FORT HOOD, Texas – Thousands of high school students from Dallas, Houston and around Central Texas will come to Fort Hood for three adrenaline-packed days of action and excitement March 25-27 at U.S. Army Experience (USAE) 2026. Comprised of two simultaneous events-Career Expo and Basic Training Challenge-USAE 2026 is an opportunity for high school students to learn about the exciting opportunities the Army has to offer.

Dallas-Area Football Powerhouse DeSoto High School Joins Other Texas Student-Athletes for Basic Training Challenge

The DeSoto High School Eagles football team, winners of three Class 6A state championships in the last four years, will join approximately 1,500 student-athletes from other Central Texas high schools to put their physical and mental toughness to the test in the Basic Training Challenge. Led by former Drill Sergeants from III Armored Corps, the student-athletes will get a chance to feel what it is like on the first day of Basic Combat Training.

Climb on an Abrams Main Battle Tank or Hop in an Apache Attack Helicopter

While the student-athletes are pushing hard in the Basic Training Challenge, thousands of other students will explore an impressive display of military vehicles and aircraft, including an M1 Abrams main battle tank, AH-64 Apache helicopter and dozens of other interactive vehicle and aircraft displays, at the neighboring Career Expo.

Join Us for Media Day

Accredited media are invited to attend this event and capture the excitement at a special media day on March 25. To RSVP, please email usarmy.hood.iii-corps.mbx.pao1@army.mil by 3 p.m. on March 24. A public affairs representative will meet media at the southside parking lot of the Marvin Leath Visitors Center at 8 a.m. March 25 for an escort to the event site.