Which Army Base Is the Biggest?
When it comes to military bases, size matters. The world’s largest army bases are not only impressive in terms of their physical dimensions, but also in the number of personnel stationed there and the military capabilities they possess. These bases serve as the nerve centers for military operations, training, and support for troops around the world. In this article, we will explore some of the biggest army bases globally and delve into their fascinating features.
1. Fort Bragg, United States:
Located in North Carolina, Fort Bragg is the largest US Army base in terms of population. It covers an area of approximately 163,000 acres and is home to around 57,000 military personnel, including the elite airborne and special operations forces. Fort Bragg is renowned for its exceptional training facilities and is the headquarters for the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the United States Army Special Operations Command.
2. Fort Campbell, United States:
Situated on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Fort Campbell spans over 105,000 acres. It is home to the 101st Airborne Division, also known as the “Screaming Eagles.” With a population of around 34,500 military personnel, Fort Campbell plays a crucial role in training and supporting airborne and air assault operations.
3. Yakima Training Center, United States:
Covering an immense 327,000 acres in central Washington, the Yakima Training Center is the largest training facility in the US Army. This base is primarily focused on conducting realistic combat training for military units, including live-fire exercises, artillery training, and maneuver exercises.
4. Fort Hood, United States:
Located in Texas, Fort Hood is one of the largest military installations worldwide, covering approximately 214,000 acres. With a population of around 45,000 military personnel, it is home to the III Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division. Fort Hood has extensive training areas and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support armored and mechanized warfare training.
5. Zhurihe Training Base, China:
Often dubbed as China’s “national team for war games,” the Zhurihe Training Base is the largest military training facility in Asia. Covering an enormous 1.06 million acres, it is used for large-scale live-fire exercises, joint training, and equipment testing. This base plays a crucial role in enhancing the combat readiness of the Chinese armed forces.
6. Fort Bliss, United States:
Situated in Texas and New Mexico, Fort Bliss covers over 1.12 million acres and is one of the largest military bases in the United States. It serves as the home for the 1st Armored Division and provides training and support for a wide range of military units, including air defense artillery and missile defense systems.
7. Camp Bastion/Leatherneck, Afghanistan:
During the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, Camp Bastion/Leatherneck served as one of the largest military bases in the country. This joint British and US base covered an area of around 20,000 acres and housed thousands of military personnel. It played a crucial role in supporting combat operations and providing logistical support during the conflict.
8. Kadena Air Base, Japan:
Although primarily an air base, Kadena Air Base is worth mentioning due to its impressive size and strategic importance. Located in Okinawa, Japan, it spans over 38,000 acres and is one of the largest US military bases in the Pacific region. The base hosts various combat aircraft, providing a vital forward operating location for the US Air Force.
9. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, United States:
Situated in Washington State, Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a combination of the Army’s Fort Lewis and the Air Force’s McChord Air Force Base. Covering around 414,000 acres, this joint base is home to approximately 44,000 military personnel. It supports a wide range of military operations and provides training facilities for various units, including the Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
10. Lualualei Naval Base, United States:
Located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, Lualualei Naval Base is among the largest naval bases in the Pacific. It covers an area of approximately 10,000 acres and serves as a strategic support facility for submarines and other naval assets. The base is essential for maintaining maritime security in the region.
FAQs:
Q1. What is the largest army base in the world?
A1. The largest army base in the world is the Zhurihe Training Base in China, covering an area of 1.06 million acres.
Q2. Which is the largest US army base?
A2. Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina, is the largest US army base in terms of population.
Q3. What is the largest military training base in the US?
A3. The Yakima Training Center in Washington State is the largest training facility in the US Army, covering 327,000 acres.
Q4. Which army base is known for airborne operations?
A4. Fort Bragg in the United States is renowned for its airborne operations and is home to the 82nd Airborne Division.
Q5. Where is the largest military base in Asia located?
A5. The Zhurihe Training Base in China is the largest military training facility in Asia.
Q6. Which US military base is located in both Texas and New Mexico?
A6. Fort Bliss spans over 1.12 million acres and is located in both Texas and New Mexico.
Q7. What is the largest joint US military base?
A7. Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State is the largest joint US military base.
Q8. Where is the largest US military base in the Pacific region?
A8. Kadena Air Base, located in Okinawa, Japan, is the largest US military base in the Pacific.
Q9. What is the largest naval base in the Pacific?
A9. Lualualei Naval Base in Hawaii is one of the largest naval bases in the Pacific.
Q10. Which US army base is known for armored warfare training?
A10. Fort Hood in Texas is well-known for its facilities and training programs in armored warfare.
Q11. What is the largest US army base in terms of area?
A11. Fort Bliss, covering 1.12 million acres, is the largest US army base in terms of area.
Q12. Which army base played a significant role in the Afghanistan conflict?
A12. Camp Bastion/Leatherneck, a joint British and US base, played a crucial role in supporting combat operations in Afghanistan.
In conclusion, the world’s largest army bases boast impressive dimensions, serving as vital hubs for military operations, training, and support. These bases house and train thousands of military personnel, contributing to the defense and security of their respective nations. From the vast Zhurihe Training Base in China to the populous Fort Bragg in the United States, these military installations play a pivotal role in maintaining global peace and stability.