Fort Hood, TX

Fort Hood, TX 76544 | Post Operator: DSN: 737-2131, (254) 287-1110

Fort Hood: Overview

Fort Hood is the home of the Headquarters Command III Corps, the 1st Cavalry Division (Mechanized), the 4th Infantry Division, the 3rd Signal Brigade, the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), the 13th Finance Group, the 89th Military Police Brigade, the 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, the 21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat), the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, the 31st Air Defense Brigade, the Dental Activity (DENTAC), Medical Support Activity (MEDDAC), the Army Operational Test Command (AOTC), and a number of other entities. The size of this installation is unlike any other in the United States Military. It is the only one that is able to sustain two fully armored divisions. The mission of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hood is extensive due to the fact that it hosts so many units and is so vast in size. Basically, its mission is one of a “power projection platform.”

Fort Hood has been in existence since 1942 when it was used as a tank destroyer testing and training area. It was originally known as Camp Hood and was named after the Confederate General John Bell Hood, the commander of Hood’s Texas Brigade. The population of the post was dramatically reduced following WWII, and it was utilized to out-process soldiers at that time. The Cold War resulted in the arrival of the 2nd Armored Division and the 20th Armored Division, increasing the size of the post once again. The post became a permanent Army installation in 1950 and was then known as Fort Hood. Many different units have been stationed at Fort Hood over the years, but the basic mission of the installation has remained the same.

Fort Hood: Education

While stationed at Fort Hood, earning a college degree is a wise decision. Online schools make the goal even more attainable by providing high-quality degree programs in a convenient format. You can attend classes 100% online, so whether you are at Fort Hood, on deployment, or transitioning to another post, you don't have to delay your progress. Also, you can complete assignments when it is convenient for you. Learn more by requesting information from a number of these schools. Start by clicking the "Find A School" button below:

Fort Hood: Location

Fort Hood is located in Bell County, Texas. Killeen is close to the installation, and it lies between Austin and Waco. Waco is 60 miles to the north/northeast and Austin is 60 miles to the south/southeast. The Dallas/Fort Worth area is only another 100 miles past Waco off of I35. San Antonio is a bit closer than Dallas, but in the opposite direction. Other communities in the area include Copperas Cove, TX, Harker Heights, TX, Southwest Bell, TX, Nolanville, TX, Kempner, TX, Flat, TX, and Briggs, TX.

Fort Hood: Interesting Facts

Elvis Presley was, in all likelihood, the most famous soldier to receive training at Fort Hood.
The Robert Gray Army Airfield at Fort Hood was named after Captain Robert M. Gray who was lost when his B-25 crashed in Burma following the famous "Doolittle Raid" on Tokyo, Japan in 1942.
The "First Team" of the 1st Cav was the first division to be outfitted with the AH-64 Apache and the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle.