Intro
Explore the 10 largest military bases in the US, covering vast areas across the country. From Fort Bragg to Eglin Air Force Base, discover the massive installations that serve as hubs for military operations, training, and logistics. Learn about their histories, roles, and impacts on national defense and local communities.
The United States is home to a vast array of military bases, each playing a critical role in the country's defense and security. From the sun-kissed deserts of Arizona to the rolling hills of Kentucky, these bases are strategically located across the country to ensure the military's readiness and effectiveness. In this article, we will explore the 10 largest military bases in the US, highlighting their unique features, capabilities, and contributions to the nation's defense.
1. Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Covering an impressive 161,000 acres, Fort Bragg is the largest military base in the US by population. Located in the heart of North Carolina, this base is home to over 40,000 active-duty soldiers, 8,000 civilians, and 13,000 family members. Fort Bragg serves as the headquarters for the US Army Special Operations Command and the US Army Forces Command.
Base Overview
- Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina
- Population: Over 40,000 active-duty soldiers, 8,000 civilians, and 13,000 family members
- Size: 161,000 acres
- Major Commands: US Army Special Operations Command, US Army Forces Command
2. Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Fort Campbell is the second-largest military base in the US by population. With over 24,000 acres, this base is home to the 101st Airborne Division and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Fort Campbell is known for its rigorous training programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Base Overview
- Location: Fort Campbell, Kentucky
- Population: Over 30,000 active-duty soldiers, 10,000 civilians, and 13,000 family members
- Size: 24,000 acres
- Major Commands: 101st Airborne Division, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
3. Fort Hood, Texas
Located in the heart of Texas, Fort Hood is the largest active-duty armored post in the US. Covering an impressive 214,000 acres, this base is home to the 1st Cavalry Division and the 4th Infantry Division. Fort Hood is a critical training hub for the US Army, with a range of facilities and equipment.
Base Overview
- Location: Killeen, Texas
- Population: Over 45,000 active-duty soldiers, 8,000 civilians, and 13,000 family members
- Size: 214,000 acres
- Major Commands: 1st Cavalry Division, 4th Infantry Division
4. Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Eglin Air Force Base is a major hub for the US Air Force. Covering an impressive 640,000 acres, this base is home to the Air Armament Center and the 96th Test Wing. Eglin is a critical testing and training facility for the US military.
Base Overview
- Location: Valparaiso, Florida
- Population: Over 3,000 active-duty personnel, 2,000 civilians, and 1,000 family members
- Size: 640,000 acres
- Major Commands: Air Armament Center, 96th Test Wing
5. Fort Benning, Georgia
Located in the heart of Georgia, Fort Benning is a major training hub for the US Army. Covering an impressive 182,000 acres, this base is home to the US Army Infantry School and the US Army Armor School. Fort Benning is a critical facility for the US military, with a range of training programs and equipment.
Base Overview
- Location: Columbus, Georgia
- Population: Over 27,000 active-duty soldiers, 5,000 civilians, and 10,000 family members
- Size: 182,000 acres
- Major Commands: US Army Infantry School, US Army Armor School
6. Fort Lewis, Washington
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Fort Lewis is a major base for the US Army. Covering an impressive 87,000 acres, this base is home to the 7th Infantry Division and the 1st Corps. Fort Lewis is a critical facility for the US military, with a range of training programs and equipment.
Base Overview
- Location: Tacoma, Washington
- Population: Over 30,000 active-duty soldiers, 10,000 civilians, and 13,000 family members
- Size: 87,000 acres
- Major Commands: 7th Infantry Division, 1st Corps
7. Fort Carson, Colorado
Located in the heart of Colorado, Fort Carson is a major base for the US Army. Covering an impressive 137,000 acres, this base is home to the 4th Infantry Division and the 10th Special Forces Group. Fort Carson is a critical facility for the US military, with a range of training programs and equipment.
Base Overview
- Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Population: Over 25,000 active-duty soldiers, 5,000 civilians, and 10,000 family members
- Size: 137,000 acres
- Major Commands: 4th Infantry Division, 10th Special Forces Group
8. Fort Irwin, California
Located in the Mojave Desert, Fort Irwin is a major training hub for the US Army. Covering an impressive 640,000 acres, this base is home to the National Training Center and the US Army Infantry School. Fort Irwin is a critical facility for the US military, with a range of training programs and equipment.
Base Overview
- Location: Barstow, California
- Population: Over 10,000 active-duty soldiers, 2,000 civilians, and 5,000 family members
- Size: 640,000 acres
- Major Commands: National Training Center, US Army Infantry School
9. Fort Huachuca, Arizona
Located in the southern Arizona desert, Fort Huachuca is a major base for the US Army. Covering an impressive 73,000 acres, this base is home to the US Army Intelligence Center and the US Army Network Enterprise Technology Command. Fort Huachuca is a critical facility for the US military, with a range of training programs and equipment.
Base Overview
- Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
- Population: Over 8,000 active-duty soldiers, 2,000 civilians, and 5,000 family members
- Size: 73,000 acres
- Major Commands: US Army Intelligence Center, US Army Network Enterprise Technology Command
10. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a major base for the US Army and US Air Force. Covering an impressive 87,000 acres, this base is home to the 7th Infantry Division and the 62nd Airlift Wing. Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a critical facility for the US military, with a range of training programs and equipment.
Base Overview
- Location: Tacoma, Washington
- Population: Over 40,000 active-duty personnel, 15,000 civilians, and 20,000 family members
- Size: 87,000 acres
- Major Commands: 7th Infantry Division, 62nd Airlift Wing
Gallery Section:
Largest Military Bases in the US Image Gallery
FAQs:
What is the largest military base in the US by population?
+Fort Bragg, North Carolina is the largest military base in the US by population, with over 40,000 active-duty soldiers, 8,000 civilians, and 13,000 family members.
What is the largest military base in the US by size?
+Eglin Air Force Base, Florida is the largest military base in the US by size, covering an impressive 640,000 acres.
What is the primary function of Fort Irwin?
+Fort Irwin is a major training hub for the US Army, with a focus on live-fire training and maneuver warfare.
As we conclude our tour of the 10 largest military bases in the US, we hope that you have gained a deeper understanding of the critical role that these bases play in the country's defense and security. From the rugged terrain of Fort Irwin to the sun-kissed deserts of Fort Huachuca, each base is uniquely suited to its environment and mission. Whether you are a seasoned military veteran or simply a curious observer, we invite you to share your thoughts and comments on these incredible installations.