So You Wanna Be an Illinois Soldier? Top Secret Guide to Military Bases (and a Few That Are Not-So-Secret Anymore)
Let's face it, Illinois isn't exactly known for churning out Navy SEALs (although hey, maybe you're the next exception!). But that doesn't mean the state sleeps on national defense. In fact, Illinois has a surprising amount of military history and even a couple of active duty bases.
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| What Military Bases Are In Illinois |
The Real Deal: Active Duty Bases in Illinois
- Naval Station Great Lakes: This is the real heavy hitter. Nicknamed "Boot Camp Capital of the Navy," Great Lakes is one of the largest naval training stations in the world. If you're picturing instructors barking orders and turning fresh-faced recruits into squared-away sailors, you're pretty much on the money.
- Scott Air Force Base: Located south of St. Louis, Scott Air Force Base is a global hub for military airlift. Basically, if it needs to fly somewhere fast, it's probably taking off or landing here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that astronauts train on KC-135 Stratotankers that take off from Scott Air Force Base? So, you never know, you might be waving to a future space explorer!
Once Upon a Time in the Military... (Closed Bases)
Illinois has a rich military past, and that means a few bases that are no longer in service. But hey, they make for interesting historical sites!
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
- Chanute Air Force Base (Rantoul): This base trained flyers way back in World War II, but closed up shop in 1993. Today, the land is being redeveloped for civilian use.
- Carmi Air Force Station (Carmi): This one closed its doors in 1957. Don't worry, though, it wasn't because of a UFO sighting (probably). Today, the site is Carmi Municipal Airport.
Pro Tip: If you're into urban exploration (legally, of course!), these closed bases might be interesting to check out. Just make sure you have permission from the current landowners before getting your Indiana Jones on.
Hold Up, There's More? (Other Military-ish Sites)
- Eversgerd's Civil War Fort: This isn't an active military base, but it's a history buff's dream. It's a reconstruction of a Civil War fort, complete with earthworks and trenches.
Basically: If you ever wondered what it was like to be a soldier during the Civil War, this is as close as you can get without a time machine (and a serious case of heatstroke).
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
How to Become a Soldier in Illinois?
While there are no active recruiting stations on the list above, the National Guard has offices all over Illinois. You can find your nearest one with a quick web search.
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FAQ: Illinois Military Bases Edition
How to Visit Naval Station Great Lakes? Naval Station Great Lakes is generally not open to the public for security reasons. However, they do hold occasional tours and open houses. Check their website for details.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
How to Learn More About Illinois' Military History? The Illinois State Museum has a great collection of military artifacts. You can also visit some of the closed base sites, like Chanute Air Force Base, which has a museum dedicated to its history.
How to Find Out About Military Careers? The best places to start are the websites of the different military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard). They all have tons of information about careers, enlistment, and what basic training is really like (spoiler alert: it's tough!).
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
How to Support Veterans in Illinois? There are many organizations that support veterans in Illinois. You can volunteer your time, donate to a veterans' charity, or simply thank a veteran for their service.
How to Stay Up-to-Date on Illinois Military News? Several local news outlets cover military stories in Illinois. You can also follow the social media pages of the Illinois National Guard and Scott Air Force Base.
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