About this Unit
Fort Hunter Liggett, established in 1940, is a United States Army installation located in Monterey County, California. Originally part of the Hearst Ranch, the land was acquired by the Army to serve as a training and maneuver area during World War II. Over the decades, Fort Hunter Liggett has been utilized for large-scale field exercises, weapons testing, and as a key training site for Army Reserve and National Guard units. Today, it remains the largest Army Reserve installation in the western United States, supporting a wide range of military training operations and joint exercises.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: Fort Hunter Liggett was established in 1940 as a sub-installation of Camp Roberts, and became an independent training center in 1952.
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Namesake: The fort is named after General Hunter Liggett, a distinguished U.S. Army officer who served in the Philippine-American War and World War I.
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Size: At over 165,000 acres, it is the largest Army Reserve installation in the United States, offering diverse terrain for realistic military training.
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Hollywood Connections: The historic Mission San Antonio de Padua, located within the base, and surrounding areas have been featured in films such as "We Were Soldiers" and "Clear and Present Danger."
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World War II Use: During World War II, the fort was used for training by the 2nd Armored Division and other units before their deployment overseas.
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Cold War Role: In the 1950s and 1960s, Fort Hunter Liggett served as a key site for large-scale maneuvers and exercises simulating Cold War combat scenarios.
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Preserved History: The Hacienda, a former Hearst hunting lodge designed by Julia Morgan, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a hotel and event venue within the fort.
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Environmental Stewardship: The fort is home to endangered species such as the California condor and San Joaquin kit fox, and works to balance training with habitat preservation.
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Modern Training: Today, Fort Hunter Liggett hosts the Army’s annual Combat Support Training Exercise (CSTX) for Army Reserve and National Guard units, as well as joint exercises with other branches and allied nations.
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Unique Terrain: The area’s rugged hills, rivers, and oak woodlands make it ideal for training in convoy operations, live-fire exercises, and urban warfare scenarios.
