FORT HOOD
ARMY
Killeen, TX
United States
FORT HOOD
ARMY
Killeen, TX
United States
Fort Hood
The Great Place
Base Essentials
Home of III Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division near Killeen, TX, Fort Cavazos is one of the Army's largest installations — a self-contained community with high operational tempo and central Texas's low cost of living.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
FORSCOM
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
214,000
Active Duty
36,000
Civilian
8,000
Population
450,000
Economic Impact
$7.5 billion
Fort Hood History
Named AfterGeneral John Bell Hood (Confederate)
Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, was established in 1942 as a tank destroyer training center. Renamed Fort Cavazos in 2023 in honor of General Richard E. Cavazos, the Army's first Hispanic four-star general, replacing its Confederate namesake, it is one of the largest active-duty armored installations in the world. It is home to III Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division, among other major units. The installation was the subject of intense scrutiny following a series of soldier deaths and safety failures that led to major reforms in command climate and accountability. Fort Cavazos remains central to the Army's heavy armored force.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
III Armored Corps
—
—
1st Cavalry Division
—
—
3rd Cavalry Regiment
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Camp Hood Opens as Tank Destroyer Training Center
1950
Congress Designates Camp Hood a Permanent Fort
1954
III Corps Arrives; First Two-Division Post in U.S.
1990
1st Cavalry Division Deploys to Desert Shield/Storm
2023
Post Renamed Fort Cavazos Honoring First Hispanic Four-Star General
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1942
Camp Hood Opens as Tank Destroyer Training Center
On January 14, 1942, the Army announced a Tank Destroyer Tactical and Firing Center would be built near Killeen, Texas, and Camp Hood officially opened on September 18, 1942. Named for Confederate General John Bell Hood, the post grew explosively: by late 1942 it housed roughly 45,000 troops, peaking at nearly 95,000 in mid-1943.
1950
Congress Designates Camp Hood a Permanent Fort
Following its wartime drawdown and continued use as a training site, Congress formally elevated Camp Hood to permanent installation status as Fort Hood in 1950. This designation secured the post's long-term future and authorized construction of permanent facilities, laying the groundwork for Fort Hood to become one of the most significant armored warfare installations in the U.S. Army.
1954
III Corps Arrives; First Two-Division Post in U.S.
In mid-1954, III Corps transferred from Camp Roberts, California, to Fort Hood, making it the only installation in the nation simultaneously hosting two active Army divisions. The 1st Cavalry Division and 2nd Armored Division both called Fort Hood home, giving it an unmatched armored combat power concentration during the Cold War.
1990
1st Cavalry Division Deploys to Desert Shield/Storm
In August 1990, following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the 1st Cavalry Division was alerted and deployed from Fort Hood to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield. During the ground war in February 1991, the division executed a feint along the Wadi al Batin and then drove 300 kilometers in 24 hours to smash through Republican Guard formations.
2023
Post Renamed Fort Cavazos Honoring First Hispanic Four-Star General
On May 9, 2023, Fort Hood was officially redesignated Fort Cavazos in honor of General Richard E. Cavazos, a native Texan and the U.S. Army's first Hispanic four-star general, who had commanded III Corps at the post from 1980 to 1982. The renaming was part of the congressionally mandated Naming Commission effort to remove Confederate-linked names from military installations.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Hood.
Fort Hood Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Hood.
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 Fort Hood.
Information
Base Mobility 2.0: How Microtransit Is Replacing “Just Walk” Culture on Military Bases
Read
Military News
Gen. Richard Cavazos Awarded Medal of Honor Posthumously
Read
Information
Vanessa Guillén Family Challenges Donald Trump Allegations
Read
Information
30 of the Best Fort Cavazos Restaurants
Read
Information
30 of the Best Things to Do in Fort Cavazos
Read
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Hood.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
ACS Relocation Assistance / Marvin Leath Visitors Welcome Center
Phone
(254) 287-3663Hours
Mon–Wed, Fri: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Thu: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Visitors Center: daily 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
In-Processing
All Soldiers report to the Installation Reception Center (IRC) at Building 16008, 42nd Street, which operates 24/7. Enter through Bernie Beck Gate, follow T.J. Mills Boulevard to Old Ironsides Avenue, turn right on 42nd Street. Phone: (254) 449-3976 or email pcsfortcavazos@army.mil.
