A modular free-standing shelter including a frame and a cover. The frame has an upper plate and a lower plate, and a number of cover shafts are each pivotally connected at one end to the upper plate. A number of stretcher shafts are each pivotally connected between a respective one of the cover shafts and the lower plate. A separation shaft is affixed to one of the plates for separating the upper and lower plates at a predetermined distance. The cover is a skin having a predetermined shape that is engaged by the cover shafts. Some embodiments include angular frames. Some embodiments include warfighter covers.