Intro
Discover the top 10 US Army training locations, from boot camps to specialized schools. Learn about the rigorous training programs at iconic bases like Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, and West Point. Get insights into the toughest courses, including Ranger School, Airborne School, and Sniper Training. Explore the best Army bases for career advancement.
The United States Army is renowned for its rigorous training programs, which push soldiers to their limits and beyond. From the scorching deserts of Arizona to the sweltering jungles of Hawaii, the US Army has established a network of training locations that simulate the most challenging environments imaginable. In this article, we will explore the top 10 US Army training locations, each with its unique characteristics and training objectives.
1. Fort Benning, Georgia: The Home of the Infantry
Fort Benning is one of the most iconic US Army training locations, serving as the home of the infantry since 1918. This sprawling base in Georgia is where aspiring infantrymen come to learn the fundamentals of combat, from marksmanship to hand-to-hand combat. The fort's grueling training courses, including the infamous "Airborne School," have earned it a reputation as one of the toughest training locations in the US military.
Training Objectives:
- Infantry Basic Combat Training (BCT)
- Airborne School
- Ranger School
- Sniper School
2. Fort Bragg, North Carolina: The Hub of Special Operations
Fort Bragg is the largest US military base in the world, covering an area of over 160,000 acres. This North Carolina base is home to the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and serves as a training hub for special forces operatives, including the Green Berets and Delta Force. The base's extensive training facilities, including the "Little Resistance" urban warfare training site, provide a unique environment for special operations training.
Training Objectives:
- Special Forces Qualification Course
- Special Operations Advanced Training
- Unconventional Warfare Training
3. Fort Irwin, California: The National Training Center
Located in the Mojave Desert, Fort Irwin is one of the most remote US Army training locations. The base is home to the National Training Center (NTC), which provides a realistic training environment for brigade combat teams. The NTC's vast desert terrain and sophisticated training facilities make it an ideal location for large-scale maneuver training.
Training Objectives:
- Brigade Combat Team Training
- Combined Arms Training
- Live-Fire Training
4. Fort Hood, Texas: The Largest Active-Duty Base
Fort Hood is the largest active-duty US military base in the world, covering an area of over 340 square miles. This Texas base is home to III Corps and serves as a training hub for armored and mechanized infantry units. The base's extensive training facilities, including the "Talladega" urban warfare training site, provide a unique environment for combat training.
Training Objectives:
- Armor Crewman Training
- Mechanized Infantry Training
- Urban Warfare Training
5. Fort Lewis, Washington: The Home of I Corps
Fort Lewis is a major US Army base located in the state of Washington. The base is home to I Corps and serves as a training hub for Stryker and infantry units. The base's extensive training facilities, including the "Leschi Town" urban warfare training site, provide a unique environment for combat training.
Training Objectives:
- Stryker Crewman Training
- Infantry Training
- Urban Warfare Training
6. Schofield Barracks, Hawaii: The Jungle Training Center
Schofield Barracks is a US Army base located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The base is home to the 25th Infantry Division and serves as a training hub for jungle warfare training. The base's unique tropical environment and sophisticated training facilities make it an ideal location for jungle training.
Training Objectives:
- Jungle Warfare Training
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training
- Tropical Environment Training
7. Fort Campbell, Kentucky: The Home of the 101st Airborne
Fort Campbell is a US Army base located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The base is home to the 101st Airborne Division and serves as a training hub for airborne and infantry units. The base's extensive training facilities, including the "Sabalauski Air Assault School," provide a unique environment for airborne training.
Training Objectives:
- Airborne Training
- Air Assault Training
- Infantry Training
8. Fort Carson, Colorado: The Mountain Post
Fort Carson is a US Army base located in the state of Colorado. The base is home to the 4th Infantry Division and serves as a training hub for mountain warfare training. The base's unique mountainous terrain and sophisticated training facilities make it an ideal location for high-altitude training.
Training Objectives:
- Mountain Warfare Training
- High-Altitude Training
- Cold-Weather Training
9. Fort Polk, Louisiana: The Joint Readiness Training Center
Fort Polk is a US Army base located in the state of Louisiana. The base is home to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and serves as a training hub for brigade combat teams. The base's extensive training facilities, including the "Village" urban warfare training site, provide a unique environment for large-scale maneuver training.
Training Objectives:
- Brigade Combat Team Training
- Combined Arms Training
- Live-Fire Training
10. Fort Jackson, South Carolina: The Army's Largest Training Center
Fort Jackson is a US Army base located in the state of South Carolina. The base is the Army's largest training center, with over 50,000 soldiers training there each year. The base's extensive training facilities, including the " Sand Hill" obstacle course, provide a unique environment for basic training and advanced individual training.
Training Objectives:
- Basic Combat Training (BCT)
- Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
- Drill Sergeant Training
US Army Training Locations Image Gallery
What is the most challenging US Army training location?
+Fort Benning, Georgia, is widely considered the most challenging US Army training location, due to its grueling infantry training courses and the infamous "Airborne School."
What is the purpose of the National Training Center at Fort Irwin?
+The National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin provides a realistic training environment for brigade combat teams, with a focus on large-scale maneuver training and live-fire exercises.
What type of training is conducted at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii?
+Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, is a jungle training center, where soldiers learn survival skills, jungle warfare tactics, and tropical environment training.
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the top 10 US Army training locations. Each of these locations plays a critical role in preparing soldiers for the challenges of modern warfare. Whether it's the scorching deserts of Arizona or the sweltering jungles of Hawaii, these training locations simulate the most extreme environments imaginable, pushing soldiers to their limits and beyond.