Kansas Military Installations

The 2005 BRAC round gave testimony to Fort Riley's worth as a maneuver and training installation in the United States Army. As a result, Ft. Riley brought home the most storied and oldest continuously serving infantry division in the Army - the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One). Today, in addition to the 1st ID Headquarters, Fort Riley is home to the Division Sustainment Brigade, a Combat Aviation Brigade, and two Brigade Combat Teams under the 1st ID. Fort Riley is home to over 15,000 troops.

I am exceedingly proud of Fort Riley and the faith in the facility and the people of Kansas that the Army demonstrated by stationing so many new troops and a new mission in our state. As one of the largest gainers in the BRAC process, my staff and I worked closely with state and local officials to address several challenges related to growth, including: transportation, housing, education, workforce, childcare, medical, and other issues. Of note, I worked hard to ensure construction of a new, state-of-the-art medical facility capable of handling the full range of our warfighters needs and construction of two new schools on base to meet growing capacity demands.

I believe that Fort Riley has earned a reputation as America's Warfighting Center and a world class training installation, which assures today's Army is globally available to ensure our nation’s security.

Widely known as the intellectual center of the Army, Fort Leavenworth is one of the most time honored and relevant resources of the Armed Forces. As the home of the Combined Arms Center (CAC), Fort Leavenworth provides unparalleled training for our nation's military leaders and serves as a significant force in shaping the future of the United States Armed Forces. In this mission, Leavenworth serves as home to the headquarters and many subordinate elements of the CAC, including the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), the Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, the Center for Army Leadership, the Battle Command Training Program, the Center for Army Lessons Learned, the Combat Studies Institute, and more.

As a Kansan, I am particularly proud of the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), and the unique role it has played in developing an intellectually equipped United States officer corps since 1881. The work done at the CGSC is innovative, and activities at such organizations as the Center for Army Lessons Learned and the Battle Command Training Program use the same philosophy of excellence in education and training that has become synonymous with Fort Leavenworth.

Education provides the Army with the strength and versatility to design successful war plans, as well as the agile thinking required to transition from conducting major combat operations to initiating stability operations, as we are today. More than ever, the need to assess and adapt to rapidly changing field environments has never been greater. And the mental and intellectual skills honed at Fort Leavenworth have never been more prized. As the Fort continues to expand, it is my hope that the Army will continue to turn to the people and resources in Kansas to equip soldiers with the knowledge and training they need to be a complete warrior. In that vein, I will continue working to provide Fort Leavenworth with the facilities and resources it needs to provide this critical function.

McConnell Air Force Base is intricately linked with Kansas through its relationship with surrounding Wichita and the aircraft industry there. Since its beginnings as a training ground for Boeing bomber crews in the 1950s, the men and women of McConnell have worked to serve and protect our country through established superiority in the air. Having survived a number of changes over the years, from the stationing and removal of the B-1B bombers to the 1991 tornado that severely damaged the base, McConnell continues to serve as a reliable source of excellence and dedication in the United States Air Force.

Today, McConnell's primary mission is to provide global reach by conducting air refueling and airlift. Co-located with the 931st Reserves Air Refueling Wing, the 22nd Air Refueling Wing ensures the United States Armed Forces maintains constant vigilance and global reach.

In 2013, the Air Force announced McConnell would serve as Main Operation Base #1 for Active Duty beddown of the new KC-46A tanker. McConnell will be home to the first 36 next generation tankers to roll off the production line. This honor is a reflection of the tremendous support McConnell has witnessed not only from its steadfast airmen, but also from the surrounding communities through the Friends of McConnell association and the impeccable leadership that has guided McConnell’s many successes, including Air Mobility Command's finalist for the 2013 Commander-in-Chief's Installation Excellence Award.

Forbes Field, south of downtown Topeka, is home to the 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard. The 190th currently maintains and flies KC-135 Air Refueling Tankers, and has taken part in important operations to support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Noble Eagle in defense of the U.S. homeland. The men and women of the 190th have proven time and again their dedication and resolve to the unconditional defense of the United States, and our interests overseas, which is why Forbes Field is consistently one of the highest-ranking reserve component tanker bases.

In addition to the air refueling mission, Forbes Field is also home to the 73rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team and Expeditionary Medical Support Unit, both of which have supported natural disaster response nation-wide. Because of the central location of Forbes, I believe Forbes is well positioned to provide homeland defense across the country. I am proud to represent one of the best Air National Guard bases in the country.