FORT POLK
ARMY
Leesville, LA
United States
FORT POLK
ARMY
Leesville, LA
United States
Fort Polk
Base Essentials
Home of the Joint Readiness Training Center and the 10th Mountain's 2nd Brigade in central Louisiana near Leesville — a remote posting with a close military community and limited off-post amenities.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
FORSCOM
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
198,000
Active Duty
8,000
Civilian
3,000
Population
80,000
Economic Impact
$2 billion
Fort Polk History
Named AfterLieutenant General Leonidas Polk (Confederate)
Fort Polk near Leesville, Louisiana, was established in 1941 as an infantry training center. It is home to the Joint Readiness Training Center, one of the Army's three combat training centers, where brigade-sized units conduct realistic rotational exercises. The installation also hosts the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division. Fort Polk's dense forests and subtropical climate provide a unique training environment. The Army has evaluated the installation's future role as force structure and training demands evolve.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Joint Readiness Training Center
—
—
3rd Brigade Combat Team / 10th Mountain Division
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Camp Polk Established for WWII Training
1955
Reactivated as Fort Polk
1962
Cold War Training Expansion
1993
Joint Readiness Training Center Relocates to Fort Polk
2023
Renamed Fort Johnson
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1941
Camp Polk Established for WWII Training
Camp Polk was established in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, during World War II to train infantry and armored forces for deployment to Europe and the Pacific. Named after Episcopal Bishop and Confederate Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk, the camp processed hundreds of thousands of soldiers through combat training.
1955
Reactivated as Fort Polk
Camp Polk was reactivated as Fort Polk following post-WWII demobilization, designated as a permanent Army installation to support Cold War training requirements and provide a major maneuver training area in the piney woods of central Louisiana.
1962
Cold War Training Expansion
Fort Polk's training mission expanded significantly during the Kennedy administration's military buildup, with units and training programs developing the concepts that would evolve into the Joint Readiness Training Center — the Army's premier force-on-force combat training capability for light infantry.
1993
Joint Readiness Training Center Relocates to Fort Polk
The Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) relocated from Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, to Fort Polk in 1993, establishing the Peason Ridge training area as the Army's primary live-fire and force-on-force training arena. JRTC uses professional opposing force (OPFOR) soldiers to replicate realistic near-peer adversary threats.
2023
Renamed Fort Johnson
Fort Polk was redesignated Fort Johnson on May 9, 2023, honoring Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe. In 2005, Cashe repeatedly entered a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle under enemy fire to rescue his fellow soldiers in Iraq, suffering severe burns from which he later died.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Polk.
Fort Polk Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Polk.
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 Polk.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Polk.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Fort Polk Reception Company — Welcome Desk
Phone
(337) 718-8820Hours
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
In-Processing
All active-duty Soldiers with orders to Fort Polk must report to the Welcome Desk in Building 220 immediately upon arrival. The Welcome Desk operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Soldiers should report on the date their approved IPPS-A absence request ends wearing OCPs during duty hours (0630–1700); civilian attire is authorized outside duty hours. Required documents include a copy of orders, approved IPPS-A absence requests, SGLV and DD93 forms, medical and dental records, immunization records, birth certificates, marriage license or divorce decree (if applicable), and insurance documents. Soldiers arriving via air should fly into Alexandria International Airport (AEX), where a shuttle service is available by calling (337) 353-8235.
In-processing is conducted at the Consolidated In/Out Processing Complex in Building 250, located at 1716 3rd Street across from Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital (BJACH). During standard duty hours, Soldiers proceed through stations covering finance, medical and dental screening, TRICARE enrollment, education records, DEERS and CAC processing, emergency data and SGLI paperwork, and mandatory SHARP and Master Resilience Training briefings. Soldiers arriving after duty hours or on weekends report to Warriors Keep (Building 240) for sign-in. Army Community Service hosts a Newcomer and Re-entry Orientation every Thursday at Building 920 (1591 Bell Richard Avenue) with sign-in at 0900.
