What is the largest military installation in the united states?

What is the Largest Military Installation in the United States?

The United States is home to numerous military installations, each playing a vital role in the country’s national defense and security. Among these, one stands out as the largest military installation in the country – Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

What is Fort Bragg?

Fort Bragg is a United States Army base located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It is one of the largest military installations in the world, covering an area of approximately 163,000 acres. The base is home to the United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), the Army Reserve Command, and the 82nd Airborne Division, among other units.

History of Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg was established in 1918 as a training ground for the United States Army. Initially, it was named in honor of Confederate General Braxton Bragg, but in 1949, the base was officially renamed Fort Bragg to remove any Confederate ties. During World War II, the base played a crucial role in training troops for the European Theater. In the 1950s and 1960s, Fort Bragg was a major hub for military operations during the Cold War and the Vietnam War.

Size and Facilities

Fort Bragg is massive, with a total area of 163,000 acres. To put that into perspective, it is roughly the size of the city of San Francisco. The base has over 50,000 buildings, including:

• 123,000 acres of maneuver space: This is equivalent to 200 square miles of open terrain, allowing troops to conduct large-scale training exercises.
• 10,000 acres of airfield: Fort Bragg has its own airfield, which can accommodate C-130 Hercules aircraft and other military aircraft.
• 1,100 miles of roads: The base has an extensive network of roads, allowing for easy movement of troops and equipment.
• 10,000 acres of woodland: Fort Bragg has a significant amount of woodland, providing a natural habitat for wildlife and serving as a training area for troops.

Units and Commands

Fort Bragg is home to numerous units and commands, including:

• 82nd Airborne Division: One of the most famous divisions in the US Army, the 82nd Airborne is a rapid-response unit trained to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours.
• United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM): FORSCOM is responsible for training and deploying troops for combat operations.
• Army Reserve Command: The Army Reserve Command is responsible for training and deploying Reserve troops.
• 18th Airborne Corps: The 18th Airborne Corps is a combat corps that provides air assault and airborne capabilities to the US Army.

Other Facts and Figures

Here are some additional facts and figures about Fort Bragg:

• Population: Fort Bragg has a population of over 250,000 people, making it one of the largest military communities in the world.
• Employment: The base employs over 30,000 people, including military personnel, civilians, and contractors.
• Economic Impact: Fort Bragg has a significant economic impact on the surrounding region, generating over $4 billion in annual economic activity.
• Environmental Impact: The base has a number of environmental initiatives in place, including a recycling program and a wildlife conservation program.

Conclusion

Fort Bragg is the largest military installation in the United States, covering an area of approximately 163,000 acres. The base is home to numerous units and commands, including the 82nd Airborne Division and the United States Army Forces Command. With its extensive training facilities, airfield, and woodland areas, Fort Bragg is a critical component of the US military’s ability to respond to threats around the world.

Table: Key Statistics about Fort Bragg

Bullets List: Key Units and Commands at Fort Bragg

• 82nd Airborne Division
• United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)
• Army Reserve Command
• 18th Airborne Corps
• Special Forces Command
• US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School
• US Army Parachute Team (Golden Knights)