Largest Us Military Installations

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The United States maintains an impressive network of military installations that serve as critical infrastructure for national defense. As of 2026, the U.S. operates over 750 military bases across more than 80 countries, with several standout installations that demonstrate the scale and strategic importance of American military capabilities.

Defining the Largest Military Installations

When discussing the largest US military installations, two primary metrics emerge: total population and land area. These bases are more than just military facilities—they function like small cities, housing troops, families, and civilian employees with comprehensive infrastructure and support systems.

Top Military Installations by Population

The most populous military installations showcase the immense human resources of the United States military:

• Fort Bragg, North Carolina: Spanning 284 square miles, with a population ranging between 250,000 to 270,000 personnel, families, and civilians
• Fort Hood, Texas: Supporting approximately 635,000 people across 218,000 acres
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington: Home to 209,486 personnel over 414,000 acres
• Fort Benning, Georgia: Hosting 107,627 military members across 182,000 acres

Largest Installations by Land Area

Some military bases are remarkable for their expansive training and operational spaces:

• Nellis Air Force Range, Nevada: Covers approximately 4,531 square miles of restricted airspace and land
• White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico: Spans 3,200 square miles for missile testing
• Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona: Encompasses 2,500 square miles for aerial and tactical training
• Fort Bliss, Texas/New Mexico: Stretches across 1,875 square miles

Strategic Significance of Large Military Installations

These massive bases serve critical functions beyond their size. Fort Bragg, for instance, is home to the Army’s Special Operations Command and the 82nd Airborne Division. Nellis Air Force Range provides advanced combat aviation training, hosting the famous “Red Flag” exercises that prepare aircrews for complex combat scenarios.

Each installation represents a significant investment in national defense, offering specialized training environments, cutting-edge research facilities, and the infrastructure to support America's military readiness.