US Military Bases Map: 10 Largest Installations
The United States has a vast array of military bases around the world, with a significant presence in the continental United States. These bases serve as crucial hubs for the country’s military operations, providing a strategic advantage and enabling the defense of national interests. In this article, we will explore the 10 largest US military bases, focusing on their location, size, and significance.
1. White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
- Size: 2.2 million acres
- Personnel: 1,100 military, 1,400 civilians
- Function: Test and evaluation range for the US military and NASA
The White Sands Missile Range is the largest military base in the United States, covering an area of over 2.2 million acres in southern New Mexico. This vast range is used for the testing and evaluation of various military systems, including missiles, rockets, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
2. Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
- Size: 640,000 acres
- Personnel: 2,500 military, 1,500 civilians
- Function: Air Force base, test and training range
Eglin Air Force Base is the second-largest military base in the United States, situated in the panhandle of Florida. This base serves as a major test and training range for the US Air Force, with a focus on the development of new aircraft and munitions.
3. Edwards Air Force Base, California
- Size: 470,000 acres
- Personnel: 5,000 military, 3,000 civilians
- Function: Air Force base, test and evaluation range
Edwards Air Force Base is a prominent military installation in the Mojave Desert of California. As the primary test and evaluation range for the US Air Force, Edwards AFB is where many of the country’s most advanced aircraft and space systems are developed and tested.
4. Fort Bragg, North Carolina
- Size: 160,000 acres
- Personnel: 43,000 military, 8,000 civilians
- Function: Army base, special operations training
Fort Bragg is one of the largest military bases in the United States, located in the heart of North Carolina. This base serves as the headquarters for the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and is home to the famous 82nd Airborne Division.
5. Fort Hood, Texas
- Size: 214,000 acres
- Personnel: 37,000 military, 10,000 civilians
- Function: Army base, armored and infantry training
Fort Hood is a major US Army base in central Texas, with a focus on armored and infantry training. This base is home to the 1st Cavalry Division and the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, among other units.
6. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
- Size: 87,000 acres
- Personnel: 25,000 military, 14,000 civilians
- Function: Joint Army and Air Force base, training and operations
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a significant military installation in the state of Washington, combining the former Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. This joint base serves as a hub for the US Army and Air Force, with a focus on training and operations.
7. Fort Benning, Georgia
- Size: 182,000 acres
- Personnel: 27,000 military, 5,000 civilians
- Function: Army base, infantry and armor training
Fort Benning is a prominent US Army base in western Georgia, with a focus on infantry and armor training. This base is home to the US Army Infantry School and the US Army Armor School, among other units.
8. Fort Carson, Colorado
- Size: 137,000 acres
- Personnel: 20,000 military, 4,000 civilians
- Function: Army base, infantry and armor training
Fort Carson is a significant US Army base in southern Colorado, with a focus on infantry and armor training. This base is home to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, among other units.
9. Fort Campbell, Kentucky
- Size: 106,000 acres
- Personnel: 30,000 military, 5,000 civilians
- Function: Army base, special operations training
Fort Campbell is a major US Army base in western Kentucky, with a focus on special operations training. This base is home to the 101st Airborne Division and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, among other units.
10. Fort Stewart, Georgia
- Size: 280,000 acres
- Personnel: 21,000 military, 4,000 civilians
- Function: Army base, infantry and armor training
Fort Stewart is a significant US Army base in southeastern Georgia, with a focus on infantry and armor training. This base is home to the 3rd Infantry Division and the US Army Armor School, among other units.
📝 Note: The size and personnel numbers of these bases are approximate and subject to change.
The United States has a vast and complex network of military bases, with a significant presence in the continental United States. These bases serve as crucial hubs for the country’s military operations, providing a strategic advantage and enabling the defense of national interests.
What is the largest military base in the United States?
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The largest military base in the United States is the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, covering an area of over 2.2 million acres.
What is the primary function of Edwards Air Force Base?
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Edwards Air Force Base is primarily used as a test and evaluation range for the US Air Force, with a focus on the development of new aircraft and space systems.
Which military branch is headquartered at Fort Bragg?
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The US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) is headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
