Killeen, Texas – Home of America’s Defense Ecosystem
Anchored by Fort Hood, one of the world’s largest Army installations, Killeen is a leading hub for defense industry growth and innovation. The city offers direct access to military demand, a skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and collaborative partners.
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Fort Hood is a 214,968-acre installation and the only post in the United States with the ability to station and train two armored divisions. It is home to the III Corps, 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, and other significant commands.
Why Choose Killeen for a Defense Business?
A collaborative regional ecosystem with targeted development support
Direct access to military demand, from training support and logistics to equipment modernization and sustainment.
Innovative opportunities to work alongside Army units, training commands, and defense partners.
Robust regional support infrastructure, including supply chains, professional services, and technology parks
Generates significant regional economic impact and demand for defense products, services, and technologies
A ready, resilient workforce with military experience
Infrastructure That Supports Defense Growth
Located in the heart of Central Texas, Killeen sits within easy reach of major Texas markets and population centers. Its central position supports efficient business operations, access to talent, and strong connections across the region.
Technology and Business Parks
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.
Multimodal Access
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.
Rail & Air
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.
Cluster & Ecosystem Collaboration
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.
Workforce & Training
Killeen benefits from a steady pipeline of highly trained service members transitioning from military careers, bringing valuable experience in supply chain management, equipment operation, leadership, and logistics planning.
Fort Hood Career Skills Program (CSP) — SkillBridge Pathways
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.
Heroes MAKE America (Fort Hood/TSTC Programs)
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.
UA VIP Welding Training (via Fort Hood)
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.
Workforce Solutions / Temple College Industrial Automation Program
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.
Local College & Certification Programs
• 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.