In-processing follows a 5-day cycle in cohorts of up to 90 Soldiers: Day 1 includes Physical Health Assessment, Housing, EFMP, and Finance briefings with Smart Voucher completion. Day 2 is dental screening at Dental Clinic 3. Day 3 covers medical in-processing and Soldier Readiness Processing. Day 4 includes sponsorship sign-out, resilience briefings, education services, and family advocacy.
The III Armored Corps Commanding General's Newcomers Brief is held Thursdays at the Lone Star Conference Center, covering corps history and USAG resources. Finance in-processing briefings run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 1:00–2:30 PM. Bring five copies of assignment orders, leave forms, dental records, military ID, and weapon registration if applicable. Personnel with firearms must register at the Visitors Welcome Center before accessing post.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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 Fort Hood.
On-post housing at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) is managed by Lendlease, which operates one of the largest military housing portfolios in the U.S. Army with thousands of family units spread across communities including Comanche VI, Hood Heights, and Canyon Lakes — offering 2- to 5-bedroom homes organized by rank. Communities feature modern amenities including u…
Local Market
$1,350/mo
rent
/
$225,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
Loading calculator...
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around Fort Hood
82
18% Below National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
Open Calculator
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Hood.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
2
Elementary Schools
View schools
2
High Schools
View schools
3
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Fort Cavazos — still listed as Fort Hood in many systems — anchors the Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood metro area in Central Texas. Killeen is the primary military community, but Harker Heights and Copperas Cove offer quieter alternatives, and Georgetown/Round Rock (Austin suburb) serves families willing to endure the commute for Central Texas's best schools and city amenities.
Harker Heights
Suburban
Harker Heights is consistently rated the most desirable community in the Fort Cavazos area for military families. It sits just north of Killeen with notably better schools, lower crime, newer housing stock, and a more polished suburban feel. Many senior NCOs and officers settle here for the combination of quick base access and a noticeably higher quality of life than central Killeen.
Commute: 10–15 min
Gate: Clear Creek Gate
Schools: Killeen ISD
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Parks, newer retail, and a quieter residential environment set it apart from Killeen. Dana Peak Park on Stillhouse Hollow Lake is 15 min away for boating and hiking. Strong community among the large military-family population.
Copperas Cove
Small Town
Copperas Cove is a budget-friendly option for Fort Cavazos families who want to stretch their BAH. It sits northwest of the base and offers some of the most affordable homes and rentals in the Central Texas military corridor. Schools fall under Copperas Cove ISD, which has a solid reputation separate from Killeen. The community is almost entirely military, giving it a familiar feel.
Commute: 15–20 min
Gate: West Fort Hood Gate
Schools: Copperas Cove ISD
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Single service members
Affordable housing with low property taxes makes this a smart financial move. Access to Stillhouse Hollow Lake for fishing, boating, and camping. Close-knit military community with active family support networks.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Hood.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Texas has no state income tax. All military pay — active duty, retirement, and Reserve/Guard — is completely untaxed at…
Spouse Income Tax
No state income tax means MSRRA has no practical effect. Military spouses owe zero Texas income tax on wages regardless…
Vehicle Registration
Texas does not exempt military members from the state motor vehicle sales and use tax (6.25%). SCRA protects nonresident…
Property Tax
100% permanently disabled veterans receive a full homestead property tax exemption with no dollar cap — the most generou…
Pet Policies at Fort Hood
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Hood.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Fort Cavazos Veterinary Center
Phone
(254) 287-2823Hours
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed 12–1 PM); Thu 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
13
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Fort Hood.
