Fort McCoy (Wisconsin)

Fort McCoy, located in western Wisconsin, is a United States Army installation established in 1909. Primarily a training center, it supports both active and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as federal law enforcement agencies.

History: The post was founded as a training area by Major General Robert Bruce McCoy, and initially named Camp Emory Upton. It was later renamed Camp McCoy in his honor and eventually became Fort McCoy. Throughout its history, Fort McCoy has played a significant role in training soldiers for various conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mission: Fort McCoy's primary mission is to provide realistic, relevant, and sustainable training environments for military and civilian personnel. This includes offering a wide range of training areas and facilities, such as live-fire ranges, maneuver areas, and urban assault courses.

Facilities: The installation encompasses approximately 60,000 acres and contains a variety of facilities, including barracks, dining facilities, medical clinics, a post exchange, and recreational areas. It also includes a significant amount of natural areas, used for environmental training and conservation efforts.

Training: Fort McCoy offers training opportunities for a variety of units and specialties. It hosts large-scale exercises involving multiple units and also provides individual training courses for soldiers and other personnel. The post is particularly known for its cold-weather training capabilities.

Economic Impact: Fort McCoy is a significant contributor to the local economy, providing jobs for both civilian and military personnel. The installation also supports local businesses and services.

Environmental Stewardship: Fort McCoy is committed to environmental stewardship and implements programs to protect natural resources, conserve energy, and reduce waste. The installation has received recognition for its environmental efforts.

Units Stationed: While not a permanent duty station for any large combat arms unit, Fort McCoy hosts various tenant organizations and supports visiting units for training purposes.

Access: Access to Fort McCoy is generally restricted to authorized personnel and visitors. Visitors typically require a pass or authorization to enter the installation.