How2Day: Military Installations in the United States

Helicopters are often found on military installations. military helicopter image by Goran Bogicevic from Fotolia.com
The United States has numerous military installations strategically placed around the country. The bases contain military personnel and equipment and perform training and daily operations. Military installations are high-security areas. Access is given only to those authorized to enter the base, including military members, their families and civilian and contract personnel. Many installations include housing, medical facilities, shopping centers, restaurants, hairdressers, chapels and recreational facilities.

These vehicles are a common sight on military installations. army truck image by Tomasz Pawlowski from Fotolia.com
Fort Hood, located outside Killeen, Texas, between Waco and Austin, is a U.S. Army base named for Confederate General John Bell Hood. Fort Hood, located within 340 square miles, has the capacity to train and station two armored divisions. Fort Hood serves a population of over 218,000. According to the Fort Hood website, it is "the the largest active-duty armored post in the United States Armed Services" and "is nicknamed 'The Great Place' because of the quality of life the post and area offer soldiers and their families."

The U.S. Navy protects the country on the high seas. us navy granite image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
Naval Station Norfolk, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is the largest naval base in the world. The base supports a total of over 200 aircraft and ships. The base offers 45-minute tours where visitors can view attractions including the airfield, aircraft carriers, frigates, destroyers and historic homes. Located inside the Nauticus, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum "celebrates the 234 years' history of the fleet in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia," according to their website.

Soldiers march in uniform as part of their training. chinese soldiers image by Luisafer from Fotolia.com
Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base is the prominent Marine base located on the West Coast in San Diego County, California. Founded in 1942 to provide training for World War II, Camp Pendleton covers an area of over 125,000 acres. Military members and civilian employees combine for a daily base population of 70,000.Training for the Marine Corps and the Navy takes place at the base, making it the busiest locale under the Department of Defense.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds sometimes perform at the Dayton Air Show. air force thunderbirds image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, is one of the largest and most diverse air force bases in the United States with a staff of approximately 27,500 people, both military and civilian. The Air Force Institute of Technology is located at Wright-Patterson where thousands receive training each year. Wright-Patterson also houses the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, which is visited annually by over 1.5 million people. In November 1995, the Dayton Agreement--a peace agreement that procured peace between Bosnia and Herzegovina--was forged here. Wright-Patterson is one of the sponsors of the Dayton Air Show, which is held annually in July and features a variety of military jets and planes.

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