The United States military is the largest and most powerful in the world, boasting over one million active personnel and billions of dollars in advanced weaponry and equipment. To house, train, and sustain this formidable force, the US military operates an extensive network of massive military bases across the country and around the globe. These installations serve as hubs for various military operations, from combat training and weapons testing to strategic planning and personnel deployment.
Navigating the sheer scale and diversity of America’s military bases can be daunting, but understanding the scope and purpose of the largest facilities is crucial for anyone interested in the US defense landscape. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the 15 Largest US Military Bases You Need to Know About, delving into their unique histories, primary functions, and staggering dimensions. From the expansive training grounds of the Marine Corps to the cutting-edge research and development facilities of the Navy, this guide will provide you with a detailed overview of the most impressive military outposts in the country.
15. Chocolate Mountain Air Gunnery Range
Situated in the rugged terrain of southern California, the Chocolate Mountain Air Gunnery Range is a sprawling 458,267-acre military facility that serves as a critical training ground for the US Marine Corps. Established in the years following World War II, this massive range has long been a destination for elite pilots honing their aerial combat skills, providing them with ample airspace and diverse terrain to simulate real-world combat scenarios.
Operated by the nearby Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, the Chocolate Mountain Air Gunnery Range is primarily used for bombing practice and advanced aviation training. Its vast expanse of desert landscapes and mountainous regions offer the perfect setting for pilots to sharpen their weapons delivery techniques and master the art of air-to-ground operations.
14. Cusick Survival Training Site
Ensuring the readiness of military personnel to survive in any environment is a top priority for the US Armed Forces, and the Cusick Survival Training Site in Washington state is a prime example of this commitment. Spanning an impressive 494,250 acres, or 771 square miles, this Air Force-owned facility provides a rugged, versatile training ground for troops to hone their wilderness survival skills.
Situated in the mountainous terrain of Washington, the Cusick Survival Training Site challenges trainees with a variety of scenarios, from general wilderness survival to evading capture by simulated enemy forces. With an elevation of 802 meters (2,631 feet), the site offers a diverse range of environmental conditions for personnel to experience, preparing them for the unpredictable challenges they may face in real-world combat operations.
13. Utah Test and Training Range
Encompassing an astounding 572,656 acres, or 894 square miles, the Utah Test and Training Range is one of the largest military installations in the United States. Operated by the US Air Force, this vast expanse of land in the western state serves as a premier testing and training facility for a wide range of military assets, from advanced aircraft and weapons systems to electronic warfare and communications technologies.
Despite its massive size, the Utah Test and Training Range is sparsely populated, as its primary function is to provide a secure and isolated environment for the development, evaluation, and refinement of cutting-edge military capabilities. Combined with its vast airspace, which is the largest block of restricted airspace in the country, this facility offers the perfect setting for the US Armed Forces to push the boundaries of their technological and tactical prowess.
12. 29 Palms Marine Base
Nestled in the rugged wilderness of California, the 29 Palms Marine Base is a sprawling 935-square-mile facility that serves as the largest property owned by the United States Marine Corps. Home to approximately 20,000 permanent residents, including personnel and their families, this base is primarily dedicated to the training and preparation of Marine Corps units for combat operations.
The vast expanses of the 29 Palms Marine Base, which cover an area larger than the state of Rhode Island, provide ample space for a wide range of training activities, from live-fire exercises and urban warfare simulations to large-scale maneuvers and field operations. Each year, thousands of Marines converge on this facility to hone their skills and maintain their readiness for deployment, ensuring the Marine Corps remains a formidable force capable of responding to any global challenge.
11. Dugway Proving Ground
In the vast, sparsely populated deserts of Utah lies the Dugway Proving Ground, a military installation that covers a staggering 800,000 acres, or 1,250 square miles. Operated by the United States Army, this remote facility serves as a critical testing ground for the development and evaluation of some of the military’s most sensitive and advanced capabilities, including biological and chemical weapons systems.
