A Comprehensive Guide to the Largest Army Bases in the United States

The United States Army operates a vast network of bases across the country, each serving as a vital hub for training, operations, and support. These military installations play a crucial role in maintaining national security and deploying troops worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 20+ biggest army bases in the US, delving into their unique features, historical significance, and the impact they have on their surrounding communities.

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Fort Bragg, located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is the largest military installation in the world in terms of population. It serves as the home base for the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the Special Operations Command. With a vast training area and state-of-the-art facilities, Fort Bragg is a key hub for airborne and special operations training.

Fort Hood, Texas

Fort Hood, situated in Killeen, Texas, is one of the largest military bases in the US. It is the headquarters of the III Corps and houses the 1st Cavalry Division and the 4th Infantry Division. Fort Hood’s strategic location and extensive training resources make it a vital center for armor and infantry training.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a combined installation near Tacoma, Washington, is home to the I Corps and the 7th Infantry Division. It offers a diverse range of training environments, from mountainous terrain to coastal areas, making it ideal for joint training exercises.

Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Tennessee

Spanning across Kentucky and Tennessee, Fort Campbell is the home of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. With its focus on air assault operations, Fort Campbell provides extensive training in airborne and air mobility tactics.

Fort Carson, Colorado

Fort Carson, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is a major army base that serves as the headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division. It offers a challenging training environment with its high-altitude conditions and diverse terrain.

Fort Riley, Kansas

Fort Riley, located in the heart of Kansas, is a historic army base with a rich military legacy. It is home to the 1st Infantry Division and plays a significant role in training and deploying troops for various missions.

Fort Benning, Georgia

Fort Benning, known as the “Home of the Infantry,” is a premier training center for the US Army. It is the birthplace of the modern US Army Ranger and the primary training ground for infantry soldiers.

Fort Drum, New York

Fort Drum, situated near Watertown, New York, is the home of the 10th Mountain Division. With its harsh winter conditions and rugged terrain, Fort Drum provides unique training opportunities for mountain warfare.

Fort Bliss, Texas

Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas, is the largest army installation by land area. It serves as the headquarters of the Army’s Armor Center and School and is a key training ground for armored and air defense units.

Fort Knox, Kentucky

Fort Knox, renowned for its gold reserves, is also a significant army base. It is the home of the Armor Center and School and plays a crucial role in training armored cavalry and armor officers.

Fort Hood North, Texas

Fort Hood North, an expansion of Fort Hood, is a newly constructed facility that aims to alleviate overcrowding at the main base. It provides additional training and housing facilities to support the growing military population.

Camp Pendleton, California

Camp Pendleton, located on the Southern California coast, is the largest marine corps base in the US. While not an army base, it is worth mentioning due to its close proximity to various army installations and its role in joint training exercises.

Fort Irwin, California

Fort Irwin, situated in the Mojave Desert, is a key training center for the US Army. It is home to the National Training Center, where troops undergo realistic combat training in a simulated Middle Eastern environment.

Fort Polk, Louisiana

Fort Polk, located in central Louisiana, is a major army base that serves as the Joint Readiness Training Center. It provides a wide range of training opportunities, including urban warfare and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense training.

Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

Schofield Barracks, located on the island of Oahu, is a significant army base in the Pacific region. It is the headquarters of the 25th Infantry Division and plays a vital role in training and deploying troops for Pacific theater operations.

Fort Stewart, Georgia

Fort Stewart, the largest single-site army installation in the US, is home to the 3rd Infantry Division. It offers a diverse training environment, including coastal lowlands and pine forests, making it ideal for various military exercises.

Fort Bragg South, North Carolina

Fort Bragg South, an expansion of Fort Bragg, is a newly developed area that provides additional training and housing facilities. It aims to accommodate the growing military population and enhance the overall capacity of the base.

Fort Lee, Virginia

Fort Lee, located near Petersburg, Virginia, is a major army base focused on training and education. It is the home of the Army Logistics University and serves as a key center for logistics and sustainment training.

Fort Gordon, Georgia

Fort Gordon, situated in Augusta, Georgia, is a significant army base known for its intelligence and communications training. It is the headquarters of the US Army Signal School and houses the Cyber Center of Excellence.

Fort Rucker, Alabama

Fort Rucker, located in southeast Alabama, is the US Army’s primary flight training center. It is home to the US Army Aviation Center of Excellence and provides extensive training for aviation personnel.

Fort Wainwright, Alaska

Fort Wainwright, located near Fairbanks, Alaska, is a key army base in the Arctic region. It is the home of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and plays a crucial role in cold-weather training and Arctic warfare.

Fort Bragg West, North Carolina

Fort Bragg West, another expansion of Fort Bragg, is a rapidly developing area that aims to enhance the base’s capabilities. It includes new training facilities, housing, and support services to meet the growing needs of the military community.

Fort Campbell North, Kentucky and Tennessee

Fort Campbell North, an extension of Fort Campbell, is a newly constructed area that provides additional housing and support services. It helps alleviate overcrowding and improves the quality of life for military personnel and their families.

Fort Benning South, Georgia

Fort Benning South, an expansion of Fort Benning, is a growing area that offers enhanced training facilities and housing. It aims to accommodate the increasing demand for infantry training and support the overall mission of the base.

Notes:

• The size and population of army bases can vary over time due to changing military requirements and budget allocations.
• Some army bases are jointly operated with other branches of the military, leading to shared facilities and resources.
• Army bases often have a significant economic impact on their surrounding communities, providing jobs and supporting local businesses.

Final Thoughts

The United States Army’s network of bases is a testament to its commitment to national defense and global security. These installations, with their diverse training environments and state-of-the-art facilities, play a vital role in preparing troops for a wide range of missions. From the vast Fort Bragg to the remote Fort Wainwright, each base contributes uniquely to the overall strength and readiness of the US Army. As the military continues to evolve, these bases will remain at the forefront of training and innovation, ensuring the nation’s security for years to come.

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