Top 10 Largest Us Military Installations

The United States Armed Forces operates numerous military installations across the country, each serving a unique purpose in defending the nation. These installations range from small outposts to massive bases that rival small cities in size and population. In this article, we will explore the top 10 largest US military installations, highlighting their significance, facilities, and impact on the surrounding communities.

1. Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Covering over 160,000 acres, Fort Bragg is the largest US military installation in terms of population and land area. Established in 1918, the base is home to the XVIII Airborne Corps, the US Army Special Operations Command, and the US Army Forces Command. With a population of over 50,000 military personnel, civilians, and family members, Fort Bragg is a self-sustaining community with its own schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.

Key Facilities:

• The US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC)
• The US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)
• The XVIII Airborne Corps
• The 82nd Airborne Division
• The US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (USACAPOC)

2. White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico

Spanning over 3,200 square miles, the White Sands Missile Range is the largest US military installation in terms of land area. Established in 1945, the base is a testing and training facility for the US military, hosting various exercises and experiments. With a diverse geography that includes deserts, mountains, and forests, the range provides a unique environment for testing military equipment and training personnel.

Key Facilities:

• The US Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC)
• The US Army White Sands Missile Range (WSMR)
• The US Air Force's 46th Test Squadron
• The US Navy's Naval Space Command

3. Fort Hood, Texas

Covering over 214,000 acres, Fort Hood is one of the largest US military installations in terms of land area. Established in 1942, the base is home to the III Armored Corps, the US Army Installation Management Command, and the US Army Garrison Fort Hood. With a population of over 50,000 military personnel, civilians, and family members, Fort Hood is a major economic driver for the surrounding region.

Key Facilities:

• The III Armored Corps
• The US Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM)
• The US Army Garrison Fort Hood
• The 1st Cavalry Division
• The US Army Engineer School

4. Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

Spanning over 463,000 acres, Eglin Air Force Base is one of the largest US military installations in terms of land area. Established in 1935, the base is home to the Air Force Materiel Command, the US Army 7th Special Forces Group, and the US Navy's Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal. With a diverse geography that includes forests, swamps, and beaches, the base provides a unique environment for testing and training military equipment.

Key Facilities:

• The Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC)
• The US Army 7th Special Forces Group
• The US Navy's Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
• The 96th Test Wing
• The US Air Force's 33rd Fighter Wing

5. Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Covering over 105,000 acres, Fort Campbell is a major US military installation located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Established in 1942, the base is home to the 101st Airborne Division, the US Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and the US Army's 5th Special Forces Group. With a population of over 30,000 military personnel, civilians, and family members, Fort Campbell is a significant economic driver for the surrounding region.

Key Facilities:

• The 101st Airborne Division
• The US Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR)
• The US Army's 5th Special Forces Group
• The US Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
• The US Army's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

6. Fort Benning, Georgia

Covering over 182,000 acres, Fort Benning is a major US military installation located in western Georgia. Established in 1918, the base is home to the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, the US Army Armor School, and the US Army Infantry School. With a population of over 30,000 military personnel, civilians, and family members, Fort Benning is a significant economic driver for the surrounding region.

Key Facilities:

• The US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE)
• The US Army Armor School
• The US Army Infantry School
• The US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
• The US Army's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

7. Fort Lewis, Washington

Covering over 86,000 acres, Fort Lewis is a major US military installation located in the state of Washington. Established in 1917, the base is home to the US Army I Corps, the US Army 62nd Airlift Wing, and the US Army's 1st Special Forces Group. With a population of over 20,000 military personnel, civilians, and family members, Fort Lewis is a significant economic driver for the surrounding region.

Key Facilities:

• The US Army I Corps
• The US Army 62nd Airlift Wing
• The US Army's 1st Special Forces Group
• The US Army's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division
• The US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

8. Fort Bliss, Texas

Covering over 1.1 million acres, Fort Bliss is one of the largest US military installations in terms of land area. Established in 1849, the base is home to the US Army's 1st Armored Division, the US Army's 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and the US Army's 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. With a population of over 20,000 military personnel, civilians, and family members, Fort Bliss is a significant economic driver for the surrounding region.

Key Facilities:

• The US Army's 1st Armored Division
• The US Army's 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC)
• The US Army's 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
• The US Army's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
• The US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

9. Fort Carson, Colorado

Covering over 135,000 acres, Fort Carson is a major US military installation located in the state of Colorado. Established in 1942, the base is home to the US Army's 4th Infantry Division, the US Army's 71st Ordnance Group, and the US Army's 43rd Sustainment Brigade. With a population of over 20,000 military personnel, civilians, and family members, Fort Carson is a significant economic driver for the surrounding region.

Key Facilities:

• The US Army's 4th Infantry Division
• The US Army's 71st Ordnance Group
• The US Army's 43rd Sustainment Brigade
• The US Army's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
• The US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

10. Fort Drum, New York

Covering over 107,000 acres, Fort Drum is a major US military installation located in the state of New York. Established in 1908, the base is home to the US Army's 10th Mountain Division, the US Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team, and the US Army's 2nd Brigade Combat Team. With a population of over 15,000 military personnel, civilians, and family members, Fort Drum is a significant economic driver for the surrounding region.

Key Facilities:

• The US Army's 10th Mountain Division
• The US Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team
• The US Army's 2nd Brigade Combat Team
• The US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team
• The US Army's 10th Combat Aviation Brigade

Largest US Military Installations Image Gallery

In conclusion, the top 10 largest US military installations play a critical role in defending the nation, providing a range of facilities and services that support military operations, training, and logistics. From the sprawling deserts of White Sands Missile Range to the rolling hills of Fort Drum, each installation has its unique characteristics and contributions to the US military's overall mission.

We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the largest US military installations. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. Share this article with your friends and family to help spread awareness about the importance of these installations.