Commissary
2
Clear Creek Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
PX
Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 9am–6pm
Medical
1
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Hood.
01
How many commissaries are on base?
Fort Hood has 2 commissary locations: Clear Creek Commissary and Warrior Way Commissary. All accept Click2Go online ordering for curbside pickup.
Read answer
02
Is there a PX on base?
Yes, Fort Hood has a PX (Post Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders. Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 9am–6pm.
Read answer
03
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center is the primary military treatment hospital serving Fort Hood. Call (254) 288-8000 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
Read answer
04
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Fort Hood has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
Read answer
05
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Fort Hood has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
Read answer
06
What school district serves the base?
Killeen Independent School District (rated C (Niche)) serves most military families at Fort Hood. Visit killeenisd.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
Read answer
07
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Fort Hood restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
Read answer
08
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, Chaffee Village Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at Fort Hood.
Read answer
09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Fort Hood has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
Read answer
10
Is military pay taxed in Texas?
Texas has no state income tax, so military members at Fort Hood owe no state taxes on military pay, allowances, or retirement income.
Read answer
11
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.
Read answer
12
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 Fort Hood.
Read answer
13
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.
Read answer
14
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 Fort Hood.
Read answer
Question
More ARMY Installations
Explore other ARMY bases and installations.
Aberdeen Proving Ground
Aberdeen, MD
Anniston Army Depot
Anniston, AL
Brooke Army Medical Center
San Antonio, TX
Camp Humphreys
Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi
Carlisle Barracks
Carlisle, PA
Detroit Arsenal
Warren, MI
Fort Barfoot
Blackstone, VA
Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir, VA
Fort Benning
Columbus, GA
Fort Bliss
El Paso, TX
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg, NC
Fort Buchanan
Guaynabo, PR
Fort Campbell
Fort Campbell, KY
Fort Carson
Colorado Springs, CO
Fort Detrick
Frederick, MD
Fort Devens
Devens, MA
Fort Drum
Watertown, NY
Fort Gordon
Augusta, GA
Fort Greely
Delta Junction, AK
Fort Hamilton
Brooklyn, NY
Fort Huachuca
Sierra Vista, AZ
Fort Indiantown Gap
Annville, PA
Fort Irwin
Fort Irwin, CA
Fort Jackson
Columbia, SC
Fort Knox
Fort Knox, KY
Fort Leavenworth
Leavenworth, KS
Fort Lee
Prince George, VA
Fort Leonard Wood
Waynesville, MO
Fort McCoy
Fort McCoy, WI
Fort McPherson
Atlanta, GA
Fort Meade
Fort Meade, MD
Fort Polk
Leesville, LA
Fort Riley
Junction City, KS
Fort Rucker
Ozark, AL
Fort Sam Houston
San Antonio, TX
Fort Shafter
Honolulu, HI
Fort Sill
Lawton, OK
Fort Stewart
Hinesville, GA
Fort Wainwright
Fairbanks, AK
Hawaii – Army
Honolulu, HI
Natick Soldier Systems Center
Natick, MA
Pentagon
Arlington, VA
Picatinny Arsenal
Wharton, NJ
Presidio of Monterey
Monterey, CA
Redstone Arsenal
Huntsville, AL
Reynolds Army Health Clinic
Fort Sill, OK
Rock Island Arsenal
Rock Island, IL
Schofield Barracks/Wheeler Army Airfield
Wahiawa, HI
TRIPLER Army Community Hospital
Honolulu, HI
Tobyhanna Army Depot
Tobyhanna, PA
USAG Miami
Doral, FL
Walter Reed National Medical Center
Bethesda, MD
West Point
West Point, NY
White Sands Missile Range
White Sands, NM
Yuma Proving Ground
Yuma, AZ
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.