Fort Carson

Fort Carson. Fort Carson is a major United States Army installation located south of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Established in 1942, the post has served as a key training and mobilization center for multiple conflicts and currently serves as the home of the 4th Infantry Division. Its strategic location near the Rocky Mountains provides diverse terrain for large-scale military exercises and readiness training.

History

The installation was established in January 1942, originally named Camp Carson in honor of the famed frontier scout Kit Carson. Its primary initial mission was to train infantry divisions for service in World War II, including the 71st Infantry Division. Following the war, it transitioned to a training center for Army Reserve and Army National Guard units during the Korean War. The post was redesignated Fort Carson in 1954 and expanded significantly during the Cold War, preparing units for potential conflict in Europe and later for the Vietnam War. In 1970, it became the permanent home of the 4th Infantry Division, which has deployed from here for operations including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.

Geography and facilities

The post encompasses over 137,000 acres in southern Colorado, bordering the Pike National Forest and with views of Pikes Peak. The terrain varies from semi-arid plains to rugged foothills, facilitating a wide range of military training. Key facilities include the Manitou Springs training area, the expansive Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, and the modern Evans Army Community Hospital. The installation also hosts the Mountain Post soldier and family readiness campus, the William "Bill" Reed Special Events Center, and multiple airfields supporting aviation operations. Its infrastructure supports a population of over 25,000 soldiers and family members.

Units and training

Fort Carson is the headquarters for the 4th Infantry Division and hosts a diverse array of brigade combat teams and enabling units. These include the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team. The post is also home to the 10th Special Forces Group, the 71st Ordnance Group (EOD), and the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade. Training emphasizes combined arms operations, high-altitude warfare, and joint military exercises with partners like the United States Air Force from nearby Peterson Space Force Base and Schriever Space Force Base.

Environmental and community relations

The installation manages significant environmental programs due to its size and location adjacent to sensitive ecosystems. It participates in conservation efforts for species like the preble's meadow jumping mouse and collaborates with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Community engagement is robust, with partnerships supporting the Pikes Peak Region through events like the Fort Carson Mountaineer football games and outreach programs with the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County, Colorado. The post also addresses historical issues such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mitigation in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Notable personnel

Many distinguished soldiers have served at the post, including General John W. Vessey Jr., former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta was assigned here with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. Renowned Vietnam War commander General William R. Peers led the 4th Infantry Division from the post. Other notable figures include Lieutenant General Robert B. Brown, former commander of United States Army Pacific, and Command Sergeant Major Bryan B. Battaglia, former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Category:United States Army posts Category:Buildings and structures in El Paso County, Colorado Category:1942 establishments in Colorado