conducted at the USDB to date have been by hanging.

Where do all federal executions currently take place, and why does the new USDB facility not house a death chamber?

All federal executions now take place at the United States Penitentiary Terre Haute. The new USDB facility does not have a death chamber.

How is death row segregated within the USDB facility?

Within the USDB, death row is located in an isolated corridor, separated from the general inmate population.

Who is Hasan Akbar and what crime led to his conviction?

Hasan Akbar is an individual convicted for killing two officers and wounding fourteen others at Camp Pennsylvania in Kuwait during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

What incident led to Nidal Hasan's conviction and placement on death row?

Nidal Hasan was convicted for killing 12 soldiers and one civilian, and wounding over 30 others, during the 2009 Fort Hood shooting.

What crimes was Ronald Gray convicted of, and what was the status of his execution approval?

Ronald Gray, a serial killer, was convicted of murdering four women and raping eight others while stationed at Fort Bragg in 1986. His execution was approved by President George W. Bush in 2008, but a federal judge later granted a stay of execution for further appeals.

Who is Timothy Hennis, and what was the history of his legal proceedings for murder?

Timothy Hennis was convicted in 2010 for the murders of three civilians while stationed at Fort Bragg in 1985. He had previously been tried and acquitted, but new DNA evidence led to a court-martial under the dual sovereignty doctrine.

What was Dwight J. Loving convicted of, and what happened to his death sentence?

Dwight J. Loving was convicted of robbing and murdering two cab drivers in 1988 while stationed at Fort Hood. His death sentence was commuted to life in prison without parole by President Barack Obama in 2017.

What crime was Robert Bales convicted of, and what was his sentence?

Robert Bales was convicted as a war criminal for killing 16 Afghan civilians, including nine children, and wounding six others during the Kandahar massacre in 2012. He received a sentence of life in prison without parole as part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty.

Who is Chelsea Manning, what was her conviction, and what was the outcome of her sentence commutation?

Chelsea Manning was convicted for unlawfully uploading and disseminating classified diplomatic cables and military files to WikiLeaks, including a video of an airstrike that killed civilians. Manning was sentenced to 35 years, but President Barack Obama commuted her sentence in January 2017, leading to her release in May 2017.

Who is Clint Lorance, what was he convicted of, and what action did President Trump take regarding his sentence?

Clint Lorance was convicted of murder and other charges for ordering his soldiers to shoot three Afghan men in 2012. President Donald Trump granted him clemency in November 2019, resulting in his release from confinement.

Who is William Calley, what was his conviction, and how did President Nixon intervene in his sentence?

William Calley was convicted for his role in the My Lai Massacre. Although initially sentenced to life imprisonment, President Richard Nixon ordered his transfer from Fort Leavenworth to house arrest at Fort Benning shortly after his sentencing.

Who is Michael Behenna, what was his conviction, and what was the outcome of his pardon?

Michael Behenna, an Iraq war veteran, was convicted of killing an Iraqi prisoner in 2008 and sentenced to 15 years. He was granted parole in 2014, and President Donald Trump issued him a full pardon in May 2019.

Who is Charles Graner, and what was his conviction and sentence?

Charles Graner was convicted as a war criminal for his involvement in the Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse scandal. He was sentenced to ten years of confinement and released on parole after serving 6.5 years.

Who is Jonathan Wells, and what was his sentence for refusing Army Reserve duty?

Jonathan Wells, an author, was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and publicly refused to report for Reserve duty while attending college. He was sentenced to 18 months of confinement for this refusal.

United States Disciplinary Barracks Wiki: Fortress of Discipline: The United States Disciplinary Barracks

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Facility Overview

Location and Designation

The United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB), colloquially referred to as "Leavenworth," is situated within Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. It functions as a premier military correctional facility, serving as the U.S. military's sole maximum-security institution dedicated to housing male service members convicted by court-martial for significant violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Individuals sentenced to confinement periods exceeding ten years are typically incarcerated at the USDB.

Operational Command

The facility operates under the purview of the United States Army Corrections Command. The commandant, holding the rank of Colonel, oversees both the Army Corrections Brigade and serves as the deputy commander of the Army Corrections Command. The correctional personnel are primarily Army Corrections Specialists (MOS 31E), augmented by Marine and Air Force corrections personnel, all trained at the U.S. Army Military Police school at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Security Classification and Capacity

USDB is classified as a minimum-to-maximum security facility, specifically designated as Level III for its maximum-security operations. It is designed to accommodate a population of 515 individuals, though its current population may fluctuate. Female prisoners from all branches of the U.S. Department of Defense are typically managed at the Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar, rather than at USDB.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Early Construction

Established by an Act of Congress in 1874, the facility was initially known as the United States Military Prison. Construction commenced in 1875, utilizing inmate labor, and was completed in 1921, with the capacity to house up to 1,500 prisoners. The original structure, nicknamed "The Castle" or "Little Top," was modeled on the Pennsylvania plan, featuring cell blocks radiating from a central hub, emphasizing individual cell isolation. This contrasted with the civilian penitentiary nearby, which followed the Auburn plan's communal living approach.

Evolution and Incidents

During World War I, two Hutterite conscientious objectors, Joseph and Michael Hofer, died at Fort Leavenworth in 1918 due to solitary confinement, starvation, and mistreatment after refusing induction. The original facility housed a significant number of inmates, including officers and, until 2014, women, who were later transferred to NAVCONBRIG Miramar. The prison experienced security incidents, such as an inmate escape in 1988, which led to enhanced security measures. A notable uprising occurred in 1995, quelled by correctional officers.

Modernization and Redevelopment

In the late 1990s, a new, state-of-the-art facility was planned on the site of the former USDB Farm Colony. The original "Castle" structures were largely demolished in 2004, with some walls and buildings being repurposed for other uses within Fort Leavenworth. The original commandant's house remains preserved.

