Military Bases in Wisconsin
What to know before you PCS to Wisconsin.
Army Bases
Fort McCoy
Located in Tomah, Wisconsin
Fort McCoy sits near Tomah, Wisconsin and serves as a key U.S. Army training and support installation. The base is known for year-round training, large-scale exercises, and its role as a major mobilization site.
Wisconsin Military Strongholds
Wisconsin’s military bases, anchored by Fort McCoy in Monroe County, are pivotal for PCS and TDY assignments, serving as a cornerstone for Army training. With a focus on readiness and National Guard operations, Wisconsin’s installations blend historical significance with modern defense roles. This guide to bases offers insight into the state’s vital contributions to national security and local economies.
Historical Military Roots
Wisconsin’s military legacy dates to the early 20th century. Fort McCoy, established in 1909 as Camp Emory Upton, became a major training center during World War II, housing over 100,000 troops by 1945. Truax Field, founded in 1942 in Madison, trained P-51 Mustang pilots and later became Volk Field, named for Lt. Jerome A. Volk, killed in 1951. Camp Williams, a National Guard site near Camp Douglas since 1888, supported artillery training until its integration into Volk Field in the 1950s. These bases shaped Wisconsin’s defense heritage.
Economic Impact
Wisconsin’s military facilities drive economic growth, particularly in rural and urban hubs. Fort McCoy employs over 2,600 personnel and generates $1.18 billion annually in economic activity, supporting Sparta and Tomah through jobs and contracts, per the U.S. Army. Volk Field in Camp Douglas sustains local businesses during training exercises, drawing thousands of airmen. The Wisconsin National Guard’s armories, like those in Madison, bolster communities with federal aid for schools and infrastructure, fostering stability.
Key Military Facilities
Fort McCoy (Monroe County): A premier Army training center, hosting the 86th Training Division and annual exercises like Global Medic, with 100,000 personnel trained yearly.
Volk Field Air National Guard Base (Camp Douglas): Home to the 128th Air Control Squadron, conducting F-16 combat training and air traffic control for Northern Lightning exercises.
Wisconsin National Guard Armory (Madison): Headquarters for the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, supporting disaster response and regional training.
Strategic Importance
Wisconsin’s bases are critical for military readiness and homeland security. Fort McCoy is the Army’s only Midwest mobilization site, training units like the 101st Airborne Division for global deployments, with 1,400 annual training events. Volk Field supports joint exercises with NATO allies, leveraging its 2,100-acre range for F-35 and F-16 operations. These facilities ensure preparedness for diverse missions, from combat to disaster response.
Notable Distinctions
Fort McCoy is the largest Army training facility in the Midwest, spanning 60,000 acres and hosting the Army’s largest cold-weather training site, per the U.S. Army. Volk Field is renowned for its Northern Lightning exercise, one of the largest joint air combat drills in the U.S., involving over 1,000 personnel annually. These distinctions highlight Wisconsin’s outsized role in military preparedness.
For service members on PCS to Wisconsin or TDY in Wisconsin, bases like Fort McCoy offer world-class training and vibrant communities. Wisconsin’s installations provide robust support, blending rural charm with mission-critical opportunities for military families.