5 Army Stations in Georgia

Introduction to Army Stations in Georgia

Georgia is home to several major US Army installations, each playing a critical role in the country’s defense and military operations. These bases are not only significant for their military functions but also contribute substantially to the local economies and communities. In this article, we will explore five of the most notable Army stations in Georgia, highlighting their missions, histories, and impacts on the state.

1. Fort Benning

Located in Columbus, Georgia, Fort Benning is one of the most renowned Army bases in the United States. It is the home of the US Army Infantry School and has been a cornerstone of infantry training since 1918. The base is named after Henry L. Benning, a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army. Fort Benning is also where the US Army Ranger School and the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence are located, making it a hub for elite soldier training and development of combat tactics.

2. Fort Stewart

Situated near Hinesville, Georgia, Fort Stewart is the largest Army base in the Eastern United States. It serves as the home of the 3rd Infantry Division and is one of the Army’s premier power projection platforms. The base was named after General Daniel Stewart, a Revolutionary War hero from Georgia. Fort Stewart, along with its neighboring base Hunter Army Airfield, provides comprehensive training facilities for the Army, including vast maneuver areas and state-of-the-art ranges.

3. Fort Gordon

Located in Augusta, Georgia, Fort Gordon is a US Army base that has been in operation since 1941. It is named after John Brown Gordon, a major general in the Confederate States Army and a governor of Georgia. The base is home to the US Army Cyber Center of Excellence and the US Army Signal Corps, making it a central location for communications and cyber warfare training and operations. Fort Gordon is also known for its Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, which provides medical care to service members and their families.

4. Hunter Army Airfield

Part of the Fort Stewart complex, Hunter Army Airfield is located in Savannah, Georgia, and serves as a critical airfield for the US Army. It provides air support for the training and operations conducted at Fort Stewart. Hunter Army Airfield is named after Lieutenant General Frank O’Driscoll Hunter, a native of Savannah who was a career Army Air Forces officer. The airfield supports a variety of aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing planes, facilitating the deployment and training of Army units.

5. Fort McPherson

Although Fort McPherson was officially closed in 2011 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, its legacy and impact on Georgia’s military history are still significant. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Fort McPherson was established in 1889 and was named after Major General James Birdseye McPherson, who was killed in action during the Civil War. During its operational years, the base served as the headquarters for the Forces Command (FORSCOM) and was a major logistics and training hub for the Army.

📝 Note: While Fort McPherson is no longer an active Army base, its site has been redeveloped for civilian use, including the Fort McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority (Fort Mac LRA), which oversees the transformation of the former base into a mixed-use development.

Military Presence and Economic Impact

The presence of these Army stations in Georgia not only contributes to the nation’s defense capabilities but also has a significant economic impact on the state. The bases provide employment for thousands of military personnel, civilians, and contractors, injecting billions of dollars into the local economies through salaries, construction projects, and procurement contracts. Moreover, the bases often partner with local communities and educational institutions to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, further enhancing their role in Georgia’s societal fabric.

Army Station	Location	Primary Function
Fort Benning	Columbus	Infantry Training
Fort Stewart	Hinesville	Power Projection Platform
Fort Gordon	Augusta	Cyber and Signal Corps
Hunter Army Airfield	Savannah	Air Support
Fort McPherson	Atlanta	(Closed) Former Logistics Hub

In summary, the Army stations in Georgia play pivotal roles in the US military’s operational readiness and national defense strategy. Their contributions extend beyond military functions to include significant economic and social impacts on the communities in which they are situated. Understanding the missions, histories, and influences of these bases provides insight into the complex relationship between military installations and the regions they serve.