The sheer scale of the Dugway Proving Ground, which is larger than the state of Rhode Island, provides the necessary isolation and security for the Army to conduct its highly specialized and often classified research and development activities. From simulated chemical attacks to the testing of cutting-edge detection and decontamination technologies, this facility plays a vital role in ensuring the US military maintains a decisive edge in the ever-evolving realm of chemical and biological warfare.
10. Fort Wainwright
Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Alaska, Fort Wainwright stands out as one of the largest military bases in the United States, encompassing a total surface area of 900,000 acres, or 1,406 square miles. Belonging to the US Army, this sprawling installation serves as a hub for training personnel in Arctic conditions, preparing them for the unique challenges and demands of operating in the frozen wilderness.
The vast expanse of Fort Wainwright includes a diverse array of facilities, from the main post and military ranges to extensive maneuver areas, all of which are designed to simulate the harsh environments and extreme weather conditions commonly encountered in the Alaskan theater. With a permanent population of around 15,000 people, including Army personnel and their families, Fort Wainwright is a self-sustaining community that plays a crucial role in the US military’s Arctic strategy.
9. Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
Nestled in the arid landscapes of California, the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake stands out as the largest single property owned by the United States Navy, encompassing a total area of 1 million acres. This sprawling facility is divided into two distinct sections: the China Lake area and the Lake Randsburg Wash Area, both of which serve as critical hubs for the Navy’s weapons testing and development programs.
The vast expanse of the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake provides the ideal setting for the Navy to push the boundaries of its technological capabilities, from testing cutting-edge aircraft and missile systems to developing advanced electronic warfare and countermeasure technologies. Despite its massive size, the base is sparsely populated, with just over 1,000 personnel calling this remote desert outpost home.
8. Barry M. Goldwater Range
Spanning an impressive 1.9 million acres in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, near the Mexican border, the Barry M. Goldwater Range is a massive military training ground that is jointly managed by the United States Air Force and Marine Corps. This vast expanse of desert terrain is divided into two distinct sections, with the Goldwater West area overseen by the Marine Corps and the Goldwater East portion managed by the Air Force.
While the sheer size of the Barry M. Goldwater Range is undoubtedly impressive, the facility’s relatively low personnel count, with a focus on weapons testing and training rather than permanent habitation, prevents it from ranking higher on the list of the largest military bases in the United States. Nevertheless, this sprawling desert range plays a critical role in maintaining the readiness and lethality of the US Armed Forces, providing them with the space and resources to hone their skills in a realistic, challenging environment.
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7. Fort Benning
Nestled along the border between Georgia and Alabama, Fort Benning stands out as one of the largest and most populous military installations in the United States. While the base’s total surface area of 130,000 acres may not be the largest on this list, its role as a premier training ground for the US Army and its status as home to over 100,000 military personnel, staff, and family members make it a force to be reckoned with.
Fort Benning’s reputation as a hub for combat-ready troops and a popular filming location for military-themed movies has cemented its place as one of the most well-known and influential military bases in the country. From hosting the renowned Army Rangers to serving as the training ground for countless recruits, this expansive facility plays a vital role in shaping the future of the US Army.
6. Fort Bliss
Sprawling across approximately 1.12 million acres of land in Texas and New Mexico, Fort Bliss is a veritable behemoth among the US military’s vast network of installations. As one of the largest bases in the country, both in terms of surface area and population, this historic Army fort, founded in 1848, serves as a hub for a wide range of military operations, from training and weapons testing to strategic planning and deployment.
Fort Bliss is home to nearly 100,000 military personnel and their families, making it one of the most densely populated bases in the US. The world-famous Army Rangers call this place home, and the 1st Armored Division is also based here, underscoring the facility’s critical importance to the Army’s overall combat readiness and operational capabilities.
5. Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Situated in the Pacific Northwest, Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a unique military installation that is jointly operated by the United States Army and Air Force. Spanning over 647 square miles across western Washington and the Yakima region, this expansive base is home to a diverse community of approximately 110,000 active-duty personnel, family members, and civilian staff.
The shared ownership and management of Joint Base Lewis-McChord by the Army and Air Force reflects the growing trend of inter-service collaboration and integration within the US military. This arrangement allows the base to leverage the resources and expertise of both branches, enhancing its capabilities in areas such as air operations, ground-based training, and logistical support.
