Military Bases In Texas (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard)
Enter your zip code or city below and find Military Bases in Texas. There are nearly 500 military bases in the United States, with at least one in every state. We are not the government and not associated with the military in any way, and this is strictly a service to USMilitary.com readers from USMilitary.com. We at USMilitary.com hope you find this helpful tool. Thank you. This search feature is to locate the nearest Army base, Navy base, Air Force base, Marine base, National Guard base, and Coast Guard base.
From the sprawling expanses of Fort Bliss to the bustling activity at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, military bases are vital to our national defense and local economies. With their rich history and significant contributions to numerous military missions, these installations play an integral role in shaping Texas and the nation’s military landscape.
As we delve into this topic, you’ll learn about various aspects, such as the economic impact of these bases on local communities, their historical significance, and current operations. We will explore unique features like Camp Bowie’s deep-rooted history or Fort Bliss’ geographical uniqueness.
You’ll also gain insights into pilot education at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and discover how Dyess & Goodfellow Air Force Bases support our country’s intelligence programs. Further ahead, we will discuss Lackland Air Force Base’s recruitment process, Ford Sam Houston’s past, and its present status.
This comprehensive overview examines Military Bases in Texas – indispensable assets for our armed forces in ensuring national security.

Military Bases In Texas Table of Contents:
- Overview of Texas Military Bases
- Camp Bowie Army Base
- Fort Bliss Army Base
- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi
- Dyess & Goodfellow Air Force Bases
- Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)
- Lackland Air Force Base & Fort Sam Houston
- FAQs in Relation to Texas Military Bases
- Conclusion
Overview of Military Bases in Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including its military presence. Texas boasts many military bases that have been instrumental in forming American history. Texas’ military bases provide a wide array of training experiences for our courageous servicemen and women.
Thanks to Texas’s strategic location and diverse terrain, these bases are ideal for conducting various military exercises. They have played a crucial role in major conflicts such as World War II, making Texas a key player in global history. Check out military.com for more information on Texas military bases.
These bases serve a defense purpose and contribute significantly to the local economy. They provide employment opportunities for military personnel and supporting industries such as housing, retail, and healthcare. According to a Texas Comptroller’s office study, these bases added over 123 billion dollars to the state’s economy in 2017 alone. That’s a lot of dough.
However, the impact of these bases extends beyond economics and into social aspects. These bases are also involved in community outreach programs that help build strong relationships between service members and residents. This further enhances regional development and fosters a sense of community. It’s a win-win situation.
Camp Bowie Army Base
Located near Brownwood, Camp Bowie is a historical landmark serving as one of four Texas Army National Guard training sites. Established in the 1940s, Camp Bowie has kept up its role as an active armed forces training facility.
The base was established in 1940 in preparation for potential involvement in WWII. It significantly shaped our nation’s defense forces, serving as a vital training ground for infantry divisions and armored units. Camp Bowie continues to honor its rich history while adapting to modern military needs.
This Army base has recently transformed into a multifaceted facility supporting various military activities such as field exercises and marksmanship training. It also provides essential services like maintenance support and logistics assistance.
- Maintenance Support: The base houses several workshops equipped with advanced tools necessary for maintaining vehicles and other equipment used by the troops.
- Logistics Assistance: Camp Bowie also offers logistical support, ensuring efficient supply chain management, which is crucial in any military operation.
This combination of historical legacy and contemporary functionality makes Camp Bowie an integral component of Texas’ present-day security apparatus. So, if you’re ever in the area, be sure to pay a visit to this iconic military landmark.
Fort Bliss Army Base
Located in El Paso but with most of its area in New Mexico, Fort Bliss is a unique military installation with advantages and challenges.
Fort Bliss is one of the largest US military installations stretching across two distinct states. Its diverse terrain offers an ideal setting for various training exercises, including desert warfare tactics and survival skills.
Units Stationed at Fort Bliss
- The 1st Armored Division: Known as “America’s Tank Division,” this unit is an expert in armored warfare strategies.
- Air Defense Artillery Center: This center is a hub for world-class training and innovation within US Army Air Defense Artillery operations.
- Joint Modernization Command (JMC): JMC plays a crucial role in integrating new technologies into army operations to enhance battlefield effectiveness.
