What is CONUS Military?
The United States Continental United States (CONUS) is a term used by the US military to refer to the 48 contiguous states, Washington D.C., and the US territories of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and Guam. In this article, we will explore what CONUS means in the context of military operations and personnel assignments.
History of CONUS
The term "CONUS" has been in use since the 1970s, and it is believed to have originated from the Department of Defense (DoD). During the Cold War era, the DoD designated specific regions within the US to receive military personnel, equipment, and supplies. CONUS was established to ensure that the US had a reliable and secure base for military operations in case of a national emergency or crisis.
CONUS and the Military
The military plays a significant role in maintaining the security of CONUS. The Continental United States is home to many military bases, Army installations, Air Force bases, Navy stations, and Marine Corps camps. These bases are strategically located throughout the country to ensure quick response to potential threats or national emergencies.
Key Locations within CONUS
CONUS is divided into four main regions:
• Northeast Region: New York, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey.
• South Region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
• Midwest Region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
• West Region: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
These regions are further subdivided into smaller areas, including metropolitan areas, such as major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
Military Units in CONUS
Various military units are stationed in CONUS, including:
• Army: Fort Drum (New York), Fort Carson (Colorado), Fort Benning (Georgia), Fort Knox (Kentucky), and Fort Bragg (North Carolina).
• Air Force: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Alaska), Eglin Air Force Base (Florida), Andrews Air Force Base (Maryland), and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Ohio).
• Navy: Naval Air Station Norfolk (Virginia), Naval Station San Diego (California), and Naval Station Great Lakes (Illinois).
• Marine Corps: Camp Pendleton (California), Camp Lejeune (North Carolina), and Camp Butler (Pennsylvania).
Why CONUS is Important
CONUS is crucial to national security because it serves as a homeland security base, combat power projection site, and training and doctrine center. Here are some reasons why:
• Homeland Security: CONUS is home to numerous military bases and personnel who are responsible for protecting the American public from threats within and outside the country.
• Combat Power Projection: CONUS is the central location for military mobilization and deployment. Troops, equipment, and supplies are prepared and sent to global hotspots from CONUS.
• Training and Doctrine: CONUS is home to military schools, training centers, and research facilities where warfighting skills are developed, tactics and techniques are refined, and strategies are shaped.
• Support and Supply Chain: CONUS provides logistical support for military operations, including food, fuel, maintenance, and repair services.
CONUS vs. OCONUS
To distinguish CONUS from outside-the-continental-United States (OCONUS), the US military uses different terms:
• OCONUS: Military operations and personnel stationed in the 50th state, Alaska, Hawaii, or other territories outside CONUS, such as Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Qatar.
• Joint Operational Area (JOA): A specific area, usually designated for combat operations, that may not necessarily be within CONUS but can include international locations, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Conclusion
CONUS is a critical concept in the US military, representing the contiguous 48 states, Washington D.C., and US territories. Understanding CONUS and its importance in military operations can provide valuable insights into national security and the US military’s role in defending the homeland. Whether providing logistical support, combat power, or training and doctrine, CONUS plays a vital role in maintaining America’s defense and security posture.
