5 Largest Us Army Military Installations

The United States Army is one of the largest and most technologically advanced armed forces in the world, with a significant presence across the globe. The US Army operates numerous military installations, each serving a unique purpose, from training and logistics to combat and research. In this article, we will explore the five largest US Army military installations, highlighting their history, mission, and significance.

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Fort Bragg is the largest US Army military installation, covering an area of approximately 161,000 acres. Established in 1918, the post is named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg and serves as the home of the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and the XVIII Airborne Corps. Fort Bragg is a major training center for airborne and special operations forces, with over 50,000 military personnel and 10,000 civilian employees.

History and Mission

Fort Bragg's history dates back to World War I, when it was established as a training center for artillery and infantry units. During World War II, the post expanded significantly, becoming a major training center for airborne and glider infantry units. Today, Fort Bragg is a hub for special operations forces, with USASOC serving as the Army's primary special operations component.

Fort Hood, Texas

Fort Hood is the second-largest US Army military installation, covering an area of approximately 214,000 acres. Established in 1942, the post is named after Confederate General John Bell Hood and serves as the home of the III Armored Corps and the US Army Operational Test Command. Fort Hood is a major training center for armored and mechanized infantry units, with over 45,000 military personnel and 8,000 civilian employees.

History and Mission

Fort Hood's history dates back to World War II, when it was established as a training center for armored and mechanized infantry units. During the Cold War, the post expanded significantly, becoming a major hub for armored and mechanized forces. Today, Fort Hood is a key player in the US Army's operational testing and evaluation program, with the US Army Operational Test Command serving as the Army's primary test and evaluation component.

Fort Benning, Georgia

Fort Benning is the third-largest US Army military installation, covering an area of approximately 182,000 acres. Established in 1918, the post is named after Confederate General Henry L. Benning and serves as the home of the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and the US Army Infantry School. Fort Benning is a major training center for infantry and armor units, with over 30,000 military personnel and 5,000 civilian employees.

History and Mission

Fort Benning's history dates back to World War I, when it was established as a training center for infantry units. During World War II, the post expanded significantly, becoming a major hub for infantry and armor training. Today, Fort Benning is a key player in the US Army's training and doctrine development, with the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence serving as the Army's primary center for maneuver warfare doctrine and training.

Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Fort Campbell is the fourth-largest US Army military installation, covering an area of approximately 106,000 acres. Established in 1942, the post is named after Union General William Bowen Campbell and serves as the home of the 101st Airborne Division and the US Army's only air assault division. Fort Campbell is a major training center for airborne and air assault units, with over 25,000 military personnel and 4,000 civilian employees.

History and Mission

Fort Campbell's history dates back to World War II, when it was established as a training center for airborne and glider infantry units. During the Vietnam War, the post expanded significantly, becoming a major hub for air assault training. Today, Fort Campbell is a key player in the US Army's air assault and airborne operations, with the 101st Airborne Division serving as the Army's only air assault division.

Fort Lewis, Washington

Fort Lewis is the fifth-largest US Army military installation, covering an area of approximately 87,000 acres. Established in 1917, the post is named after Meriwether Lewis, the famous American explorer, and serves as the home of the I Corps and the US Army's only Stryker brigade combat team. Fort Lewis is a major training center for Stryker and infantry units, with over 20,000 military personnel and 3,000 civilian employees.

History and Mission

Fort Lewis's history dates back to World War I, when it was established as a training center for infantry and cavalry units. During World War II, the post expanded significantly, becoming a major hub for infantry and armored training. Today, Fort Lewis is a key player in the US Army's Stryker and infantry operations, with the I Corps serving as the Army's primary corps-level headquarters for the Pacific region.

In conclusion, the five largest US Army military installations play a critical role in the US military's training, doctrine development, and operational testing and evaluation. These installations serve as hubs for various branches and components of the US Army, from special operations and airborne units to infantry and armor units.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences about the US Army's military installations in the comments section below. Have you or a family member served at one of these installations? Share your story with us!

What is the largest US Army military installation?

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Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is the largest US Army military installation, covering an area of approximately 161,000 acres.

What is the primary mission of Fort Hood, Texas?

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Fort Hood is a major training center for armored and mechanized infantry units, with a primary mission of supporting the III Armored Corps and the US Army Operational Test Command.

What is the significance of Fort Benning, Georgia?

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Fort Benning is a major training center for infantry and armor units, with a significant role in the US Army's training and doctrine development, as the home of the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and the US Army Infantry School.