The Contemporary Facility

Modern Design and Operations

The current USDB, operational since September 2002, represents a significant modernization. This $67.8 million facility (equivalent to $110 million in 2023) is situated approximately one mile north of the original site. It spans 51 acres and is secured by dual 14-foot fences. The design features three "bow tie" shaped housing units, each accommodating up to 142 inmates, with solid-door cells that include windows, eliminating the need for bars.

Accreditation and Efficiency

The facility has consistently received high marks for its operations. In 2012, it achieved a perfect 100% rating from the American Correctional Association (ACA), an assessment body that has audited the site since 1988. This rating reflects adherence to over 500 standards covering safety, mental health services, and humane treatment, maintained even with staff deployments abroad. The design is noted for its efficiency, brightness, and improved inmate environment compared to the older facility.

Strategic Considerations

In 2009, USDB was considered as a potential site for relocating prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. However, this proposal faced significant opposition from Kansas officials, citing concerns related to land acquisition for security buffer zones around the perimeter.

Burial Grounds

Prisoner Interments

The grounds near the original USDB serve as the final resting place for unclaimed deceased prisoners. Approximately 300 graves date from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, with 56 of these being unmarked. The cemetery also contains the graves of 14 German prisoners of war executed in 1945 for the murder of a fellow POW, Johannes Kunze.

Recent Interments

While the majority of interments occurred decades ago, the cemetery has seen recent activity, with the most recent recorded burial taking place in May 2023, indicating its continued, albeit infrequent, use for the interment of unclaimed remains.

Capital Punishment

Military Death Row

USDB serves as the designated location for the U.S. military's death row. Inmates housed here have been convicted of capital offenses under the UCMJ and sentenced to death by court-martial. Currently, several individuals await execution, primarily former service members convicted of murder. The military also retains jurisdiction over military commissions for war-related offenses, with potential transfer to USDB for execution if convicted and sentenced.

Execution Methods and History

Historically, executions at USDB were carried out by hanging. The last such execution was that of Army PFC John A. Bennett in 1961 for rape and attempted murder. While lethal injection is now specified as the military's method of execution, no military executions have occurred since 1961. All current federal executions are conducted at the United States Penitentiary Terre Haute.

Notable Individuals

Current Death Row Inmates

The facility currently houses several individuals on death row, including Hasan Akbar, convicted for killing two officers and wounding others in Kuwait; Nidal Hasan, responsible for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting; Ronald Gray, a serial killer convicted of multiple murders; and Timothy Hennis, convicted of triple homicide. These cases represent severe offenses committed by military personnel.

Former Inmates and Sentences

The USDB has housed numerous former inmates convicted of serious crimes, including war crimes and murder. Notable individuals include Robert Bales (Kandahar massacre), members of the "Kill Team" (Maywand District murders), Chelsea Manning (dissemination of classified information), and Charles Graner (Abu Ghraib abuse). Sentences have ranged from life imprisonment without parole to fixed terms, with some receiving clemency or presidential pardons.

External Resources

Wikimedia Commons

Additional visual and informational resources pertaining to the United States Disciplinary Barracks are available through the Wikimedia Commons repository. This collection provides a broader context and supplementary materials related to the facility and its history.

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Authority Control

Identifiers

This section provides links to various databases that catalog information about the United States Disciplinary Barracks, facilitating cross-referencing and further academic research. These include international identifiers like ISNI and VIAF, national identifiers from Germany and the Library of Congress, and other specialized collections.

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References

U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: United States Disciplinary Barracks

Title: Part C â The United States Disciplinary Barracks

Gitmo detainees should not come to Leavenworth â Pat Roberts â Kansas City Star â 8 August 2009

Fort Leavenworth Military Prison Cemetery from Interment.net

Soldier dies on the gallows for attack on small child

First Military Execution in 50 Years Delayed

A full list of references for this article are available at the United States Disciplinary Barracks Wikipedia page

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This document has been generated by an artificial intelligence system for educational and informational purposes. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and has been refined to meet academic standards. However, it is not exhaustive and may not reflect the most current information or all nuances of the subject matter.

This is not professional advice. The information presented herein does not constitute legal, correctional, or military advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult official documentation and qualified professionals for any specific needs or inquiries related to military justice, correctional facilities, or legal matters.

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United States Disciplinary Barracks

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Facility Overview ℹ️

📍 Location and Designation

⚖️ Operational Command

🔒 Security Classification and Capacity

Historical Trajectory 📜

🏛️ Genesis and Early Construction

⏳ Evolution and Incidents

🏗️ Modernization and Redevelopment

The Contemporary Facility 🏛️

✨ Modern Design and Operations

⭐ Accreditation and Efficiency

🌍 Strategic Considerations

Burial Grounds 🪦

⚰️ Prisoner Interments

📅 Recent Interments

Capital Punishment ⚡

⚖️ Military Death Row

⛓️ Execution Methods and History

Notable Individuals 👤

⭐ Current Death Row Inmates

📜 Former Inmates and Sentences

External Resources 🔗

🖼️ Wikimedia Commons

Authority Control 🗄️

🌐 Identifiers

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Facility Overview

Location and Designation

Operational Command

Security Classification and Capacity

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Early Construction

Evolution and Incidents

Modernization and Redevelopment

The Contemporary Facility

Modern Design and Operations

Accreditation and Efficiency

Strategic Considerations

Burial Grounds

Prisoner Interments

Recent Interments

Capital Punishment

Military Death Row

Execution Methods and History

Notable Individuals

Current Death Row Inmates

Former Inmates and Sentences

External Resources

Wikimedia Commons

Authority Control

Identifiers

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice