Wisconsin has a deep military history dating back to its early territorial days. Settlers formed militias to protect their communities, and in 1851, these militias formally became the Wisconsin National Guard. The state played a significant role in the Civil War, contributing over 90,000 troops to the Union Army. Today, Wisconsin is home to one major military installation that continues to serve as a vital training center for U.S. forces.

Fort McCoy

Fort McCoy was established in 1942, built on land that had been used as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp during the Great Depression. As World War II intensified, the U.S. Army identified the need for additional training facilities and converted the area into a military training center.

During the war, Fort McCoy served multiple purposes:

• Training Grounds – Provided advanced training for troops before deployment.
• Prisoner of War Camp – Held thousands of German and Italian soldiers captured in Europe.
• Japanese POW Facility – Became the largest permanent holding site for Japanese prisoners of war in the continental United States.

Following World War II, Fort McCoy continued to evolve. Throughout the Cold War, it remained a key training and mobilization center for U.S. forces, ensuring troops were prepared for deployment.

Today, the base serves as one of the Army’s primary training locations for large-scale military exercises. It hosts Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve units, providing a realistic training environment for forces preparing for global missions.

For more details, visit the official base website: Fort McCoy

PCS to Wisconsin? We Can Help

If you are preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Fort McCoy, our military-friendly real estate agents and lenders can assist you with:

• Finding homes near the base
• Understanding VA loan options
• Navigating the local housing market