Top Military Training Camps In Connecticut For 2025

Connecticut runs several military training camps that prepare people for service and leadership. Here are key locations for anyone starting their military path.

These spots mix tough physical training, real field practice and classroom learning. You'll find college ROTC programs alongside National Guard bases. Trainees do hands-on drills, can get scholarships and see clear career options opening up in 2025.

Submarine Base

A group of men in white uniforms standing in formation, saluting with respect and discipline.

The Naval Submarine Base in New London is Connecticut's biggest military site and important for the U.S. Navy. It started way back in 1868 as a storage spot. By 1916, it became America's first official submarine base.

Today, it's the main East Coast home for submarines and where crews train and prepare for missions. Being open for more than a century shows how important Connecticut is for the Navy's undersea operations.

Coast Guard Academy

A group of uniformed individuals raises their hands in unison

New London is also home to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where future officers build character and leadership from day one.

Students pick from ten majors like engineering, cyber systems or government, setting them up for technical or management roles in the service.

You’ll often hear about the career and life story of David Lemanowicz, who shows exactly how this training shapes real-world impact long after graduation.

State Military Department

A female officer in uniform grips a gun

Connecticut’s military department has two main jobs. First, its forces train to deploy with the federal military when needed.

Second, they support the governor during state emergencies, like natural disasters. This dual role shapes how both the Army and Air National Guard operate.

Connecticut Training Center (CTC)

A group of soldiers is engaged in vehicle maintenance

This is the main spot for Connecticut National Guard weekend drills and yearly training. Starting in 2025, they use VR headsets for better practice. Soldiers work on shooting skills and driving military vehicles. Over 1,000 soldiers train here every year.

The 500-acre site also has tough hurdle courses for fitness. Training focuses on getting soldiers ready for action and building leaders. They hold open houses so the public can see inside. You must be in the National Guard to join.

UConn Army ROTC Program

A group of smiling soldiers proudly holding flags

UConn's Army ROTC is a top program for students aiming to become Army officers. Based in Storrs, it runs leadership practice sessions and outdoor field exercises. More scholarships cover full tuition for science and tech majors.

The program includes activities like climbing down ropes and map navigation. They work closely with the National Guard for real experience. Many graduates move into officer positions. To apply, you'll need your high school grades and pass a fitness check.

169th Regiment Training Center

A male and female soldier saluting each other

The 169th Regiment Training Center in Guilford is Connecticut's main spot for training military leaders. It runs Officer Candidate School and the Warrior Leader Course for sergeants. Starting in 2025, they're adding drone training to teach modern combat skills.

The center has classrooms, shooting ranges and living quarters. Courses focus on making smart choices and working well in teams. Finishing a course often leads to a promotion. You need to be in the National Guard or Reserves to attend.

SCSU Army ROTC Program

Two soldiers engage in a handshake

Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven offers Army ROTC training through a partnership with the University of New Haven. Students from both schools join the same program. They take leadership classes, get physically fit and learn military skills alongside their regular college studies.

This year, cadets will train with local Guard units on activities like rappelling and map reading. The program includes weekend practice and summer camps. Scholarships help cover college costs. Graduates often become officers in the active Army or Reserves.

Connecticut Air Guard - Flying Yankees

A group of soldiers collaborates on maintenance tasks for an aircraft on a military airfield

The Air Guard operates from two main bases: Bradley Airport and an air station in Orange.

The 103rd Airlift Wing flies C-130 planes. These carry troops and supplies, even to rough landing zones. They also handle medical evacuations and disaster relief.
The 103rd Air Control Squadron tracks aircraft, manages airspace, and supports operations worldwide.

Connecticut National Army Guard

Soldiers sprint during a training exercise

Connecticut's National Guard uses several training sites across the state. Places like Camp Hartell and the Regional Training Institutehost regular drills and prepare people for missions. Guard members practice handling emergencies and combat situations.

Training happens during yearly sessions and weekend gatherings. Members get help with college costs and other benefits. Anyone 17 to 35 can join. The Army Guard uses several key units spread across the state:

The 1109th Aviation Maintenance Group
The 143rd Support Group
The 169th Training Institute
The 85th Troop Command

Different Ways To Train

Connecticut offers three main training paths, each for different people but all focused on building leaders for the military:

169th Regiment Regional Training Institute - Trains Army officers and senior enlisted leaders at Camp Nett in Niantic.
UConn Army ROTC - College students at UConn's Storrs campus take military leadership classes alongside their regular studies to become officers.
SCSU Army ROTC - Students at Southern Connecticut State University join the ROTC program hosted by the University of New Haven to earn officer training.

Reserve Centers

Connecticut hosts several Navy and Marine Corps Reserve centers:

Navy - Groton and Plainville (plus New London)
Marines - New Haven and Plainville

Placing a Navy center in Groton makes sense, it’s right by the submarine base, so reservists train alongside active-duty crews. Locations in busy areas like New Haven and Plainville help recruit more people from everyday jobs.

ROTC Programs

The military partners with colleges to train future officers:

UConn in Storrs runs Army and Air Force ROTC programs. Students take leadership classes, exercise and drill, then become officers after graduation.
The University of New Haven leads a regional Army program. It serves students from seven schools, including Yale, Fairfield and Quinnipiac. This network taps into Connecticut’s colleges to build a steady stream of new leaders.

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