Fort Drum Military Base: A Comprehensive Guide

Located in upstate New York, Fort Drum is a United States Army base that serves as the home of the 10th Mountain Division. The base is situated in the town of LeRay, Jefferson County, and is approximately 30 miles north of Watertown, New York. With a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, Fort Drum has evolved into a modern military installation that plays a critical role in the country's defense.

As one of the largest military bases in the United States, Fort Drum is a significant economic driver for the region, employing thousands of military personnel, civilians, and contractors. The base is also home to a variety of units, including the 10th Mountain Division, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, and the 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

History of Fort Drum

Fort Drum has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. The base was originally established in 1908 as Pine Camp, a training facility for the New York National Guard. During World War I, the camp was expanded to accommodate the growing number of troops, and it was renamed Camp Drum in 1951.

In the 1980s, the base underwent significant renovations and expansions, including the construction of new barracks, dining facilities, and training areas. In 1984, the 10th Mountain Division was reactivated at Fort Drum, and the base has since become the division's home.

Major Units and Tenant Organizations

Fort Drum is home to a variety of major units and tenant organizations, including:

10th Mountain Division
1st Brigade Combat Team
2nd Brigade Combat Team
3rd Brigade Combat Team
10th Mountain Division Artillery
10th Mountain Division Support Command
41st Brigade Engineer Battalion
2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment

In addition to these units, Fort Drum is also home to a number of tenant organizations, including the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, the U.S. Army Dental Activity, and the U.S. Army Veterinary Activity.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Fort Drum is a modern military installation with a wide range of facilities and infrastructure. The base is home to over 1,000 buildings, including barracks, dining facilities, training areas, and administrative offices.

Some of the notable facilities at Fort Drum include:

The 10th Mountain Division Memorial: A memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division who have died in combat.
The Fort Drum Museum: A museum that showcases the history of the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum.
The Post Exchange: A shopping center that offers a wide range of goods and services to military personnel and their families.
The Commissary: A grocery store that offers discounted prices on food and household items.

Training Areas and Ranges

Fort Drum is home to a variety of training areas and ranges, including:

The Fort Drum Training Area: A 72,000-acre training area that offers a wide range of training opportunities, including live-fire exercises and maneuver training.
The Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield: A military airfield that offers air support for training exercises and deployments.
The Fort Drum Range Complex: A range complex that includes a variety of firing ranges, including rifle, pistol, and artillery ranges.

Community and Support Services

Fort Drum offers a wide range of community and support services to military personnel and their families, including:

The Fort Drum Army Community Service: A organization that offers a variety of services, including counseling, financial assistance, and employment support.
The Fort Drum School District: A school district that offers education to the children of military personnel.
The Fort Drum Chapel: A chapel that offers spiritual support and worship services to military personnel and their families.

Healthcare Services

Fort Drum offers a wide range of healthcare services to military personnel and their families, including:

The Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Clinic: A clinic that offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and pharmacy services.
The Fort Drum Dental Clinic: A clinic that offers dental care services to military personnel and their families.
The Fort Drum Veterinary Clinic: A clinic that offers veterinary care services to military working dogs and family pets.

Fort Drum Military Base Healthcare Services

Getting to Fort Drum

Fort Drum is located in upstate New York, approximately 30 miles north of Watertown, New York. The base is accessible by car, and there are several major highways that connect to the base, including Interstate 81 and New York State Route 3.

There are also several airports near Fort Drum, including the Watertown International Airport, which offers flights to several major cities, including New York City and Chicago.

Visiting Fort Drum

Visitors to Fort Drum must undergo security screening and obtain a visitor's pass before entering the base. The visitor's pass can be obtained at the Fort Drum Visitor Control Center, which is located at the main gate of the base.

Fort Drum Military Base Visitor Control Center

Conclusion

Fort Drum is a modern military installation that plays a critical role in the country's defense. With its rich history, state-of-the-art facilities, and wide range of community and support services, Fort Drum is an excellent place to live and work for military personnel and their families.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with a better understanding of Fort Drum and its many amenities and services. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

What is the history of Fort Drum?

Fort Drum was originally established in 1908 as Pine Camp, a training facility for the New York National Guard. During World War I, the camp was expanded to accommodate the growing number of troops, and it was renamed Camp Drum in 1951.

What units are stationed at Fort Drum?

Fort Drum is home to the 10th Mountain Division, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, among other units.

What facilities and services are available at Fort Drum?

Fort Drum offers a wide range of facilities and services, including barracks, dining facilities, training areas, administrative offices, a post exchange, a commissary, and healthcare services.

How do I get to Fort Drum?

Can I visit Fort Drum?

Yes, visitors are welcome at Fort Drum. However, they must undergo security screening and obtain a visitor's pass before entering the base. The visitor's pass can be obtained at the Fort Drum Visitor Control Center, which is located at the main gate of the base.