Army Base Realignment and Closure

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Fort Chaffee


BRAC Summary: The Commission recommends that Fort Chaffee be returned to its semiactive status with an Active Component garrison to be used in support of Reserve Component training and that a permanent Joint Readiness Training Center be established at Fort Polk,Louisiana.

Property Description: Fort Chaffee is located in western Arkansas, adjacent to the city of Fort Smith in Sebastian County. Interstate 40 is five miles to the north on the opposite side of the Arkansas river. At the time of closure, it encompassed over 71,000 acres, which included varied terrain, numerous small arms ranges, and an artillery/aerial bombing impact area. At the time, it also encompassed land on both sides of the Arkansas River making it the only U.S. Army installation with a major navigable river flowing through it and an ideal site for river crossing training. Currently, it comprises 64,322 acres.

Last Page Update: July 15, 2026