For military families, certain bases become lifelong landmarks — the places where transformation happens. From the day your recruit arrives at Basic Training to the moment they graduate in uniform, these installations represent pride, growth, and service.
Whether your loved one is joining the Army, Air Force, Navy, National Guard, or Reserve components, understanding key bases helps you feel closer to them, prepare for important milestones, and connect with their journey.
At Oak & Liberty, we proudly support military families through every step with officially licensed apparel that honors those moments. This guide highlights the major bases across all branches; what they do, why they matter, and what families should know along the way.
U.S. ARMY BASES
Fort Jackson — Columbia, South Carolina
Fort Jackson trains 50% of all Army recruits, making it the largest Basic Combat Training installation in the country. Families experience some of the Army’s biggest graduation events here.
Known for:
- Drill Sergeant Academy
- Frequent graduations
- Massive training throughput
Fort Benning — Columbus, Georgia
The home of the Infantry, Armor School, and Airborne training, Fort Benning is one of the most demanding and prestigious Army training locations.
Known for:
- Airborne and Ranger pipeline
- Infantry/Armor excellence
- Elite schoolhouses
Fort Sill — Lawton, Oklahoma
The historic home of Field Artillery, Fort Sill trains Soldiers in artillery operations and supports multiple specialty courses.
Families see:
- Unique, powerful graduation ceremonies
- A mix of BCT and AIT training
Fort Leonard Wood — Missouri
Trains Soldiers in:
- Military Police
- Engineers
- Chemical Corps
Fort Leonard Wood is highly diverse, training both Army and inter-service students.
Fort Campbell — Kentucky/Tennessee
Home of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Known globally for rapid deployment and elite air assault operations.
Fort Bragg — Fayetteville, North Carolina
A major operational hub for:
- 82nd Airborne Division
- Special Operations
- Rapid deployment forces
Fort Bragg has some of the deepest heritage and most active ceremony schedules in the Army.
Fort Cavazos — Killeen, Texas
One of the largest Army installations, formerly Fort Hood.
Known for:
- Armored units
- Large-scale training
- Major community footprint
Other Important Army Installations
- Fort Stewart — 3rd Infantry Division
- Fort Drum — 10th Mountain Division
- Fort Riley — 1st Infantry Division
- Fort Knox — Cadet Command / ROTC
- Fort Gregg-Adams — Logistics & sustainment
- Fort Eustis — Transportation & aviation support
U.S. AIR FORCE BASES
Lackland AFB — San Antonio, Texas
Every enlisted Airman begins their career here. Families know it for its emotional, two-day graduation events and first reunions.
Also home to:
- Military Working Dogs program
- Multiple tech school pathways
Wright-Patterson AFB — Ohio
A global powerhouse for:
- Research & development
- Aerospace innovation
- AF Materiel Command
Home of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Vandenberg Space Force Base — California
Launch and space operations hub supporting U.S. Space Force and the Air Force.
Tyndall AFB — Florida
Focuses on operational readiness and fighter capabilities.
Eglin AFB — Florida
One of the largest military bases in the world; major weapons testing and developmental hub.
Other Notable Air Force Installations
- Keesler AFB — Cyber, comms, weather
- Sheppard AFB — Maintenance & tech training
- Hill AFB — Fighter wings & depot ops
- Minot AFB — Bomber & missile operations
- Nellis AFB — Thunderbirds & tactical training
U.S. NAVY BASES
Naval Station Great Lakes — Illinois
The only Recruit Training Command for the U.S. Navy. Every Sailor begins here.
Families experience:
- PIR (Pass-In-Review) graduation
- Early-morning ceremonies
- First post-boot-camp reunions
Naval Station Norfolk — Virginia
The world’s largest naval base and home to the Atlantic Fleet.
Known for:
- Aircraft carriers
- Surface ships
- Deployment rotations
Naval Base San Diego — California
A major hub for the Pacific Fleet.
Naval Base Kitsap — Washington
Supports nuclear submarines and strategic assets.
Naval Station Mayport — Florida
Homeport for destroyers and littoral combat ships.
Naval Air Station Pensacola — Florida
Aviation training and home of the Blue Angels.
Other Key Navy Installations
- NAS Whidbey Island — aviation
- Pearl Harbor–Hickam — Pacific operations
- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard — submarine support
- NWS Yorktown — weapons support
NATIONAL GUARD & RESERVE INSTALLATIONS (ALL BRANCHES)
The Guard and Reserve play a massive role in U.S. defense, but families often have less visibility into their training locations. These installations support:
- Initial training
- MOS qualification
- Deployment prep
- State emergency response
- Joint exercises
Key Army National Guard & Army Reserve Training Sites
- Camp Shelby (MS)
- Camp Atterbury (IN)
- Camp Blanding (FL)
- Camp Murray (WA)
- Joint Training Center Little Rock (AR)
- Fort McCoy (WI)
Air National Guard & Air Force Reserve Locations
- Over 90 Air Guard Wings nationwide
- Dobbins ARB (GA)
- March ARB (CA)
- Westover ARB (MA)
- Niagara Falls ARS (NY)
- Pittsburgh ARS (PA)
These wings support aviation, logistics, emergency response, and worldwide deployments.
Navy Reserve
- Navy Reserve Centers (NOSCs) nationwide
- Joint Reserve Bases including:
- NAS JRB Fort Worth
- NAS JRB New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Military Bases
What is the difference between Basic Training and AIT/Tech School?
Basic Training (or Boot Camp) is the first phase of military service, where recruits learn discipline, fitness, and foundational skills. AIT, Tech School, and A-School are follow-on training locations where service members learn their specific job (MOS, AFSC, or rating).
Can families attend Basic Training graduations?
Yes. All branches host family-friendly graduation ceremonies, though base access rules may vary. Some graduations require advance registration, parking passes, or guest limits — so always check the base’s official guidance.
Are graduation ceremonies indoor or outdoor?
It depends on the branch and installation.
- Navy PIR is held indoors at Great Lakes.
- Army BCT graduations are typically outdoors (weather permitting).
- Air Force BMT includes both indoor briefings and outdoor parade field events.
Always bring layers — weather can change fast on major installations.
What should families wear to military graduations?
Most families choose comfortable, respectful, weather-appropriate clothing. Many proudly wear branch-specific or family-support apparel such as Army Mom, Navy Dad, or Proud Military Family shirts — especially for photos and reunion moments.
What is the best gift for a new Soldier, Airman, Sailor, or Guardian?
Popular gifts include:
- Branch-themed family apparel
- Branch-specific accessories
- Travel-friendly gear for their next duty station
- Many families also purchase matching apparel for graduation photos.
Where can I find officially licensed apparel for military families?
Oak & Liberty proudly offers officially licensed Army, Air Force, and Navy family apparel designed for comfort, photos, and meaningful milestones like graduations and homecomings.