Army Community Service (ACS) at Fort Polk provides comprehensive relocation support including welcome packets, area briefings, one-on-one relocation counseling, and employment readiness assistance. ACS is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (726) 780-1073 or (337) 531-1941. For housing assistance, Corvias Military Living manages on-post family housing and can be contacted at (337) 537-5060. The School Liaison Officer assists with education-related concerns. Single Soldiers can connect with the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program at (337) 531-1948.
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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 Polk.
On-post housing at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) is managed by Lendlease, which operates family communities across the installation in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, with 2- to 4-bedroom homes featuring modern amenities, community centers, and recreational facilities. Lendlease provides 24/7 maintenance support and an online resident portal for applications, maintena…
Local Market
$950/mo
rent
/
$155,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Fort Polk
75
25% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Polk.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
1
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
View schools
2
High Schools
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4
Colleges & Universities
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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 Johnson — still listed as Fort Polk in most systems — is located in the piney woods of Vernon Parish in western Louisiana, near Leesville. The installation is one of the more isolated major Army posts in the continental US, with limited off-post amenities. Lake Charles, about 60 miles south on I-10, provides the nearest city-level services for families on less frequent schedules.
Leesville
Small Town
Leesville is the town directly adjacent to Fort Johnson and the most convenient community for soldiers stationed there. It's a working military town oriented almost entirely around the base — low rents, abundant rentals, and all the basic services a family needs within a few minutes. It's not a glamorous assignment, but Leesville serves its purpose and has a genuine military community culture.
Commute: 5–10 min
Gate: Main Gate (Entrance Road)
Schools: Vernon Parish Schools
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Dual military
Fort Johnson is one of the Army's premier combat training centers. Kisatchie National Forest surrounds the area with hiking, fishing, and hunting. Toledo Bend Reservoir — one of the South's best bass fishing destinations — is 45 min east.
DeRidder
Small Town
DeRidder is Beauregard Parish's seat city about 30 miles south of Fort Johnson. It's noticeably larger than Leesville with better restaurants, a more established commercial corridor, and slightly better schools in Beauregard Parish. Families who want more community infrastructure and can tolerate a longer commute often prefer DeRidder.
Commute: 30–40 min
Gate: Main Gate (Entrance Road)
Schools: Beauregard Parish Schools
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Retirees
Beauregard Parish has a more established community feel than Leesville. Toro Hills Golf Club and local parks provide recreation. Closer to Lake Charles for bigger-city amenities. Better restaurant options than Leesville.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Polk.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Louisiana has a flat 3% individual income tax rate as of 2025 (reduced from higher graduated rates by 2025 tax reform).…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in Louisiana are exempt from Louisiana income tax o…
Vehicle Registration
Standard SCRA protections apply for nonresident service members — home-state registration is honored. Louisiana does not…
Property Tax
Disabled veterans: 50–69% disability = $2,500 additional homestead exemption; 70–99% = $4,500; 100% = full homestead exe…
Resources
Pet Policies at Fort Polk
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Polk.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Fort Johnson Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(337) 531-1322Hours
Mon–Wed, Fri 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM; closed Thu, weekends, and last business day of month
Restricted Breeds
6
Prohibited Animals
13
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Fort Polk.
Commissary
1
Fort Johnson Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
PX
Medical
1
Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital — 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 Polk.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
ACP 1 (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
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Fort Johnson Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders.
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03
Is there a PX on base?
Yes, Fort Polk 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?
Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital is the primary military treatment hospital serving Fort Polk. Call (337) 531-3118 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Fort Polk 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
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Fort Polk 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).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Vernon Parish School Board (rated C) serves most military families at Fort Polk. Visit https://www.vpsb.net for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Fort Polk 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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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Fort Polk 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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10
How is military pay taxed in Louisiana?
Partially exempt. See the Finance section of this page for a full breakdown of Louisiana's tax rules for military members.
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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.
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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 Polk.
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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.
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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 Polk.
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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.