Driving through the pine trees of this Southern post, one can’t help but channel Ray Charles and belt out “Georgia on my Mind.” Located in the heart of Georgia’s ‘Low Country’, Fort Stewart began as Camp Stewart at the start of WWI when the U.S. government needed a large plot of land to train anti-aircraft maneuvers. As the war waned, so did Camp Stewart’s purposes, causing the government to use it solely as a National Guard training facility until the next conflict arose. This pattern of opening and closing the camp’s doors continued until the Korean War. In 1956, the training focus shifted to armor and artillery, and Camp Stewart was redesignated as Fort Stewart. In 1996, the 3rd Infantry Division moved from Europe and re-activated at Fort Stewart and remains its most notable tenant unit.

Believe it or not, Fort Stewart is considered the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River when you’re strictly comparing land mass! It’s conveniently located in southern coastal Georgia so you’re a day trip away from the beach (Hilton Head, anyone?). Hiking, outdoor adventures, and all the Southern hospitality you can dream of is at your fingertips. Life moves slower down here, and the heat and humidity are downright oppressive, but that makes for a great excuse to head east to the ocean! Use this stop on your military journey to get out there and explore this area rich in history and Southern charm.

Fort Stewart is a rapid deployment center due to its location on a major interstate (I-95) and the waterways of Savannah, meaning the optempo is high, and your soldier is bound to be busy.

The elementary schools at Fort Stewart are some of the few remaining DODEA schools and are a draw for military families. Included in Fort Stewart’s garrison is nearby Hunter Army Airfield (AAF), which is notably home to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, the 1/75th Ranger Regiment, and 3/160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Hunter AAF is located about an hour away in Savannah –  a historically charming city, filled with great restaurants, museums, and one of the largest St Paddy’s Day Parades in the United States featuring over 350 marching units.