Fort Bliss also houses several other prominent formations contributing significantly towards maintaining national security. Its strategic location and cutting-edge facilities make it an essential asset within America’s defense framework. No wonder this installation remains an active hub for top-tier military training while fostering innovation on multiple fronts.
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi
NAS Corpus Christi, situated on the southeastern coast of Texas, is a significant part of the US Navy’s training and operations infrastructure, with Chief Naval Air Training as one of its major tenants. This base houses several important units, including Chief Naval Air Training and other smaller tenants.
NAS Corpus Christi has been instrumental in providing world-class pilot education since its inception. It’s renowned for its exacting training regimens that have created some top-notch pilots serving in various roles inside the U.S. armed forces. The base plays an essential role by offering advanced flight instruction and fostering leadership skills among trainees.
Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) Keeps ‘Em Flying
Beyond its role as a premier pilot-training facility, NAS Corpus Christi hosts one of the largest facilities globally – Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD). CCAD is a vital maintenance hub responsible for repairing and overhauling helicopters used across different branches of the US armed forces. Its strategic location allows it to support both domestic and international missions effectively.
In summary, whether preparing future aviators or ensuring optimal performance through top-notch maintenance services at CCAD, NAS Corpus Christi remains an indispensable asset to our nation’s defense strategy.
Dyess & Goodfellow Air Force Bases
Two significant Air Force bases in Texas are Dyess and Goodfellow. Each base has a unique mission, contributing to the overall strength of the US military.
Dyess Air Force Base (AFB), located near Abilene, is home to the 7th Bomb Wing. This unit manages the B1-B aircraft formal training program. The B1-B Lancer bomber, a versatile plane capable of carrying out various missions worldwide, plays an essential role in our nation’s defense strategy.
In contrast to Dyess’ focus on aviation operations, Goodfellow AFB, situated near San Angelo, specializes in intelligence education. It offers cryptology courses that train personnel from all branches of service and allied nations. These highly specialized programs equip students with skills needed for cyber warfare and global surveillance tasks – critical components of modern-day military operations.
The diversity between these two bases highlights how each installation contributes uniquely towards achieving national security objectives while providing robust career opportunities for those serving within their ranks or considering joining the military.
Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)
The Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is the largest joint base in the country, supporting over 250,000 personnel and servicing more Department of Defense students than any other facility. It was created by merging multiple army bases, including Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, and Martindale Army Airfield, under one command structure.
JBSA was established as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission’s recommendations to consolidate support functions across different branches of service for efficiency and cost savings.
- Military Training: JBSA is home to basic training and technical schools for several career fields within the military, shaping future servicemen and women.
- Medical Services: Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), located at JBSA, is one of DoD’s premier medical facilities providing care to active duty members, their families, and veterans.
- Air Education & Training Command (AETC): The AETC at Randolph provides recruitment, training, and education operations for the USAF, ensuring our air superiority globally.
JBSA is an essential hub for military activities, ranging from training recruits to providing world-class healthcare services, making its presence indispensable within the US defense framework.
Lackland Air Force Base & Fort Sam Houston
The Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is a conglomerate of military installations, including Lackland Air Force Base and Fort Sam Houston. These bases play vital roles in shaping America’s defense forces.
Lackland Air Force Base, the only entry processing station for recruits across various service branches, offers rigorous basic training programs. It’s where every individual begins their journey to joining the U.S. military.
Established in 1876, Fort Sam Houston has played a significant role in American military history. Now part of JBSA, it houses Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), known worldwide for providing top-tier medical services to active-duty members and veterans.
Fort Sam Houston also hosts numerous other commands and units contributing significantly towards national security efforts. The synergy between these diverse entities under one umbrella exemplifies how joint operations can enhance efficiency while promoting inter-service camaraderie among personnel.
FAQs with Military Bases in Texas
Why Does Texas Have So Many Military Bases?
Texas has numerous military bases due to its strategic location, vast size, and diverse terrain, making it an ideal place for various training exercises.
How Many Military Bases Are in Texas?
There are currently 15 active military bases in Texas representing all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
What Is the Most Famous Military Base in Texas?
The most well-known base in Texas is Lackland Air Force Base, part of Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), where all recruits complete their basic training.
How Many Abandoned Military Bases Are in Texas?
Several notable abandoned sites exist, including former airfields and army camps across the state. Find any military base here.