FORT JACKSON
ARMY
Columbia, SC
United States
FORT JACKSON
ARMY
Columbia, SC
United States
Fort Jackson
Home of Basic Combat Training
Base Essentials
The Army's largest Initial Entry Training installation outside Columbia, SC — a high-throughput training environment in a full-service city with mild climate and a strong military community.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
TRADOC
Status
Active
Est.
1917
Acres
52,000
Active Duty
3,500
Civilian
6,000
Population
840,000
Economic Impact
$2.2 billion
Fort Jackson History
Named AfterMajor General Andrew Jackson (later President)
Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, was established in 1917 and is the largest and most active Initial Entry Training center in the U.S. Army. Approximately 50,000 soldiers complete Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson each year, representing about half of the Army's total. The installation also hosts the Soldier Support Institute, the Army Chaplain Center and School, and the Drill Sergeant Academy. Its training mission has made it one of the most visible installations in the Army's recruiting and accessions pipeline.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
U.S. Army Training Center
—
—
Soldier Support Institute
—
—
Army Chaplain Center and School
—
—
Historic Timeline
1917
Camp Jackson Established for WWI Training
1940
Redesignated Fort Jackson; Reactivated for WWII
1956
Designated U.S. Army Training Center
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1917
Camp Jackson Established for WWI Training
Construction began June 2, 1917, after the War Department approved a training center near Columbia, SC, named for President Andrew Jackson. The camp trained the 81st "Wildcat" Infantry Division and saw over 2,000 buildings constructed in its first year.
1940
Redesignated Fort Jackson; Reactivated for WWII
In August 1940, the installation was redesignated Fort Jackson and reactivated as a permanent Army post ahead of WWII mobilization. Eight Army divisions trained at Fort Jackson during the war.
1956
Designated U.S. Army Training Center
On March 16, 1956, Fort Jackson was officially designated the U.S. Army Training Center, Infantry, codifying its identity as the Army's leading initial entry training installation. It now trains approximately 50% of all soldiers entering the Army each year.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Jackson.
Fort Jackson Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Jackson.
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 Jackson.
Information
Fort Jackson SC: Your Ultimate Guide
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Information
Fort Jackson Basic Training Prep Course Will Help You Shed Pounds
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Enjoy the Outdoors at the Sesquicentennial State Park
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iSportsman Fort Jackson Takes Care of All Your Outdoor Rec Needs
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How To Get Your Rx at the Fort Jackson Pharmacy
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Jackson.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Soldier Support Center — Military Personnel Division
Phone
(803) 751-7241Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1600
In-Processing
Report to Room 200, 5450 Strom Thurmond Boulevard, Fort Jackson, SC, during duty hours (Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, closed 1st/3rd Thursday 1:30–5:00 PM).
If arriving after duty hours, report to the IHG Army Hotel / Welcome Center at 7550 Benning Road to sign in, then proceed to in-processing the next duty day.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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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 Jackson.
On-post housing at Fort Jackson is managed by Fort Jackson Family Homes and includes 8 neighborhoods with 2–5 bedroom single-family homes, townhomes, and duplexes. Contact the Army Housing Service Office (AHSO) immediately upon receipt of orders to get on the waitlist. Columbia, SC is one of the most affordable PCS destinations in the Army. Off-post families can fin…
Local Market
$1,350/mo
rent
/
$225,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Fort Jackson
82
18% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Jackson.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
Elementary Schools
Coming soon
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Middle Schools
Coming soon
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High Schools
Coming soon
Coming soon
Colleges & Universities
Coming soon
Coming soon
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Fort Jackson is the Army's primary Basic Combat Training installation, embedded within the Columbia, South Carolina metro area. Most permanent-party and staff families choose communities in Richland or Lexington counties, with Lexington County schools frequently cited as the primary reason families cross the county line. Columbia offers urban amenities, the University of South Carolina, and a growing food and arts scene.
Irmo / Lake Murray
Suburban
Irmo and the Lake Murray area in Lexington County are the most popular destinations for Fort Jackson families who prioritize schools and quality of life. Lexington County schools consistently rank among the best in South Carolina, the lake provides year-round recreation, and the neighborhoods are newer, safer, and more polished than most of Columbia proper.
Commute: 20–30 min
Gate: Moncrief Gate / Main Gate
Schools: Lexington School District 5
Families with kids
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
Dual military
Lake Murray is one of South Carolina's premier recreational lakes. Harbison State Forest offers hiking right in the suburbs. One of the best quality-of-life areas near any Army training post.
Northeast Columbia
Suburban
Northeast Columbia offers the most affordable and convenient off-post living for Fort Jackson soldiers. It sits closest to the main gate with a high density of military families, supporting services, and rental housing at every price point. Richland County schools are adequate for most families.
Commute: 10–15 min
Gate: Main Gate (Two Notch Rd)
Schools: Richland School District Two
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Maximum gate convenience and strong military community density. Sesquicentennial State Park is close for outdoor recreation. Columbia's restaurants and downtown are easily accessible.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Jackson.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
South Carolina taxes active duty pay of SC residents (home of record = SC) at graduated rates up to 6%. Nonresident serv…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in SC, who share the same state of domicile, are ex…
Vehicle Registration
Nonresident active duty service members stationed in SC are exempt from the vehicle license tax (personal property tax)…
Property Tax
100% permanently service-connected disabled veterans and Medal of Honor recipients are exempt from property taxes on the…
Resources
Pet Policies at Fort Jackson
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Jackson.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Fort Jackson Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(803) 751-7160Hours
Mon–Fri 8:30 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 Jackson.
Commissary
1
Fort Jackson Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
PX
Medical
1
Moncrief Army Health Clinic — Clinic
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 Jackson.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 2 (Strom Thurmond Boulevard) 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
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Fort Jackson Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Tue 9am–8pm, Wed–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 11am–6pm, Mon closed.
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03
Is there a PX on base?
Yes, Fort Jackson has a PX (Post Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Moncrief Army Health Clinic is the primary military treatment clinic serving Fort Jackson. Call (803) 751-2160 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Fort Jackson 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.
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06
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Fort Jackson 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.
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07
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, Fort Jackson Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at Fort Jackson.
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08
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Fort Jackson 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.
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09
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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10
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 Jackson.
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11
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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12
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 Jackson.
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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.