FORT MCCOY
ARMY
Fort McCoy, WI
United States
FORT MCCOY
ARMY
Fort McCoy, WI
United States
Fort McCoy
Base Essentials
A 60,000-acre Army training post in west-central Wisconsin between Sparta and Tomah — named for WWI veteran Maj. Gen. Robert Bruce McCoy. A high-throughput Reserve and Guard training center with about 2,950 permanent staff plus 3,000 rotating students at any time.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
IMCOM
Status
Reserve/Partial
Est.
1909
Acres
140,574
Active Duty
450
Civilian
3,000
Population
50,000
Economic Impact
$1 billion
Fort McCoy History
Named AfterMajor General Robert Bruce McCoy
Fort McCoy in west-central Wisconsin was established in 1909 as a training camp. It is the Army's only major mobilization and training center in the upper Midwest, supporting Reserve Component and active-duty training year-round despite its harsh winter climate. During the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation, Fort McCoy served as one of several installations hosting Afghan refugees as part of Operation Allies Welcome. The installation is managed as a total force training installation and continues to serve as a critical readiness platform for Army Reserve and National Guard units.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Fort McCoy Garrison (Total Force Training)
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Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort McCoy.
Fort McCoy Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort McCoy.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Visitor Access
What you need to know to get on Fort McCoy.
REAL ID Required
How are you entering the base?
I have a DoD ID / CAC
Active duty, civilian employee, retiree, or dependent.
I'm visiting someone
Sponsored visit — a DoD ID holder will vouch for you.
I need a day pass
No sponsor — process through the Visitor Control Center.
Commercial / Delivery
Truck drivers, contractors, and vendors.
Quick summary
Visitors without military ID must obtain a pass at the Visitor Control Center (building 35, open 6 a.m.–4 p.m. weekdays) or at Main Gate/Gate 20 after hours. You need a valid photo ID and will be cleared through NCIC-III. REAL ID Act is enforced; standard licenses from non-compliant states require additional identity documentation.
Confirmed May 24, 2026
· Sources: official .mil sites, MilitaryOneSource, base guide
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Fort McCoy.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort McCoy.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Phone
(502) 898-2266Hours
6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding federal holidays
In-Processing
Upon arrival during duty hours, report to the Visitor Control Center (Building 35), open Mon–Fri 0600–1600. The Military Personnel Division (S1) is at 2187 South J Street, (502) 898-4746. If arriving after hours, contact the Visitor Control Center at (502) 898-2266. For temporary lodging, IHG Army Hotels can be reached at (877) 711-8326; the Lodging Office is at 35 South M Street.
Newcomer Orientation is held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and includes tours and briefings from key installation services. Army Community Service (ACS) at 2111 South 8th Avenue, (502) 898-2359, offers a welcome packet, lending closet, and relocation assistance for new arrivals and their families.
The Housing Services Office (HSO) is at 6158 H Circle, South Post, and can be reached at (608) 388-9193. All incoming personnel should contact the HSO to begin housing coordination upon receipt of orders.
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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 McCoy.
On-Base Housing
Coming soon
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Fort McCoy
78
22% Below National Average
Housing
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See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort McCoy.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
2
Other 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
Tomah
Small Town
Commute: 15 min
Schools: Tomah Area School District
Just 13 miles south of post; good school system; military-friendly community; golf courses including Holiday Lodge and VA Hospital course
Sparta
Small Town
Commute: 20 min
Schools: Sparta Area School District
Small town (~8,600 people) 12 miles from post; tight-knit community; on-post students bussed to Sparta schools; home of McPherson Guitars
Onalaska
Suburban
Commute: 40 min
Schools: School District of Onalaska
La Crosse-area suburb; stronger commercial amenities; mentioned among local school districts serving Fort McCoy families
West Salem
Small Town
Commute: 30 min
Schools: School District of West Salem
Mid-sized village west of base; one of the area school districts serving Fort McCoy area
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort McCoy.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Spouse Income Tax
Wisconsin exempts active duty pay. MSRRA applies.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military may keep home-state registration.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax credit.
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Pet Policies at Fort McCoy
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort McCoy.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
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Prohibited Animals
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Dog Parks
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Boarding & Kennels
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Pet Guidance
Coming soon
Coming soon
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Fort McCoy.
Commissary
Coming soon
Exchange
Coming soon
Medical
Coming soon
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort McCoy.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
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.
Read answer
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 Fort McCoy.
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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.
Read answer
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 Fort McCoy.
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Question
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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.