Intro
Explore the top 10 largest military bases in the United States, covering vast acres of land and employing thousands of personnel. Discover the strategic importance of these massive bases, including Fort Hood, Fort Benning, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and learn about their role in national defense, military training, and logistical operations.
The United States boasts an impressive array of military bases, with a significant presence across the globe. However, some of the largest and most notable military bases are located within the country itself. These bases serve as crucial hubs for military operations, training, and logistics, playing a vital role in maintaining national security and defense. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 largest military bases in the United States, exploring their history, capabilities, and significance.
1. Fort Bragg, North Carolina
With a vast area of 161,000 acres, Fort Bragg is the largest military base in the United States. Established in 1918, it serves as the home of the US Army's XVIII Airborne Corps, the US Army Special Operations Command, and the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. Fort Bragg is a major hub for military training, with over 50,000 active-duty personnel and a significant presence of Army Rangers, Green Berets, and other special operations forces.
2. Fort Hood, Texas
Located in central Texas, Fort Hood is the largest active-duty armored post in the US military. Spanning over 214,000 acres, it serves as the home of the US Army's III Corps, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the US Army Operational Test Command. Fort Hood is a major training hub for armored units and has played a significant role in several military operations, including the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
3. Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Camp Lejeune is a 246-square-mile US Marine Corps base located in eastern North Carolina. Established in 1941, it serves as the home of the II Marine Expeditionary Force, the 2nd Marine Division, and the US Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. Camp Lejeune is a major hub for Marine Corps training and operations, with over 150,000 acres of training areas and a significant presence of special operations forces.
4. Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Fort Campbell is a 105,000-acre US Army base located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Established in 1942, it serves as the home of the 101st Airborne Division, the 5th Special Forces Group, and the US Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Fort Campbell is a major hub for Army airborne operations and has played a significant role in several military operations, including the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
5. Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Eglin Air Force Base is a 463,000-acre US Air Force base located in northwest Florida. Established in 1935, it serves as the home of the US Air Force's 96th Test Wing, the US Army's 7th Special Forces Group, and the US Navy's Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Eglin Air Force Base is a major hub for military testing and training, with a significant presence of special operations forces and a vast array of training ranges and facilities.
6. Fort Carson, Colorado
Fort Carson is a 137,000-acre US Army base located in southern Colorado. Established in 1942, it serves as the home of the US Army's 4th Infantry Division, the 10th Special Forces Group, and the US Army's 71st Ordnance Group. Fort Carson is a major hub for Army training and operations, with a significant presence of special operations forces and a vast array of training ranges and facilities.
7. Fort Drum, New York
Fort Drum is a 107,000-acre US Army base located in northern New York. Established in 1908, it serves as the home of the US Army's 10th Mountain Division, the US Army's 174th Infantry Brigade, and the US Army's 41st Infantry Battalion. Fort Drum is a major hub for Army training and operations, with a significant presence of special operations forces and a vast array of training ranges and facilities.
8. Fort Bliss, Texas
Fort Bliss is a 1.1 million-acre US Army base located in western Texas. Established in 1849, it serves as the home of the US Army's 1st Armored Division, the US Army's 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and the US Army's 212th Fires Brigade. Fort Bliss is a major hub for Army training and operations, with a significant presence of special operations forces and a vast array of training ranges and facilities.
9. Camp Pendleton, California
Camp Pendleton is a 125,000-acre US Marine Corps base located in southern California. Established in 1942, it serves as the home of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, the 1st Marine Division, and the US Marine Corps' 1st Force Service Support Group. Camp Pendleton is a major hub for Marine Corps training and operations, with a significant presence of special operations forces and a vast array of training ranges and facilities.
10. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a 87,000-acre US Army and US Air Force base located in western Washington. Established in 1917, it serves as the home of the US Army's I Corps, the US Army's 62nd Airlift Wing, and the US Air Force's 446th Airlift Wing. Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a major hub for Army and Air Force training and operations, with a significant presence of special operations forces and a vast array of training ranges and facilities.
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FAQs:
What is the largest military base in the United States?
+Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina, is the largest military base in the United States, covering an area of 161,000 acres.
What is the primary function of Fort Hood?
+Fort Hood, located in Texas, is a major hub for Army training and operations, serving as the home of the US Army's III Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division.
Which military base is known for its special operations forces?
+Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and Fort Campbell are known for their significant presence of special operations forces, including Army Rangers, Green Berets, and Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.
What is the largest military base in California?
+Camp Pendleton, located in southern California, is the largest military base in the state, covering an area of 125,000 acres.
Which military base is home to the US Air Force's 96th Test Wing?
+Eglin Air Force Base, located in Florida, is home to the US Air Force's 96th Test Wing and serves as a major hub for military testing and training.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the top 10 largest military bases in the United States. From the vast training ranges of Fort Bragg to the special operations forces of Fort Campbell, each base plays a critical role in maintaining national security and defense. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to like and share this article with others!