The United States has one of the most powerful militaries in the world, and maintaining that strength requires extensive infrastructure. Across the nation, there are hundreds of military installations, each serving as a hub for training, logistics, and defense readiness. Among them, some stand out due to their sheer size, strategic importance, and population of active-duty personnel.
Here’s a closer look at the 10 largest military bases in the United States, measured by area, capacity, and overall significance.
1. Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) – North Carolina
Covering more than 163,000 acres, Fort Liberty is the largest military base by population. Home to the XVIII Airborne Corps, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and the famous 82nd Airborne Division, it houses over 50,000 active-duty soldiers. The base is a cornerstone of America’s rapid-deployment strategy and plays a key role in global missions.
2. Fort Campbell – Kentucky/Tennessee
Located along the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Fort Campbell spans 105,000 acres. It is best known as the headquarters of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. With nearly 30,000 soldiers, Fort Campbell is one of the most critical air assault training bases in the world.
3. Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) – Texas
Texas is home to one of the largest military installations in terms of land area. Fort Cavazos covers around 214,000 acres, making it the biggest active-duty armored post in the United States. It supports more than 36,000 soldiers and plays a vital role in armored warfare training and deployment.
4. Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) – Washington
Stretching across 90,000 acres, JBLM is a combined Army and Air Force installation. It supports approximately 210,000 people, including active-duty personnel, families, and civilian employees. With its proximity to the Pacific, it serves as a strategic launch point for missions in Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
5. Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) – Georgia/Alabama
Covering 182,000 acres, Fort Moore is one of the Army’s premier training bases. It houses the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, where infantry and armor soldiers receive training. The installation hosts over 100,000 soldiers and trainees annually, making it one of the busiest and most important bases.
6. Naval Station Norfolk – Virginia
Naval Station Norfolk is the largest naval base in the world. Spread across 3,400 acres, it is home to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. The base supports 75 ships, 134 aircraft, and 14 piers, in addition to housing nearly 80,000 active-duty personnel. Its strategic location makes it essential for naval operations in the Atlantic and beyond.
7. Camp Pendleton – California
Located along the Southern California coast, Camp Pendleton covers 125,000 acres. It is the Marine Corps’ primary amphibious training base and supports approximately 38,000 military and civilian personnel. The base provides direct access to both land and sea training environments, making it vital for Marine readiness.
8. Fort Bliss – Texas/New Mexico
Spanning 1.12 million acres, Fort Bliss is the largest Army installation by land area. It is home to the 1st Armored Division and serves as a major training area for live-fire exercises. Its expansive desert terrain provides unmatched opportunities for large-scale combat training.
9. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune – North Carolina
Covering 156,000 acres, Camp Lejeune is one of the Marine Corps’ most significant installations. It houses the II Marine Expeditionary Force and serves as a hub for amphibious assault training. With its combination of forests, wetlands, and access to the Atlantic, it provides a versatile training environment.
10. Fort Jackson – South Carolina
Known as the Army’s primary basic training center, Fort Jackson covers 52,000 acres. Every year, nearly 50% of all new Army recruits receive their initial training here. The base trains more than 45,000 soldiers annually, making it the Army’s largest training facility by trainee population.
Why These Bases Matter
The size of these military bases reflects not just land area but also strategic importance. They support large populations, advanced training, and the logistics required for U.S. military readiness. From armored warfare in Texas to amphibious assaults in California and naval power in Virginia, each base plays a unique role in America’s defense network.
Final Thoughts – Largest Military Bases in the United States
The largest military bases in the United States are more than just vast stretches of land—they are centers of power, strategy, and readiness. Housing tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, these installations ensure the U.S. military can respond quickly to threats both at home and abroad. Their scale and importance demonstrate the country’s commitment to maintaining global security.
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