Scott AFB Facts Location: St. Clair County, near Mascoutah, Illinois Website: Visit Scott AFB Website › Phone: (618) 256-1110 Longitude: -89.835278 Latitude: 38.545278 DSN: 576-1110 This is a United States Air Force named after the first person killed in an airplane crash, Corporals Frank S. Scott. Illinois Scott is located in St. Clair County, near […]
Military bases in Illinois
There are three military bases in Illinois.
Illinois plays an important role in the United States military structure through its various installations and contributions to logistics, training, and research. Here are some key aspects of Illinois’ involvement with the military:
- Scott Air Force Base: Located near Belleville, Scott AFB is one of Illinois’s most prominent military installations. It is home to the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), responsible for global transportation logistics for the U.S. military. The base also hosts the Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC). These commands play critical roles in the deployment and sustainment of U.S. forces worldwide.
- Great Lakes Naval Training Center: Situated near North Chicago, Great Lakes is the U.S. Navy’s only boot camp, officially known as the Recruit Training Command. It is the largest military installation in Illinois and one of the largest training centers in the Navy. The base trains thousands of recruits annually and is also home to several “A” and “C” schools, where sailors receive technical training in their chosen fields after basic training.
- Rock Island Arsenal: Located on an island in the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa, the Rock Island Arsenal is a major U.S. Army installation. It is home to the U.S. Army Sustainment Command and the U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command, among other units. The Arsenal is a center for manufacturing and procuring military equipment, including weapons and vehicle parts, and it plays a significant role in logistics and readiness.
- Illinois National Guard: The Illinois National Guard comprises the Illinois Army National Guard and the Illinois Air National Guard. These citizen-soldiers and airmen serve community and country, providing trained units to the state and the nation during times of need. Their roles include domestic emergency response and overseas deployment in support of military operations.
- Research and Development: Illinois is home to several academic and research institutions that contribute to military technology and R&D. For example, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a history of collaboration with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies in areas such as engineering, cyber security, and advanced materials.
- Military and Veterans Affairs: Illinois has a strong commitment to supporting military personnel, veterans, and their families. This includes state-run programs and services to assist veterans with education, employment, and health care.
In summary, Illinois’ contribution to the U.S. military encompasses a mix of training, logistics, manufacturing, and R&D, which are essential to maintaining the readiness and operational capabilities of the armed forces. The state’s installations and services support military objectives and play a significant role in the local and state economy.
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Rock Island Arsenal
Rock Island Arsenal Facts Location: On an island on the Mississippi River, Illinois Website: Visit Rock Island Arsenal Website › Phone: (309) 782-6001 Longitude: -90.5786 Latitude: 41.5095 DSN: 793-6001 The Rock Island Arsenal was originally set up as a leather field gear and accoutrement manufacturing center as well as an arsenal. It is now the […]
Naval Station Great Lakes
Great Lakes Facts Location: Lake County, North Chicago, Illinois Website: Visit Great Lakes Website › Phone: (847) 688-3500 Longitude: -87.850765 Latitude: 42.308162 DSN: 792-3500 Build originally with 38 buildings; the Illinois Great Lakes is the host of the boot camp of the United States Navy. Known officially as Naval Station Great Lakes, the first buildings […]
