Ft Dix BCT

• Historic Origins: Fort Dix was established in 1917 as Camp Dix, named after Major General John Adams Dix, a Civil War general and former New York Governor. • WWI Training Hub: During World War I, it served as a major training and staging ground for over 150,000 soldiers heading to Europe. • Transformation for WWII: In World War II, Fort Dix became a key site for basic combat training (BCT) and processed over 1.3 million soldiers. • Changing Roles: Over the decades, it has shifted roles multiple times—supporting the Army, Air Force, and now the joint base with McGuire AFB and Lakehurst. • Vietnam War Era: During the Vietnam War, soldiers trained at Fort Dix before deploying to Southeast Asia, making it a critical part of the war effort. • Notable BCT Experience: Many recruits remember the infamous "Dix Dust"—the sandy soil that seemed to get into everything during basic training. • Integration Landmark: Fort Dix was among the first Army posts to fully integrate African-American troops during World War II. • Pop Culture Connection: The base was referenced in movies like "Stripes" and even inspired a Saturday Night Live skit with the phrase, "Live from Fort Dix, New Jersey, it's Saturday night!" • Massive Induction: At its peak during the Vietnam War, Fort Dix processed more than 300,000 new soldiers a year for basic training. • Enduring Legacy: Today, as part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Fort Dix continues to play a vital role in training and mobilizing U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard units.