Arkansas is not just known for its natural beauty but also for its significant military presence. The state serves as a vital training and operational hub for various branches of the US military. With over 200,000 veterans residing in Arkansas and more than 3,000 Arkansans currently serving, their contribution to national security is substantial. Currently, five active military bases operate within Arkansas, with the Army, Air Force, and Arkansas National Guard playing key roles. Though both the Navy and Coast Guard lack a presence in the state, the existing bases more than compensate for this. Let’s delve into each military installation, its purpose, and its historical significance.
Little rock air force base : a hub of aerial expertise
Located not in Little Rock, but in Jacksonville, the Little Rock Air Force Base has a rich history dating back to 1955. Initially funded through local efforts to purchase land adjacent to the Arkansas Ordnance Plant, the base has evolved into a major asset for aerial missions.
Upon its opening, the base hosted an open house, attracting a staggering 85,000 visitors. It quickly became home to the 70th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing and the 384th Bombardment Wing, both equipped with B-47 Stratojet bombers and RB-47 reconnaissance aircraft. Within two years, the base housed approximately 5,500 military personnel and 300 civilians. Missions during this period included reconnaissance flights over the Soviet border.
The 1960s saw the addition of 18 Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Silos, managed by the 308th Strategic Missile Wing. In 1980, a tragic accident involving one of these missiles resulted in an explosion that claimed the life of one airman. The Arkansas Air National Guard also set up the 154th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at the base in 1962. Over time, the base has transitioned into a center for tactical airlift training, playing a crucial role in operations like Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
Today, Little Rock Air Force Base is home to nearly 7,000 military personnel, their families, and numerous civilian employees. The 19th Airlift Wing oversees the world’s largest fleet of C-130 aircraft, while the 314th Airlift Wing serves as the training arm. The Arkansas National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing and the 913th Airlift Group of the Air Force Reserves also operate from this base.
Fort chaffee joint maneuver training center : a multi-role installation
Established in 1941 as Camp Chaffee, this installation near Fort Smith has played various roles over the decades. Initially serving as a training center and a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, it housed 3,000 German prisoners and trained three armored divisions.
The camp became inactive post-war until it was resurrected during the Korean War as the home of the 5th Armored Division. Renamed Fort Chaffee in 1956, it undertook field artillery training before becoming a refugee center in 1974, processing over 50,000 Vietnamese refugees. In 1980, Fort Chaffee again served as a refugee center, this time for 25,000 Cuban refugees.
Since 1995, the Arkansas National Guard has managed the fort, using it as a joint training facility. Today, it specializes in conducting field tests and training guardsmen, although it does not house active military personnel on-site.
Robinson maneuver training center : a legacy of readiness
Robinson Maneuver Training Center, originally established as Camp Pike in 1917, has a storied history. Initially serving as a training camp during World War I, it quickly became one of the largest training centers in Arkansas, hosting over 10,000 soldiers by 1920.
Renamed Camp Robinson in 1937 in honor of Arkansas Senator Joseph Robinson, it was reacquired by the U.S. government before World War II to train the 35th National Guard Division. This division played a crucial role in the war, heading to England shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
During World War II, Camp Robinson trained soldiers and medics, housing up to 50,000 military personnel at its peak. It also operated as a POW camp, with 3,000 to 4,000 German prisoners. After the war, the camp reverted to state control, becoming the headquarters for the Arkansas National Guard.
Ebbing air national guard base : evolution and excellence
Established in 1953, Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith has undergone several evolutions. Initially training the 184th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, the base eventually became home to the 188th Tactical Fighter Wing, popularly known as the “Flying Razorbacks.”
Over the years, the 188th Wing flew various aircraft types, including the F-16 and A-10. The unit participated in numerous operations, including “Operation Iraqi Freedom” in 2005 and a significant deployment to Afghanistan in 2012. In 2013, the base transitioned to using the unmanned MQ-9 Reaper, elevating its focus on intelligence and training.
Pine bluff arsenal : from weapons manufacturing to defense
The Pine Bluff Arsenal, established in 1941, began as a manufacturing site for incendiary weapons during World War II. Located near White Hall, the arsenal provided a remote yet accessible site for its critical operations.
During its early years, Pine Bluff Arsenal employed 10,000 civilians and 350 military personnel. It produced a variety of lethal devices, including bombs, grenades, and chemical warfare agents. The facility also faced significant risks, resulting in 15 worker fatalities due to various accidents.
Post World War II, the arsenal shifted its focus to producing and storing biological pathogens. This continued until President Richard Nixon banned biological weapons in 1979. Consequently, the pathogens were destroyed between 1971 and 1973. Between 2005 and 2010, the arsenal undertook the critical task of safely eliminating the last remaining chemical agents from stored munitions.
Today, the arsenal focuses on manufacturing smoke and incendiary devices, along with testing chemical defense clothing. It operates primarily with civilian Department of Defense employees, without housing any major military units on-site.
| Base Name | Location | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock Air Force Base | Jacksonville, AR | Airlift Training and Operations |
| Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center | Fort Smith, AR | Field Tests and Training Grounds |
| Robinson Maneuver Training Center | North Little Rock, AR | Infantry Training and Arkansas National Guard HQ |
| Ebbing Air National Guard Base | Fort Smith, AR | Intelligence and UAV Operations |
| Pine Bluff Arsenal | White Hall, AR | Manufacture and Testing of Defense Equipment |
Since World War I, Arkansas’s military bases have played an instrumental role in national defense. From training military personnel to housing critical operations, these installations continue to serve as vital components of the nation’s security infrastructure.
