10 Largest Us Military Bases

The United States has a significant military presence around the world, with numerous military bases operating within its own borders and overseas. These bases serve as crucial centers for military operations, training, and logistics, playing a vital role in the country's defense strategy. Here, we will explore the 10 largest US military bases, focusing on their importance, facilities, and the roles they play in the nation's defense infrastructure.

1. Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Fort Bragg is the largest US military base by population, covering an area of 161,045 acres. It serves as the home of the US Army Special Operations Command, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the XVIII Airborne Corps, among other units. The base's extensive training facilities make it a hub for paratrooper and special operations training.

Key Facilities and Features:

The base includes the Pope Army Airfield and the Simmons Army Airfield.
It has an extensive network of barracks, mess halls, and other support facilities.
The base is also home to the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.

2. Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Fort Campbell is the second-largest US military base, covering an area of 105,000 acres. It serves as the home of the 101st Airborne Division and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, among other units. The base's terrain and training facilities make it an ideal location for helicopter training and special operations.

Key Facilities and Features:

The base includes the Campbell Army Airfield.
It has an extensive network of training areas and ranges.
The base is also home to the US Army Sabalauski Air Assault School.

3. Joint Base San Antonio, Texas

Joint Base San Antonio is a combined facility that includes Fort Sam Houston, Randolph Air Force Base, and Lackland Air Force Base. Covering an area of 72,000 acres, it serves as a major hub for military medical training and aviation training. The base is home to the US Army Medical Department Center and School, the US Air Force Medical Service, and the 59th Medical Wing.

Key Facilities and Features:

The base includes the Randolph Air Force Base and the Lackland Air Force Base.
It has an extensive network of medical facilities and research centers.
The base is also home to the US Army North and the US Air Force North.

4. Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

Eglin Air Force Base is the largest US Air Force base, covering an area of 463,000 acres. It serves as a major testing and training facility for the US Air Force, with a focus on munitions and missile testing. The base is home to the 96th Test Wing and the 33rd Fighter Wing.

Key Facilities and Features:

The base includes the Eglin Air Force Base and the Duke Field.
It has an extensive network of testing ranges and facilities.
The base is also home to the US Air Force Armament Museum.

5. Fort Hood, Texas

Fort Hood is one of the largest US military bases by population, covering an area of 214,000 acres. It serves as the home of the 1st Cavalry Division, the 13th Sustainment Command, and the III Corps, among other units. The base's terrain and training facilities make it an ideal location for armor and artillery training.

Key Facilities and Features:

The base includes the Robert Gray Army Airfield.
It has an extensive network of training areas and ranges.
The base is also home to the US Army Operational Test Command.

6. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a combined facility that includes Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. Covering an area of 89,000 acres, it serves as a major hub for military training and logistics. The base is home to the I Corps, the 62nd Airlift Wing, and the 446th Airlift Wing.

Key Facilities and Features:

The base includes the McChord Air Force Base and the Gray Army Airfield.
It has an extensive network of training areas and ranges.
The base is also home to the US Army Special Forces.

7. Fort Benning, Georgia

Fort Benning is a major US military base, covering an area of 182,000 acres. It serves as the home of the US Army Infantry School, the US Army Armor School, and the 75th Ranger Regiment, among other units. The base's terrain and training facilities make it an ideal location for infantry and armor training.

Key Facilities and Features:

The base includes the Lawson Army Airfield.
It has an extensive network of training areas and ranges.
The base is also home to the US Army Marksmanship Unit.

8. Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Camp Lejeune is a major US Marine Corps base, covering an area of 156,000 acres. It serves as the home of the II Marine Expeditionary Force, the 2nd Marine Division, and the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, among other units. The base's terrain and training facilities make it an ideal location for amphibious and expeditionary training.

Key Facilities and Features:

The base includes the Marine Corps Air Station New River.
It has an extensive network of training areas and ranges.
The base is also home to the US Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.

9. Fort Stewart, Georgia

Fort Stewart is a major US military base, covering an area of 280,000 acres. It serves as the home of the 3rd Infantry Division, the 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, and the 224th Military Intelligence Battalion, among other units. The base's terrain and training facilities make it an ideal location for armor and infantry training.

Key Facilities and Features:

The base includes the Hunter Army Airfield.
It has an extensive network of training areas and ranges.
The base is also home to the US Army Garrison Fort Stewart.

10. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is a combined facility that includes Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson. Covering an area of 134,000 acres, it serves as a major hub for military operations in the Pacific. The base is home to the US Army Alaska, the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and the 3rd Wing, among other units.

Key Facilities and Features:

The base includes the Elmendorf Air Force Base and the Bryant Army Airfield.
It has an extensive network of training areas and ranges.
The base is also home to the US Army Alaska and the US Air Force's 3rd Wing.

In conclusion, these 10 largest US military bases play a crucial role in the nation's defense infrastructure, providing extensive training facilities, logistics support, and operational capabilities. Each base has its unique features and facilities, making them an integral part of the US military's operations.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the largest US military bases. Have you visited any of these bases? Share your experiences and comments below!