CARLISLE BARRACKS
ARMY
Carlisle, PA
United States
CARLISLE BARRACKS
ARMY
Carlisle, PA
United States
Carlisle Barracks
Base Essentials
Home of the U.S. Army War College in historic central Pennsylvania — a prestige assignment for senior officers and civilians near Harrisburg, with a small footprint and strong academic environment.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
TRADOC
Status
Active
Est.
1757
Acres
500
Active Duty
2,000
Civilian
1,500
Population
60,000
Economic Impact
$500 million
Carlisle Barracks History
Carlisle Barracks in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is one of the oldest military installations in the United States, with origins dating to 1757. It has served as a munitions depot, a cavalry school, and an Indian Industrial School in the 19th century. Today it is home to the U.S. Army War College, the Army's premier senior leader education institution, as well as the Army Heritage and Education Center. The installation focuses on strategic education, military history, and senior leader development. Carlisle Barracks will continue its educational mission as a cornerstone of Army professional military education.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
U.S. Army War College
—
—
Army Heritage and Education Center
—
—
Historic Timeline
1757
Established as British Frontier Post
1863
Confederate Forces Burn the Barracks
1879
Carlisle Indian Industrial School Opens
1951
U.S. Army War College Relocates to Carlisle
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1757
Established as British Frontier Post
Carlisle Barracks was established in 1757 as a forward military camp during the French and Indian Wars, making it one of the oldest military installations in the United States.
1863
Confederate Forces Burn the Barracks
Confederate cavalry under General J.E.B. Stuart occupied Carlisle on June 27, 1863, and burned the barracks while retreating toward Gettysburg. The destruction required significant post-war reconstruction.
1879
Carlisle Indian Industrial School Opens
The Carlisle Indian Industrial School formally opened on November 1, 1879, enrolling more than 7,800 children from 140 Native American tribes over nearly four decades of operation.
1951
U.S. Army War College Relocates to Carlisle
The U.S. Army War College — the Army's senior professional military education institution, originally founded in 1901 — relocated to Carlisle Barracks in 1951 and has remained its permanent home ever since.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Carlisle Barracks.
Carlisle Barracks Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Carlisle Barracks.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Carlisle Barracks.
Information
Carlisle Barracks: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Carlisle Barracks Schools: Daycare - High School
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21 of the Best Things To Do Near Carlisle Barracks
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19 of the Best Carlisle Barracks Restaurants
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Carlisle Barracks Housing: 9 On-Post Options
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Carlisle Barracks.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
U.S. Army War College G-1 Personnel Office (Anne Ely Hall)
Phone
(717) 245-3615Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
All permanent party personnel and Army War College students report first to the G-1 Personnel Office in Anne Ely Hall, Room 233, during duty hours (Mon–Fri, 0730–1630). Students receive a personalized token via email granting access to the online in-processing portal, which should be completed before arrival. No duty uniform is required for the initial sign-in.
After signing in at Anne Ely Hall, personnel proceed to Building 22 (second floor) for DEERS/ID card services and travel pay processing. The garrison toll-free information line is 1-800-453-0992 (Mon–Fri, 0700–2300). Personnel arriving after hours or on weekends contact the Carlisle Barracks Police at (717) 245-4342.
Carlisle Barracks is a small installation supporting the Army War College. International Fellows and civilian faculty have separate in-processing pipelines coordinated by the AWC G-1. Confirm reporting instructions with your gaining unit or the G-1 prior to arrival.
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Temporary Lodging Details
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Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Carlisle Barracks.
Carlisle Barracks offers on-post family housing managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, with limited inventory given the installation's small permanent-party population — primarily U.S. Army War College students, faculty, and staff. Demand for on-post units is competitive during USAWC academic cycles. The surrounding Carlisle/Cumberland County area offers a range of…
Local Market
$1,400/mo
rent
/
$265,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Carlisle Barracks
90
10% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Carlisle Barracks.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
1
Middle Schools
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1
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Carlisle Barracks, home of the Army War College, draws mid-to-senior grade officers and their families to the Cumberland Valley of central Pennsylvania. The surrounding communities offer a mix of small-town charm, suburban convenience, and access to the broader Harrisburg metro via I-81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Carlisle
Small Town
The barracks sits inside the borough of Carlisle, making it the most convenient option for staff who walk or bike to work. Dickinson College anchors a lively downtown with restaurants, coffee shops, and cultural events. Housing includes historic properties near the town center and newer construction on the borough's edges.
Commute: 5 min
Schools: Carlisle Area School District
Families with kids
Retirees
Pet owners
Walkable downtown, Dickinson College events, historic neighborhoods, farmers market
Mechanicsburg
Suburban
A popular suburban choice about 20 minutes east toward Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg offers strong Cumberland Valley School District ratings, newer townhome developments, and easy access to the Camp Hill and Harrisburg shopping corridors. Many War College families land here for the schools and commute balance.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: Cumberland Valley School District
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Top-rated schools, suburban amenities, easy Turnpike access, multiple dining and retail options
Shippensburg
Small Town
A quieter option 25 minutes southwest of Carlisle on I-81, Shippensburg is home to Shippensburg University and offers the lowest housing costs in the area. Ideal for families who prioritize space and a small-town feel over proximity to urban amenities. Good I-81 corridor access for the commute.
Commute: 28 min
Schools: Shippensburg Area School District
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Most affordable housing near Carlisle Barracks, SU campus events, low traffic, nearby state forests
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Carlisle Barracks.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Pennsylvania fully exempts active duty military pay from Pennsylvania income tax for Pennsylvania legal residents under…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Pennsylvania for Pennsylvania income tax purpose…
Vehicle Registration
Pennsylvania charges a 6% sales tax on vehicle purchases. Military members who are not Pennsylvania legal residents may…
Property Tax
Pennsylvania property taxes are set at the county, municipal, and school district levels. Cumberland County (Carlisle Ba…
Pet Policies at Carlisle Barracks
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Carlisle Barracks.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Carlisle Barracks.
Commissary
1
Carlisle Barracks Commissary
Exchange
PX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
Dunham U.S. Army Health Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Carlisle Barracks.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Claremont Gate (Main Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Carlisle Barracks.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Carlisle Barracks.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.