WHAT WE DO:
The Southwestern Division supports five of the six U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mission areas—Civil Works, Military Missions, Environmental, Emergency Operations, Research and Development, and Sustainability—delivering comprehensive solutions across the full spectrum of our responsibilities.
CIVIL WORKS: The Southwestern Division’s Civil Works mission spans all or portions of six states—an area covering roughly 376,300 square miles, about 10% of the nation’s land, and home to 36.3 million people (11% of the U.S. population, based on 2020 data). Our Civil Works program delivers comprehensive water resource solutions, including planning, design, construction, and the operation and maintenance of projects that support water supply, flood risk management, navigation, ecosystem restoration, hydropower, recreation, and other water-related needs.
MILITARY MISSIONS:
CONUS Operations
The Southwestern Division’s continental U.S. (CONUS) military mission spans four states—Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas—encompassing nearly 440,000 square miles and supporting close to one-fifth of the Nation’s military activities. The division delivers comprehensive engineering, construction, and environmental management services to 11 Army and 11 Air Force installations. Our work includes designing and managing new facility construction, rehabilitating aging infrastructure, and solving complex engineering challenges. These efforts ensure mission readiness, enhance training capabilities, and support the quality of life for service members and their families.
OCONUS Operations
Beyond our borders, the division’s overseas (OCONUS) military mission supports Combatant Commands in advancing national security objectives and strategic interests. As a designated Department of Defense construction agent, the division provides programmatic policy guidance and manages worldwide military construction programs, ensuring efficient and effective project delivery in support of global operations.
Contingency Operations
Support to military actions requiring rapid deployment of the full spectrum of military forces in support of national policy short of war. Delivering agile, responsive, and innovative, design, construction, engineering and contingency solutions maximizing the combat potential of the force, balanced against the many uncertainties of a rapidly developing operation undertaken when vital national interests are at stake.
INTERNATIONAL & INTERAGENCY: Integrate capabilities and expertise across the organization to enable our international and interagency partners to focus on their primary mission goals and objectives. Leverage our global presence, unique authorities, enduring relationships, and enterprise processes to deliver scalable solutions at home and abroad.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supports disaster response under the National Response Framework as the coordinator for Emergency Support Function #3 – Public Works and Engineering. USACE also assists during floods and other water-related emergencies under Public Law 84-99. Within the Southwestern Division, four districts—Fort Worth, Galveston, Little Rock, and Tulsa—aid their regions and deploy nationwide in support of FEMA operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL: The Southwestern Division manages over one million acres and 1,000 miles of shoreline, restoring wetlands, protecting habitats, improving water quality, and managing erosion, invasive species, and cultural resources. Guided by USACE's Environmental Operating Principles, our Civil Works projects emphasize sustainability, accountability, and public engagement. We also provide environmental engineering and management services to military installations and federal partners—delivered directly, through contracts, or in coordination with other USACE elements. Strong partnerships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders are key to our success.
SUSTAINABILITY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delivers vital engineering services in peace and war—strengthening national security, boosting the economy, and reducing disaster risk. Committed to sustainability, public safety, and strong partnerships, the Southwestern Division supports USACE goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, potable water use, and fleet size without compromising mission readiness. The Southwestern Division aligns with the USACE Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan (FY 2011–2020), advancing the 10 goals set by the Office of Management and Budget and the White House Council on Environmental Quality. The Fort Worth District leads the division’s Regional Energy Center of Expertise, providing energy and sustainability solutions—from technical support and program management to financing strategies. These efforts drive progress toward NetZero installations across the region.