The defense industry plays a vital role in the Fredericksburg Region, with three installations that provide for the operational readiness of the United States military. Representing a total of more than 230 years of military and defense presence in the region, these facilities furnish leadership in engineering and technology for the next generation of surface combatant ships, interagency coordination of national security measures, and training and testing for all services. They also serve as integrators of homeland defense technologies for the future of war fighting. The region’s defense industry provides nearly 32,000 jobs and pumps more than $1.2 billion into the local economy.
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Fort A.P. Hill Fort A.P. Hill is a regional training center providing realistic joint and combined arms training support to America’s Defense Forces. The all-purpose Regional Training Center, located in Caroline and Essex counties, serves every component of the U.S. Defense Forces, active and reserve, and several agencies of the U.S. Government. The post spans 76,000 acres and includes a 28,000-acre-live-fire range complex capable of
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Photo: The Free Lance-Star
accommodating all traditional small arms, plus mortar, artillery, light armored vehicles, and combined running fire, hover fire, and terrain flight aerial gunnery. Fort A.P. Hill has served as a major training and mobilization-support site since its establishment in 1941. Unencumbered by environmental constraints, Fort A.P. Hill is a jewel in the Department of Defense's installation inventory. Military units use Fort A.P. Hill to maintain their readiness and sharpen their combat edge as they prepare for deployment. Training includes Army and joint warfighter training exercises, as well as interagency operations.
Photo: Marine Corps Base Quantico
Fort A.P. Hill is considered one of only two Army installations in the Northeastern U.S. capable of training a large maneuver force. The post is one of the largest East Coast installations, and is the range and training center nearest the National Capital Region. It routinely hosts between 90,000 and 100,000 warriors annually. The latest economic impact statement (fiscal year 2010) shows impacts statewide of nearly a quarter of a billion dollars, with 1,655 supported full time equivalent jobs in addition to the 745 jobs directly supported at the installation. Marine Corps Base Quantico Marine Corps Base Quantico – where vital concepts, training, and equipment of the future are developed – has been the initial training ground for thousands of Marines since its establishment in Stafford County in 1917. Some of the most important techniques in war fighting were born at Quantico – including amphibious warfare, for which the Marine Corps is renowned. MCB Quantico is home to the Marine Corps Combat Development Command and numerous tenant organizations. The base staff provides infrastructure, operational and community services
Photo: Marine Corps Base Quantico