Boosting the caliber of Augusta’s workforce and its economic vigor is the Army Signal Corp Training School and intelligence installation at Fort Gordon, the largest and most technologically advanced communications, electronics and information technology training center in the world. About 800 well-trained IT professionals enter Augusta’s workforce every year as a product of Fort Gordon’s foundation in the CSRA. New to Fort Gordon, the area’s largest employer, is the Microsoft IT Academy. The partnership between the mega computer software company and the U.S. Army will create a means for soldiers to learn more about leading technologies unique to military roles. Each year, about 2,500 soldiers will gain Microsoft certifications through the academy, which is the first of its kind located on a military installation. Fort Gordon was chosen for this endeavor because it already is established as a site of IT development. Additionally, the National Security Administration is completing their $400 million facility at Fort Gordon, which will eventually employ nearly 4,000 people.

More than 27,000 military retirees reside in the Augusta area, earning millions in retirement pay. Not only do these retirees put dollars into the local community, they also add significant skills to the workforce when they seek local jobs. Many of them are highly trained in communications technology and others have extensive medical experience through the on-base Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, which offers medical and dental residency programs.

As an integral part of the Augusta community, Fort Gordon has several amenities open to the general public, including a golf course, bowling alley and dinner theater. The Signal Corps Band, officially known as the 434th Army Band, performs during holidays and at many local events during the year. Additionally, one of Richmond County’s top elementary schools, Freedom Park Elementary, is located on 25 acres of Fort Gordon property.