Introduction to US Military Bases
The United States has a significant military presence around the world, with a vast network of bases that play a critical role in maintaining national security and supporting international operations. Within the US, there are numerous military bases that serve as hubs for various branches of the armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. In this article, we will explore the 10 largest US military bases, highlighting their size, location, and significance.
Criteria for Ranking the Largest US Military Bases
To determine the largest US military bases, we considered the following factors:
- Land area: The total size of the base in acres or square miles.
- Number of personnel: The total number of military personnel, civilians, and contractors stationed at the base.
- Operational capacity: The base’s ability to support various military operations, including training, logistics, and deployment.
1. White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
- Land area: 2.2 million acres (3,432 sq mi)
- Number of personnel: approximately 1,200
- Operational capacity: Supports missile testing and training for the US Army and other military branches
Located in southeastern New Mexico, White Sands Missile Range is the largest military base in the US, covering an area roughly the size of the state of Delaware. The base is used for missile testing, training, and research, and is also home to the US Army’s White Sands Test Center.
2. Fort Bragg, North Carolina
- Land area: 161,000 acres (252 sq mi)
- Number of personnel: approximately 55,000
- Operational capacity: Serves as a major hub for the US Army’s Special Operations Command and the 82nd Airborne Division
Fort Bragg is one of the largest US military bases, located in southern North Carolina. The base is home to the US Army’s Special Operations Command, the 82nd Airborne Division, and other units, making it a critical hub for military operations and training.
3. Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
- Land area: 123,000 acres (192 sq mi)
- Number of personnel: approximately 20,000
- Operational capacity: Supports Air Force operations, including testing and training
Located in the panhandle of Florida, Eglin Air Force Base is a major hub for the US Air Force, supporting various operations, including testing and training. The base is also home to the Air Force Armament Museum and the US Army’s 7th Special Forces Group.
4. Fort Hood, Texas
- Land area: 110,000 acres (172 sq mi)
- Number of personnel: approximately 40,000
- Operational capacity: Serves as a major hub for the US Army’s III Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division
Fort Hood is one of the largest US military bases, located in central Texas. The base is home to the US Army’s III Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division, making it a critical hub for military operations and training.
5. Camp Pendleton, California
- Land area: 93,000 acres (145 sq mi)
- Number of personnel: approximately 40,000
- Operational capacity: Supports Marine Corps operations, including training and deployment
Located in southern California, Camp Pendleton is one of the largest US military bases, supporting Marine Corps operations, including training and deployment. The base is also home to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the 1st Marine Division.
6. Fort Benning, Georgia
- Land area: 82,000 acres (128 sq mi)
- Number of personnel: approximately 30,000
- Operational capacity: Serves as a major hub for the US Army’s Infantry School and the 75th Ranger Regiment
Fort Benning is a major US military base located in southwestern Georgia. The base is home to the US Army’s Infantry School and the 75th Ranger Regiment, making it a critical hub for military operations and training.
7. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
- Land area: 71,000 acres (111 sq mi)
- Number of personnel: approximately 40,000
- Operational capacity: Supports Army and Air Force operations, including training and deployment
Located in western Washington, Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a major US military base, supporting Army and Air Force operations, including training and deployment. The base is also home to the US Army’s I Corps and the 62nd Airlift Wing.
8. Fort Campbell, Kentucky
- Land area: 65,000 acres (102 sq mi)
- Number of personnel: approximately 30,000
- Operational capacity: Serves as a major hub for the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Fort Campbell is a major US military base located in western Kentucky. The base is home to the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, making it a critical hub for military operations and training.
9. Fort Carson, Colorado
- Land area: 63,000 acres (99 sq mi)
- Number of personnel: approximately 20,000
- Operational capacity: Supports Army operations, including training and deployment
Located in southern Colorado, Fort Carson is a major US military base, supporting Army operations, including training and deployment. The base is also home to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division and the 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
10. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
- Land area: 59,000 acres (92 sq mi)
- Number of personnel: approximately 10,000
- Operational capacity: Supports Army and Air Force operations, including training and deployment
Located in southern Alaska, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is a major US military base, supporting Army and Air Force operations, including training and deployment. The base is also home to the US Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team and the 3rd Wing.
📝 Note: The rankings may vary depending on the source and criteria used.
The largest US military bases play a critical role in maintaining national security and supporting international operations. These bases are strategically located across the country, providing a significant presence in various regions. Each base has its unique characteristics, supporting different branches of the armed forces and operations.
In conclusion, the 10 largest US military bases are a testament to the country’s military might and its commitment to national security. These bases serve as hubs for various military operations, including training, logistics, and deployment, and are critical to the country’s defense strategy.
What is the largest US military base?
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White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico is the largest US military base, covering an area of approximately 2.2 million acres.
Which branch of the military has the most bases?
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The US Army has the most bases, with a significant presence across the country and abroad.
What is the purpose of US military bases?
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US military bases serve as hubs for various military operations, including training, logistics, and deployment, and are critical to the country’s defense strategy.
