About

Origins & First Steps

From its founding in 1942 as a Tank Destroyer Tactical and Firing Center near Killeen, then Camp Hood has transformed from Central Texas farmland into the Army’s premier training installation, now spanning 218,000 acres across Bell and Coryell counties.

1950s–60s Expansion

The 1950s and 1960s brought III Corps Headquarters and, in 1954, the 4th Armored Division alongside the reactivated 1^st Armored Division—marking a new era of growth.

Driven by the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War’s atomic threat, Camp Hood’s vast ranges became essential for heavy-armor exercises, thus earning its permanent redesignation as Fort Hood in 1950.

1980s Urban Training

In the 1980s, Fort Hood introduced its first Modern Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) site—St. Elijah—a mock European village complete with storefronts and gas stations to prepare Soldiers for city combat.

Later MOUT installations mirrored Iraqi and Afghan villages, ensuring training remained aligned with real-world mission environments.

1990s–2001 Tech & Deployments

Through Bosnia, Somalia, and Desert Storm, Fort Hood Soldiers pioneered digitized armored warfare with the M1A2 Abrams tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle—reshaping modern combat.

After September 11, 2001, the post pivoted instantly to the Global War on Terror, with the 4^th Infantry Division deploying first to the Middle East.

2000s–2010s Missions

From Operation Iraqi Freedom through December 2011 to multiple theaters under Operation Enduring Freedom and the launch of Operation New Dawn in 2012, Fort Hood Soldiers answered every call.

Today, they continue to serve under Operation Inherent Resolve and related missions worldwide, upholding the post’s legacy of readiness.

Supporting Families

As Soldier ranks grew, Fort Hood expanded its community support with child development centers, a new Post Exchange, a stadium and the cutting-edge Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, meeting the needs of those who serve.

Today’s Great Place

Now the largest active-duty armored post in the U.S., Fort Hood is home to nearly 40,000 Soldiers: infantry, cavalry, armor, engineers, mechanics and medical professionals.

Their ongoing training and dedication extend The Great Place's legacy first forged in 1942, ensuring Fort Hood remains integral to our nation’s defense.