Oklahoma is known as one of the leading centers for military training in the United States.

When thinking of military images, people often picture military bases in Texas, but in reality, Oklahoma has a diverse range of military facilities, including the Air Force, Army, and National Guard, evenly distributed throughout the state. It serves not just as a training ground but as an educational hub where soldiers from around the world come to learn skills and strategies.

The most famous location is Fort Sill, near Lawton in southwestern Oklahoma.

Here, recruits undergo training for about 10 weeks. They learn the basics of being a soldier, including firearm usage, marching, combat techniques, teamwork training, and physical conditioning. Notably, the training at Fort Sill is famous not only for physical training but also for 'mental resilience training.' This is where recruits internalize the discipline of military life and experience the process of 'transitioning from civilian to soldier.'

The intensity of the training is quite high. Recruits wake up early for runs, engage in shooting or outdoor tactical training during the day, and march or stand guard at night. Trainees fire their first M16 rifles here and roll in the mud to learn the 'basics of the U.S. Army.'

Fort Sill is particularly known as the basic training center for artillery units, so most recruits assigned to Field Artillery begin their training here. Therefore, the training program includes basic training in handling actual artillery. For example, they learn the fundamentals of the M777 howitzer or the HIMARS rocket system, and they also practice loading real shells and target acquisition training.

Additionally, this place is renowned as the U.S. Army's representative artillery school, known as the 'U.S. Army Field Artillery School,' where soldiers from around the world come to learn artillery tactics and shooting techniques. Officers trained here are active in combat zones around the world. They create environments that mimic actual combat, repeating artillery shooting training during the day and operational simulations at night.

Another essential location is Tinker Air Force Base of the U.S. Air Force.

Located southeast of Oklahoma City, this base opened in 1941 and has now developed into the largest aviation maintenance and logistics support facility in the central southern United States. Tinker Base is responsible for the maintenance of large aircraft such as the B-52 bomber and KC-135 tanker.

To the north is Altus Air Force Base. This base primarily handles air refueling and transport aircraft pilot training. They train with massive transport and refueling aircraft like the KC-135 and C-17, with pilots from the U.S. and allied nations participating together. The training of transferring fuel in the sky over thousands of kilometers with a single aircraft is incredibly delicate and dangerous, so the training here is conducted more meticulously than in actual combat. Altus is referred to as the "University in the Sky" due to its role as a technical school for the Air Force.

Near Enid is Vance Air Force Base, known as the cradle of pilot training. This is where young officers first take the controls. They alternate between flight simulators and actual training aircraft to learn piloting skills, as well as flight tactics and combat training. Vance Base showcases dozens of training aircraft taking off and landing daily.

In addition, Oklahoma has various National Guard bases and reserve training facilities scattered throughout the state. The Oklahoma National Guard trains thousands of soldiers and officers each year, also preparing for disaster response and overseas deployments. Given the region's frequent natural disasters like tornadoes and heavy snowfall, civil defense and rescue training are conducted very systematically.

The reason Oklahoma has developed into a center for military training is not simply due to its vast land. Its central location makes it convenient to travel anywhere in the country, and the relatively mild climate allows for training throughout most of the year. Additionally, the state government actively supports military industries and training facilities, leading to an increase in military-related jobs and significantly benefiting the local economy.

Thus, the skies over Oklahoma are always filled with training aircraft, and the sound of artillery echoes across the plains. Local residents warmly welcome soldiers and military families, which has earned this area the nickname 'Military Town.'