Intro
Discover the largest US military bases by size, showcasing the countrys vast military infrastructure. From sprawling forts to massive airbases, explore the top installations, including Fort Hood, Fort Benning, and Eglin Air Force Base, and learn about their strategic roles in US defense, troop deployment, and military operations.
The United States has a vast network of military bases, both within its borders and around the world. These bases serve as crucial hubs for military operations, training, and logistics. Some of these bases are truly massive, covering hundreds of thousands of acres and housing thousands of personnel. In this article, we'll explore the largest US military bases by size, highlighting their unique features, strategic importance, and the role they play in supporting the country's defense.
1. White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico - 2.2 Million Acres
White Sands Missile Range is the largest military base in the United States, covering an area of 2.2 million acres in southern New Mexico. Established in 1945, the base serves as a major testing ground for the US military, with a focus on missile and space systems. The base is home to the US Army's 746th Test Squadron and the US Air Force's 586th Flight Test Squadron.
Key Features:
- 2.2 million acres of testing grounds
- Supports over 3,000 military personnel and civilians
- Testing facilities for missile, space, and aerospace systems
- Home to the US Army's 746th Test Squadron and the US Air Force's 586th Flight Test Squadron
2. Fort Irwin National Training Center, California - 1.1 Million Acres
Fort Irwin National Training Center is the second-largest military base in the United States, covering an area of 1.1 million acres in the Mojave Desert, California. Established in 1940, the base serves as a premier training ground for the US Army, with a focus on desert warfare and operations. The base is home to the US Army's National Training Center and the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Key Features:
- 1.1 million acres of training grounds
- Supports over 10,000 military personnel and civilians
- Training facilities for desert warfare and operations
- Home to the US Army's National Training Center and the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
3. Fort Bliss, Texas - 1.1 Million Acres
Fort Bliss is a US Army base located in El Paso, Texas, covering an area of 1.1 million acres. Established in 1849, the base serves as a major hub for US Army operations, with a focus on training, logistics, and support. The base is home to the US Army's 1st Armored Division and the 15th Sustainment Brigade.
Key Features:
- 1.1 million acres of base area
- Supports over 30,000 military personnel and civilians
- Training facilities for armor, infantry, and artillery units
- Home to the US Army's 1st Armored Division and the 15th Sustainment Brigade
4. Eglin Air Force Base, Florida - 463,000 Acres
Eglin Air Force Base is a US Air Force base located in Valparaiso, Florida, covering an area of 463,000 acres. Established in 1947, the base serves as a major testing ground for the US Air Force, with a focus on air-to-air missile systems and electronic warfare. The base is home to the US Air Force's 96th Test Wing and the 33rd Fighter Wing.
Key Features:
- 463,000 acres of testing grounds
- Supports over 10,000 military personnel and civilians
- Testing facilities for air-to-air missile systems and electronic warfare
- Home to the US Air Force's 96th Test Wing and the 33rd Fighter Wing
5. Fort Hood, Texas - 340,000 Acres
Fort Hood is a US Army base located in Killeen, Texas, covering an area of 340,000 acres. Established in 1942, the base serves as a major hub for US Army operations, with a focus on training, logistics, and support. The base is home to the US Army's 1st Cavalry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Key Features:
- 340,000 acres of base area
- Supports over 45,000 military personnel and civilians
- Training facilities for armor, infantry, and artillery units
- Home to the US Army's 1st Cavalry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Largest US Military Bases Image Gallery
What is the largest US military base in the world?
+The largest US military base in the world is White Sands Missile Range, covering an area of 2.2 million acres in southern New Mexico.
What is the purpose of the Fort Irwin National Training Center?
+The Fort Irwin National Training Center is a premier training ground for the US Army, focusing on desert warfare and operations.
What is the largest US Air Force base in the United States?
+The largest US Air Force base in the United States is Eglin Air Force Base, covering an area of 463,000 acres in Valparaiso, Florida.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the largest US military bases by size. These bases play a crucial role in supporting the country's defense and national security, and their unique features and strategic importance make them truly remarkable. Whether you're interested in military history, operations, or simply want to learn more about these massive bases, we hope this article has been informative and engaging.