Louisiana Pitches Fort Polk for Next Great Base

A state lawmaker is promoting Louisiana as a candidate for a proposed large U.S. military installation.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Military

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a pine forest horizon under a pale sky, with a single geometric flagpole silhouette at center. — Louisiana state lawmaker Chuck Owen is promoting Fort Polk as a candidate for a proposed 250,000-acre military installation the Department of War wants to build. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Louisiana state lawmaker Chuck Owen has promoted the state as a candidate for the Next Great American Base, a proposed installation the Department of War is seeking to house 15,000 to 25,000 people. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced plans to build the facility, dubbed Fortress America.

Why it matters

The Department of War is seeking about 250,000 acres, and each governor may submit a proposal for their state to host the installation. Louisiana's bid centers on Fort Polk, which has room for expansion as its troop population has fallen.

The Department of War seeks about 250,000 acres to house 15,000 to 25,000 people. Fort Polk currently has 6,000 soldiers, down from 16,000 at one time, and the Defense Department bought about 50,000 acres from Vernon Parish about 10 years ago.

The players

Chuck Owen

Louisiana state lawmaker who has promoted the state as a candidate to host the proposed base.

Pete Hegseth

U.S. Secretary of War who announced plans to build the Fortress America installation.

The details

Each governor may pitch a proposal to the Department of War, and the installation would generate its own power and manage its own water utilities. Not every state is expected to pursue the project, and no final site decision has been announced.

About 10 years ago: The Defense Department purchased about 50,000 acres from Vernon Parish.
November 2, 2026: Chuck Owen promoted Louisiana as a candidate for the Next Great American Base.

Military Footprint

Fort Polk's troop population has fallen from 16,000 soldiers to 6,000, leaving land and infrastructure that Louisiana is now proposing to use for a much larger installation. The bid would put the state in competition with others for a project that could reshape Central Louisiana's military presence.

Central Louisiana communities such as Alexandria, Leesville and Pineville are positioned as pro-military areas that could see economic effects if the base is selected. Residents would see changes to local jobs, housing and infrastructure only if the project advances beyond the proposal stage.

The takeaway

Louisiana's bid shows how states are competing to host a large new military footprint, and the outcome will depend on which governors submit proposals and which sites the Department of War selects.