Built in 1952, the Chambers are a unique facility, capable of simulating an extreme range of global weather conditions for the testing of both the physical properties of military equipment and the physiology and adaptations of human subjects.

At a rededication ceremony on 24 August 1994, the facility was named for Brigadier General Georges F. Doriot (1899–1987), a French-American who, during World War II, worked with a large staff in the Quartermaster Corps to develop, test and quickly field improved clothing and equipment for the U.S. soldier.

Examples of military equipment evaluated at the DCC include tents, parachutes, heaters, airbeams, medical devices and wild mills.

Human research in the DCC is aimed at the prevention of injuries and the minimizing of performance decrements in order to enhance overall operational effectiveness.

Soldier (and civilian) volunteers walk or run on treadmills to simulate a variety of work rates at different environmental extremes.