US ARMY GAR (DET1) WSMR NEW MEXICO

• Designation: US Army GAR (DET1) refers to the Detachment 1 of the Garrison (GAR) unit stationed at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), New Mexico—a key installation for missile and rocket testing. • White Sands Missile Range Legacy: WSMR is the largest military installation in the United States, covering over 3,200 square miles, and has been central to military testing since World War II. • Trinity Test Site: The first-ever detonation of a nuclear weapon, the “Trinity Test,” occurred at WSMR on July 16, 1945, forever linking the unit’s home base to the dawn of the atomic age. • Missile and Rocket Testing: GAR (DET1) at WSMR has supported tests for nearly every major US missile system, including the V-2 (captured from Germany after WWII), Patriot, and the Pershing missile series. • Space Race Contributions: WSMR, with support from its garrison units, played a role in early US space exploration, including high-altitude rocket launches and astronaut training. • Unique Terrain: The arid, open landscape and gypsum sand dunes of WSMR provide ideal conditions for safe, isolated testing of experimental weapons and defense systems. • Support Role: GAR (DET1) provides essential base operations support, from security and logistics to range maintenance, enabling the safe operation of one of the world’s busiest test ranges. • Alien Lore: WSMR is often linked to UFO and alien stories, including conspiracy theories regarding recovered “alien” technology, which are fueled by the area’s secrecy and proximity to the 1947 Roswell incident. • Historic Guests: WSMR has hosted numerous dignitaries and scientists, including Dr. Wernher von Braun, the “father of rocket science,” who oversaw many early missile tests. • Modern Innovations: Today, GAR (DET1) supports advanced testing of laser weapons, hypersonic technology, and missile defense systems, keeping WSMR at the cutting edge of military innovation.