Defense

• Wolf Technology Park - A major, 94-acre business/innovation park, supports long-term readiness at Fort Hood with nearby, mission-ready sites for defense contractors. The business park attracts advanced manufacturing, defense tech, research & development, logistics, and related industries.

• Workspace USA (in Killeen Industrial Park) – A flex space business park offering customizable office/warehouse units ideal for small businesses, light manufacturing, distribution, and professional services.

• Killeen Business Park – A long-established EDC-managed park with available industrial and commercial sites and buildings that host a range of employers and provide space for manufacturing, logistics, office/warehouse, and service industries.

• Interstate 14 (US-190) provides direct east–west connectivity across Central Texas.

• Interstate 35, located nearby, enables rapid north–south distribution to major state and national markets.

• Fort Hood Railhead features extensive rail yards for moving tanks and equipment, and the Army's first fully electric locomotive.

• Class I rail service from Union Pacific and BNSF Railway supports industrial and commercial freight.

• Killeen Regional Airport offers efficient domestic air travel and air cargo capabilities, enhancing time-sensitive shipments. 

• Major international airports in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio offer rapid access for personnel and equipment movement.

The defense ecosystem in Killeen is a collaborative environment with industry peers, service providers, and civic leadership working in alignment toward shared long-term goals. It extends beyond a single installation with regional partners and organizations working to sustain defense-related industries and installations. Local alliances and strategic partnerships benefit defense companies through advocacy, shared resources, and community support.

• A Department of Defense program that allows active-duty service members (within the last 180 days of service) to train with civilian employers as part of a transition to civilian careers. Training is typically full-time and industry-aligned, with the Army partner and employer paying training costs. 

• CSP placements often include apprenticeships and employment skills training with industry partners, jobs in manufacturing, logistics, technical fields, maintenance, etc. 

• A Department of Defense-approved SkillBridge training program tailored to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.

• The program offers accelerated certification training in Industrial Systems, Automation & Robotics, CNC Machining, Welding, Manufacturing Operations, Logistics, and related fields – all skills valuable to defense manufacturing and contractor jobs. 

• In partnership with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and others, graduates can earn multiple industry-recognized credentials.

• A SkillBridge-related welding training program through the United Association Veterans in Piping (VIP) organization.

• Offers an intensive welding course with industry certifications and direct apprenticeship opportunities in pipefitting and welding trades — valuable for defense contracting and manufacturing fields that require welding skills. 

• A scholarship-funded Industrial Automation Foundation Program led by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas and Temple College (near Killeen). 

• Focuses on Industrial Automation, Robotics, and manufacturing tech training with no tuition costs if scholarships cover training. 

• Central Texas College (CTC) – Associate degrees, certificates, and vocational/technical training in fields such as health sciences, business, technology, criminal justice, aviation, nursing, and more. Many programs include short-term certificates and credentials that prepare students for careers or further education. 

• DSDT College (Killeen campus) – Provides career-focused training programs including diplomas in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning and IT/cybersecurity certification preparation (e.g., Network+, Security+, CySA+), designed for students entering tech fields. 

• Nearby Colleges (Temple & Belton area) – Within driving distance, Temple College and Texas A&M University-Central Texas offer additional associate degrees and bachelor’s programs, supporting broader academic and technical education needs in the region.