4. Fort Hood
Nestled in the heart of Texas, Fort Hood is one of the largest and most famous military bases in the United States. Covering an impressive 214,968 acres, this Army installation serves as a hub for a wide range of activities, from weapons testing and combat training to the deployment of combat-ready troops.
With a population of around 217,000 people, including active-duty personnel, civilian contractors, and their families, Fort Hood is one of the most densely populated military bases in the country. The base’s rich history, which includes hosting the training of legendary figures like Elvis Presley, has cemented its status as a iconic symbol of the US Armed Forces.
3. Fort Campbell
Straddling the border between Tennessee and Kentucky, Fort Campbell is a sprawling military installation that is home to a staggering 234,900 people, including around 29,000 active-duty personnel. Covering over 105,000 acres, this Army base is a veritable mini-city, with a diverse array of facilities and amenities to support its sizable population.
In addition to its extensive training grounds and maneuver areas, Fort Campbell also boasts a range of creature comforts, including a mall, schools, and even a bowling alley. This combination of military might and modern conveniences reflects the base’s status as a self-sustaining community that plays a crucial role in the Army’s overall operations and readiness.
2. White Sands Missile Range
Nestled in the vast deserts of southern New Mexico, the White Sands Missile Range stands out as the largest military base in the United States, covering a staggering 3,200 square miles. Operated by the US Army, this remote facility serves as the nation’s premier surface testing range, providing a secure and isolated environment for the development, evaluation, and refinement of a wide range of missile systems and other advanced military technologies.
Despite its massive size, the White Sands Missile Range is sparsely populated, with just over 1,000 active-duty personnel and employees calling this remote desert outpost home. In addition to its role as a testing ground for the Army, the facility also serves as a training ground for NASA pilots, further underscoring its importance to the broader defense and aerospace community.
1. Fort Bragg
As the largest military base in the United States in terms of population, Fort Bragg in North Carolina is a true behemoth, home to approximately 270,811 people, including around 50,000 active-duty personnel. Spanning an impressive 251 square miles and two zip codes, this Army installation serves as the base for a wide range of critical military operations, including hosting the Forces Command and operating two airfields.
Fort Bragg’s status as the largest US military base by population is a testament to its strategic importance and the crucial role it plays in the Army’s overall readiness and operational capabilities. However, the base’s name, which honors Confederate General Braxton Bragg, has been the subject of ongoing controversy and debate, reflecting the complex and often contentious history of the US military.
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Conclusion
The United States military’s vast network of military bases, spanning from the rugged deserts of the Southwest to the frozen tundra of Alaska, is a testament to the sheer scale and power of the world’s most formidable armed forces. By exploring the 15 largest military bases in the country, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of the diverse range of missions and capabilities that these installations support, from combat training and weapons testing to strategic planning and personnel deployment.
As the US military continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing global landscape, these massive facilities will undoubtedly play an increasingly vital role in maintaining the country’s military superiority and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. Whether you’re a defense enthusiast, a military historian, or simply someone curious about the inner workings of the world’s most powerful military, this guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the largest and most impressive military bases in the United States.
FAQs
1. What is the smallest U.S. Army base?
The smallest active military base in the U.S. is Ammunition Depot Indian Island, located in Port Hadlock, Washington.
2. What is the oldest US Army base?
West Point, situated on the Hudson River in New York, is the oldest continuously active military post in the United States. General George Washington recognized its critical strategic importance during the American Revolution.
3. Which army base has the most soldiers?
Fort Liberty is the most populous US Army base, accommodating 47,499 active-duty soldiers, 51,564 reserve components and temporary duty students, 16,276 civilian employees and contractors, and 71,960 active-duty family members. Additionally, the area is home to 125,278 Army retirees and their families.
4. What city has the most military bases?
San Antonio hosts one of the largest clusters of military bases in the United States.
5. Are any of the largest military bases jointly operated by different branches of the US Armed Forces?Â
Yes, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington is jointly operated by the United States Army and Air Force, reflecting the growing trend of inter-service collaboration and integration within the US military.
