Barksdale Air Force BaseNational Cyber Research Park & Cyber Innovation CenterCamp Minden
The defense sector represents one of the largest employers in North Louisiana. Barksdale Air Force Base, located south of Bossier City, employs nearly 11,000 people and generates an annual economic impact of $753.8 million. Barksdale is home to the "Mighty Eighth" Air Force of World War II fame, the 2nd Bomb Wing, 2nd Operations Group, 2nd Maintenance Group, 2nd Mission Support Group, the 2nd Medical Group, Eighth Air Force Museum (which maintains historical aircrafts and artifacts), the Air Force Reserve's 917th Wing, and most recently the Global Strike Command.
In 2009, North Louisiana beat out five other states to win the Air Force's newest command, Global Strike Command (AFGSC), which was activated at Barksdale. AFGSC is projected to create around 1,000 new jobs. Global Strike Command's mission is to develop and provide combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations. It is responsible for the nation's three intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the two B-52 wings and the only B-2 wing.
Created to support the Global Strike Command and other defense-related interests, the 3,000 acre National Cyber Research Park (NCRP) provides a physical location for government, private industry, and academia to collaborate, perform leading research, and develop state-of-the-art technologies. NCRP is strategically located next to Barksdale Air Force Base (Barksdale) in Bossier City, Louisiana, along Interstate 20 and Highway 80. This location provides easy access for companies located at the park. Phase 1 of the research park is the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) headquarters, located immediately east of Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC). CIC includes approximately 500,000 square feet of total office space and is a joint project between Bossier City, Bossier Parish and the State of Louisiana. The Cyber Innovation Center focuses on protecting our nation’s interest by becoming a leader in cyberspace and cyber infrastructure research and technology development. CIC also serves as catalyst for the development and expansion of a knowledge-based workforce throughout the region.
Camp Minden, a former ammunition plant, was reinvented as a military training facility and a base for economic development. In 2004, the plant was facing closure by the Department of Defense. But instead of closing the facility, it was transferred to the State of Louisiana, with the agreement that 13,500 acres would be used for military training and the remainder for economic development. In 2005, Camp Minden – a unique, dual-purpose facility – was born. Based at the Camp is the National Guard’s 1083rd Transportation Company, outfitted with Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), cargo and personnel carriers. The camp trains several hundred soldiers a year on these vehicles A growing industrial community utilizes the remaining 1,500 acres of Camp Minden. More than 20 companies are located at the camp, including six explosives manufacturers – who uniquely appreciate the former load lines – the Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center and warehousing companies. East Camden Highlands Railroad uses the camp’s 65 miles of track to store railroad cars. Northwest Louisiana Technical College teaches its heavy-equipment and truck-driving classes on the campus. For more information, contact Colonel Ronnie Stuckey at (318) 382-4183 or ronnie.stuckey@la.ngb.army.mil.