US Army Readiness Group Ft Indiantown Gap

• Strategic Location: Fort Indiantown Gap is located in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and has served as a key military training and mobilization site since World War II. • Origins: The installation was established in 1931 and named after the nearby Indiantown Gap, a natural mountain pass used by Native Americans and early settlers. • World War II Expansion: During WWII, Fort Indiantown Gap became a major Army training center, preparing over 150,000 troops for overseas deployment. • US Army Readiness Group Mission: The US Army Readiness Group at Fort Indiantown Gap was responsible for overseeing the preparation, training, and readiness of Reserve and National Guard units. • Vietnam War Role: The post was heavily used during the Vietnam War as a pre-deployment training and staging area for troops. • Refugee Assistance: After the Vietnam War, Fort Indiantown Gap processed over 32,000 Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees as part of Operation New Life in 1975. • Cold War Era: The Readiness Group played a crucial role during the Cold War, ensuring Reserve and National Guard units maintained combat readiness. • Training Facility: Today, Fort Indiantown Gap is one of the busiest National Guard training centers in the country, hosting over 100,000 personnel annually. • Unique Wildlife: The installation is home to the largest population of Regal Fritillary butterflies east of the Mississippi River, protected within its conservation areas. • Historic Landmarks: The post contains significant historic sites, including WWII barracks and the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, which honors military veterans.