So You Wanna Be an Austin A.W.O.L. Expert? Military Bases Around the Bat City
Alright listen up, civilian soldiers! Heard you're curious about military bases near the ever-so-hip Austin, Texas. Maybe you're stationed nearby and craving some breakfast tacos that aren't beige (looking at you, MREs). Or perhaps you're an aspiring Bruce Willis, fantasizing about a weekend getaway that involves dodging lasers and high-fiving explosions (although, buddy, that might be Hollywood).
Whatever your reason, fear not, for this here guide will be your intel briefing on military outposts near Austin.
What Military Base Is Near Austin Tx |
Camp Mabry: The OG Grandpa of Texas Military
Don't expect fighter jets doing loop-the-loops over your breakfast tacos. Camp Mabry is more like the cool grandpa of Texas military installations. Established in 1892 (ancient times in these parts!), it's the headquarters for the Texas Military Department, basically the big kahunas for all things Texas National Guard. You'll also find the Texas Military Forces Museum there, a must-visit for any history buff who wants to brush up on their Lone Star State military cred.
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Think of it as: a historic site with some active duty folks keeping things sharp.
US Marine Corps Reserve Center: Semper Fi in the Live Music Capital!
Calling all jarheads! This base is where you'll find your fellow Marines keeping their skills tight. They might not have their own tanks or aircraft carriers chilling out back, but these Marines are a vital part of the local reserve force.
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Pro tip: If you see a group of Marines rocking out to some Stevie Ray Vaughan, don't be a buzzkill. Just nod approvingly and maybe offer to buy a round (don't worry, they can handle their tequila).
Basically: It's a place for Marines to stay hoo-rah ready near Austin's awesome music scene.
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Hold your horses, cowboy! Neither Camp Mabry nor the US Marine Corps Reserve Center are massive military installations with sprawling grounds. But hey, they're there, and they're a cool part of Austin's unique character.
Now, for those of you who crave a little more action-packed military base experience, Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) is located about an hour away, boasting a much larger active duty presence.
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How to Become an Austin A.W.O.L. Expert FAQ
How to find Camp Mabry? Easy! Just head over to 2200 W 35th St. in Austin. You can't miss it.
How to know if there's a Marine at that taco stand next to you? If they eat their breakfast tacos with unwavering focus and laser-like precision, that's a good sign.
How to avoid looking like a tourist at the Texas Military Forces Museum? Brush up on your Texas Revolutionary War heroes like Sam Houston and William B. Travis.
How to score an invite to a Marine barbecue? Become their BFF by, you know, not being a buzzkill (see previous tip).
How to find Fort Cavazos? That one requires a bit of a road trip (about an hour drive from Austin). But hey, road trips are practically a national pastime in Texas, right?