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MISSOULA - The new Missoula Armed Forces Reserve Center is preparing to open its doors after five years of construction work.

The new facility is more technologically advanced and eco-friendly than other facilities around the state. It will be used by Montana National Guard and Army Reserve personnel who are stationed in Missoula.

The $17 million project was proposed after the old facilities in the southend of town could no longer meet the requirements needed to train for missions.

The new facility will efficiently train and take care of soldiers, as well as store all of their equipment according to officials.

It also features a simulation where soldiers can do real world combat training right inside the building and on top of updating the technology inside the facility, architects and engineers spent time making the new building energy efficient.

"The cost savings and the ability for us to be good stewards of our environment really play well with this facility. We will enjoy those cost savings into the future as well as be able to use those resources elsewhere," said Montana National Guard officer Tim Crowe.

Some of the facility's sustainable methods include automatic lighting controls, durable materials, and ground source heating and cooling.

The Armed Forces Reserve Center is expected to be up and running in the next two months.