Fort Drum

New York

Overview

Fort Drum is a major U.S. Army installation located in northern New York, near Watertown and the Canadian border. The post is best known as the home of the 10th Mountain Division.

Often referred to as one of the Army’s premier cold-weather and mountain warfare training locations, Fort Drum prepares soldiers to operate in some of the most challenging environments.

The installation plays a critical role in maintaining combat-ready forces capable of rapid deployment worldwide.

History

Fort Drum traces its origins back to 1908, when the area was established as a military training site known as Pine Camp.

During World War II, Pine Camp expanded significantly as the Army prepared units for combat, including mountain warfare training.

In 1951, the installation was renamed Camp Drum, in honor of Lieutenant General Hugh A. Drum, a senior Army leader during World War II.

The post was redesignated as Fort Drum in 1974, reflecting its status as a permanent Army installation.

Over the decades, Fort Drum has supported operations including:

• World War II training efforts

• The Cold War

• Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan

In 1985, the Army activated the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, solidifying the installation’s identity as a center for light infantry and mountain warfare operations.

The 10th Mountain Division

Fort Drum is synonymous with the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), a unit with a storied history dating back to World War II.

Originally trained for mountain and winter warfare, the division played a key role in combat operations in Italy during World War II.

Today, the 10th Mountain Division continues to serve as a highly deployable light infantry force capable of operating in difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions.

The division’s motto, “Climb to Glory,” reflects its heritage and mission.

Units and Mission

Fort Drum supports several units focused on light infantry operations and rapid deployment.

Key units include:

• 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)

• Infantry Brigade Combat Teams

• Combat Aviation Brigade

• Sustainment and support units

The installation supports missions including:

• Light infantry operations

• Mountain and cold-weather warfare

• Rapid deployment and expeditionary missions

• Aviation and logistical support

Training and Operations

Fort Drum is one of the Army’s premier locations for cold-weather and winter training.

Training activities include:

• Cold-weather survival and operations

• Mountain and rugged terrain training

• Live-fire exercises

• Large-scale maneuver training

The installation’s location in northern New York provides realistic conditions for preparing soldiers to operate in harsh environments.

Location

Fort Drum is located near Watertown, New York, in the North Country region of the state.

The area experiences:

• Harsh winters and heavy snowfall

• Cold temperatures for extended periods

• Rugged terrain suitable for training

The installation’s location near the Canadian border makes it strategically important for northern operations and training.

Fort Drum Today

Today, Fort Drum remains a key installation for Army readiness.

The base supports:

• Light infantry units

• Cold-weather and mountain training

• Aviation operations

• Deployment readiness

Its unique environment and mission make it one of the Army’s most important training locations.

Did You Serve at Fort Drum?

Many soldiers remember their time at Fort Drum through:

• Service with the 10th Mountain Division

• Training in extreme winter conditions

• Field exercises in snow and rugged terrain

• Life in the North Country

For those who served there, Fort Drum represents one of the Army’s most challenging and memorable assignments.