Robinson Maneuver Training Center
| Company type | Military installation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Military training |
| Founded | 18 July 1917 |
| Headquarters | North Little Rock, Arkansas , United States |
Area served | United States (Arkansas National Guard) |
| Products | Military training and education |
Robinson Maneuver Training Center, also referred to as Camp Joseph T. Robinson, is an Arkansas Army National Guard facility situated in North Little Rock, within Pulaski County, Arkansas. This installation serves as the base for the Joint Force Headquarters of the Arkansas National Guard, the Headquarters of the Arkansas Air National Guard, the 77th Combat Aviation Brigade, the 87th Troop Command, and the Camp Pike U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Complex. The location encompasses three distinct National Guard training centers: the National Guard Professional Education Center (PEC), the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center (NGMTC), and the 233d Regiment (Regional Training Institute).
History
Originally established on 18 July 1917 under the name Camp Pike to honor Brigadier General Zebulon Pike, its construction was overseen by Major John R. Fordyce. The camp initially housed the 162d Depot Brigade and functioned as a mobilization point for the 87th Division during World War I. Between 1919 and 1921, it accommodated the 3rd Division prior to their transfer to Camp Lewis. Subsequently, control shifted to the Arkansas National Guard, which relocated its headquarters to the site in 1922. In 1937, the camp was renamed Camp Joseph T. Robinson in tribute to U.S. senator Joseph T. Robinson.
Expansion plans commenced in 1939 to prepare for World War II training needs. The original World War I-era buildings were torn down, and construction of a larger facility began late in 1940. Early in 1941, the 35th Infantry Division conducted training at the camp before deploying following the December attack on Pearl Harbor. By 1943, three prisoner of war compounds with a combined capacity of 4,000 beds were established for German captives; an additional fourth compound with 1,100 beds was added in 1945. Control of the camp reverted back to state authorities in 1946.
Units
Units stationed at Robinson include:
- 77th Combat Aviation Brigade
- 87th Troop Command Headquarters
- HHC, 87th Troop Command
- Recruiting and Retention Command
- 106th Army Band
- 61st Civil Support Team
- 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Brigade Headquarters
- HHC, Infantry Brigade Combat Team
- Company A, 239th Brigade Engineer Battalion
- Company D, 239th Brigade Engineer Battalion
- Joint Force Headquarters
- RMTC Institute Support Unit
- Army Aviation Support Facility
- Detachment 30, Operational Support Airlift Command
- Medical Command
- 233d Regiment (Regional Training Institute)
- National Guard Marksmanship Training Center
- 326th Trial Defense Team
National Guard Professional Education Center
The Professional Education Center (PEC) is located at Robinson and occupies a 75-acre site consisting of 25 buildings staffed by approximately 420 military and civilian personnel. Annually, it delivers training to more than 20,000 service members and hosts over 5,000 participants from the National Guard, Army Reserve, Active Army, Department of Defense, as well as various state and federal agencies. PEC organizes conferences featuring training sessions lasting from three to five days covering topics such as mobilizations, deployments, operational standards, tactics, leadership development, and other essential subjects. Notable events held here include the Army National Guard Senior Commanders' Conference, FORSCOM Command Readiness Program Conference, Winston P. Wilson Marksmanship Competition, among others.
National Guard Marksmanship Training Center
The Marksmanship Training Center (MTC) provides foundational training aimed at improving unit-level marksmanship capabilities throughout the Army and Air National Guard. It addresses collective training demands identified by NGB-ART-I and ARPRINT for the Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and Active Component, aligning with the Army’s Modular Force strategy. The MTC conducts marksmanship instruction and competitive events that focus on combat proficiency extending beyond fundamental shooting skills to boost battlefield effectiveness. Additionally, it manages Army SNIPER training programs by offering training support, conducting validation and mobile team assistance visits, performing quality assurance, as well as facilitating assessments and accreditation processes. The center also develops course materials tailored to current Army training requirements and the Contemporary Operating Environment (COE), while delivering operational, administrative, logistical, and resource management support as authorized by The Adjutant General (TAG).
Regional Training Institute
The 233d Regiment (Regional Training Institute) originated in 1957 with the inaugural Officer Candidate Class. Over nearly four decades, the Arkansas Military Academy earned a distinguished reputation within the Arkansas National Guard for producing highly qualified Army officers. Presently, the RTI trains Soldiers from all 54 States and Territories.
In 1984, General Herbert Temple established a two-week Battle Skills School designed to enhance soldiers’ combat capabilities critical for modern warfare. This program provided nationwide training in survival techniques and small unit tactics for ten years.
Established in October 1994, the 233d RTI merged the Arkansas Military Academy and Battle Skills School under the Total Army School System framework. Its responsibilities encompass infantry, artillery, communications specialties training, non-commissioned officer education, and officer candidate schooling. Ranking as the Army’s second-largest infantry school after Fort Benning, the 233d RTI graduated approximately 1,930 Soldiers during Fiscal Year 2006.