Fort Stewart: A Comprehensive Guide to the Heart of Georgia's Military Power

Stewart, located in southeast Georgia, is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River. It spans across several counties including Liberty, Bryan, Evans, Long, and Tattnall. With a rich military legacy, state-of-the-art training grounds, and robust community infrastructure, Fort Stewart is not just a military base — it's a city within a city.

The base is home to the 3rd Infantry Division, one of the most decorated combat units in the history of the U.S. Army. As a critical training hub and strategic location, Fort Stewart plays a vital role in national defence.

History of Fort Stewart

The origins of Fort Stewart date back to World War II, when it was established in 1940 as Camp Stewart, named in honour of Daniel Stewart, a Revolutionary War hero from Georgia. Initially used as an anti-aircraft training centre, the camp saw rapid growth during the war and transitioned into a permanent installation in the post-war years.

In 1956, it was redesignated as Fort Stewart, reflecting its expanded role in training and supporting the U.S. military’s global operations. During the Vietnam War, Fort Stewart was a key training location, and in the 1990s, it became the home of the famed 3rd Infantry Division.

Fort Stewart Location and Geography

Fort Stewart covers approximately 280,000 acres, making it ideal for large-scale live-fire exercises, helicopter operations, and manoeuvre training. Its vast, unencumbered training land supports everything from infantry drills to armoured warfare simulations.

The base is strategically located near the Port of Savannah, which provides rapid deployment capability for heavy equipment and supplies — a significant advantage in today’s fast-paced global military environment.

Units Stationed at Fort Stewart

The most prominent military unit based at Fort Stewart is the:

• 3rd Infantry Division (Rock of the Marne): A historic unit involved in major conflicts including WWI, WWII, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and more.

Other notable units include:

• 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team

• 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade

• 3rd Sustainment Brigade

• Division Artillery (DIVARTY)

• Supporting elements from U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard

These diverse units contribute to Fort Stewart’s reputation as a high-readiness military installation.

Fort Stewart Training Facilities

Fort Stewart boasts some of the most advanced training facilities in the U.S. military, including:

• Digital Multi-Purpose Training Ranges (DMPRC)

• Urban Operations Training Sites

• Live Fire Complexes

• Aviation Training Areas

• Simulated Combat Environments

The base regularly hosts multi-national exercises, brigade-level operations, and readiness training, enhancing its capability to support global missions.

Family and Community Life at Fort Stewart

Fort Stewart isn’t just a place for soldiers; it’s home to thousands of families. The installation offers:

• Affordable family housing

• Child Development Centres (CDCs)

• On-post schools operated by DoDEA

• Commissary and Exchange facilities

• Recreational programs

• Healthcare through Winn Army Community Hospital

The nearby city of Hinesville supports the base with restaurants, retail outlets, and off-post housing options, contributing to a strong sense of civilian-military integration.

Education and Career Opportunities

The education ecosystem around Fort Stewart is robust. Soldiers and their families benefit from:

• Tuition Assistance Programs

• Education Centres on post

• Partnerships with nearby institutions such as Georgia Southern University and Savannah Technical College

Employment opportunities for military spouses are available both on and off the installation, with support from the Army Community Service (ACS) and Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP).

Fort Stewart and Economic Impact

The economic footprint of Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia is profound. It:

• Employs over 20,000 military and civilian personnel

• Contributes more than $5 billion annually to the regional economy

• Supports thousands of local jobs through contracts, services, and small businesses

Local businesses in Hinesville, Savannah, and the surrounding communities benefit immensely from Fort Stewart’s presence.

Environmental Stewardship at Fort Stewart

Fort Stewart is a national leader in environmental conservation. Its environmental team manages:

• Endangered species protection, including the red-cockaded woodpecker

• Prescribed burns to prevent wildfires

• Water conservation initiatives

• Recycling and hazardous waste management programmes

This balance between military readiness and ecological stewardship makes Fort Stewart a model for sustainable operations.

Notable Deployments and Operations

Fort Stewart has played a pivotal role in:

• Operation Desert Storm (1990–1991)

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003) – The 3rd ID led the charge into Baghdad

• Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)

• Ongoing European deterrence missions and Middle East deployments

Troops trained at Fort Stewart are often among the first to be deployed during global crises.

Visiting Fort Stewart

Civilians and veterans can visit Fort Stewart by obtaining a visitor pass. Notable attractions include:

• 3rd Infantry Division Museum

• Warrior’s Walk Memorial, which honours fallen heroes

• Holbrook Pond Recreation Area for fishing, picnics, and camping

The base’s rich history and community-focused environment make it a welcoming place for visitors and residents alike.

Safety and Security

Fort Stewart maintains high security through:

• 24/7 gate control

• Military Police patrols

• Emergency services on post

• Regular safety briefings and community alerts

Safety is a top priority for both personnel and family members.

Future Developments

Fort Stewart is constantly evolving. Future initiatives include:

• Expanded barracks and housing

• Modernised training grounds

• New educational programmes

• Increased cyber training capabilities

• Partnerships with private sector tech companies

These upgrades ensure Fort Stewart remains a 21st-century military installation equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.

Fort Stewart in Pop Culture

Fort Stewart has been featured in several documentaries, books, and films related to military life. Its connection with the 3rd ID, known for the legendary Audie Murphy, adds to its cultural legacy.

Final Thoughts

Fort Stewart represents the strength, resilience, and adaptability of the U.S. Army. As both a strategic asset and a thriving community, it plays an essential role in national defence and local prosperity. Whether you're a soldier, a family member, a veteran, or simply curious about military life, Fort Stewart offers a compelling blend of heritage, readiness, and innovation.

FAQs

Q1: Can civilians live on Fort Stewart?
A: No, only military families and authorised personnel can live on post. However, many civilians live in nearby towns like Hinesville and Savannah.

Q2: Is Fort Stewart open to the public?
A: Visitors are welcome with proper identification and a pass from the visitor control centre.

Q3: What is Fort Stewart best known for?
A: It’s best known as the home of the 3rd Infantry Division and for its expansive, cutting-edge training grounds.

Q4: How can I find a job at Fort Stewart?
A: Jobs are posted on USAJobs.gov, and spouses can explore employment support through ACS and MSEP.