Welcome to Fort Jackson, SC! Your Guide to Base Access, Amenities, and More

Welcome to Fort Jackson, the largest and most active Initial Entry Training center in the United States. Nearly 50% of all soldiers entering the Army train at Fort Jackson each year. Training provided by the 165th and the 193rd Infantry Brigades prepares roughly 35,000 BCT soldiers and 8,000 AIT soldiers annually.

Other notable schools and training institutions on Fort Jackson include the U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute, the U.S. Army Institute for Religious Leadership, and the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy.

Fort Jackson spans about 51,300 acres that include ranges and field training sites and more than 1,000 buildings. Serving so many student service members takes a team. Fort Jackson employs about 3,500 civilians, and an estimated 3,500 service members call Fort Jackson home.

Victory Starts Here!

Where Is Fort Jackson?

Address: 4297 Strom Thurmond Blvd, Columbia, SC 29207

Gate 2/Main Gate and Gate 2 Visitor Control Center for Fort Jackson are located at 4120 Moseby St, Columbia, SC 29207

Gate 4 and Gate 4 Visitor Control Center for Fort Jackson are located at 6271 Boyden Arbor Rd, Columbia, SC 29223

Procedures for Entering Fort Jackson

Whether you’re coming to Fort Jackson for training, a graduation, a PCS, or just to visit, here is some information to help your arrival go smoothly.

Getting to Fort Jackson From Popular Cities

Fort Jackson is within 30 minutes of Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). Other major cities and drive times are listed below.

Augusta, GA: Drive time from Augusta, Georgia to base is about an hour and 15 minutes.

Charleston, SC: Drive time from Charleston, South Carolina to base is about an hour and 45 minutes.

Greenville, SC: Drive time from Greenville, South Carolina to base is about an hour and 35 minutes.

Gates & Hours of Operation

Fort Jackson has four gates, but the two primary gates are Gate 2 and Gate 4, both featuring their own visitor control centers. For detailed gate procedures, visit Gate Information and Access Control on the Fort Jackson website.

Gate 1

Location: Fort Jackson Blvd, Columbia, SC 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0500-1730

Gate 2

Gate 2 is one of the main gates to Fort Jackson. The Gate 2 Visitor Control Center is located just outside this gate and is where visitors may obtain a pass for entering through all other gates unaccompanied.

Location: 4120 Moseby St, Columbia, SC 29207

Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

VCC Hours: Daily, 0700-1700

VCC Phone: (803) 751-5483

Gate 4

Gate 4 is the secondary gate to Fort Jackson. The Gate 4 Visitor Control Center is located just outside this gate and is where visitors may obtain a pass for entering through all other gates unaccompanied.

Location: 6271 Boyden Arbor Rd, Columbia, SC 29223

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0500-1700

VCC Hours: Monday through Friday, 0600-1600

VCC Phone: (803) 751-5483

Gate 5

Location: Semmes Road, Columbia, SC 29209

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0500-0800 and 1500-1800

Incoming Personnel

All Permanent Party Soldiers reporting to Fort Jackson must do so in uniform at In-Processing Reception located in the Strom Thurmond Building, Room 200. If reporting after duty hours (1701-0759) and on weekends, you should sign in at the IHG Army Hotel/Welcome Center located at 7550 Cherbourg St., Fort Jackson, SC 29207, then report to In-Processing Reception the next business day.

Address: 5450 Strom Thurmond Blvd, Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Phone: (803) 629-9536

Basic Combat Training (BCT) Families

Over the course of a ten-week cycle, your trainees will transform from civilians into physically and mentally capable soldiers at Fort Jackson, SC. You can find valuable resources about sending mail, phone privileges, graduation, and more on the U.S. Army Fort Jackson website linked here.

Address: 4420 Jackson Blvd., Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Phone: (803) 751-5951

Coming to Fort Jackson? Here’s What You Need For Base Access

Anyone visiting with a Department of Defence (DoD) Common Access Card and/or retired military ID can access the base through any gate.

If visitors (18+) do not have a DoD Common Access Card or retired military ID, they must go to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) with a US ID in the form of a Real ID and/or Enhanced Driver’s License.

If visitors do not have a Real ID/Enhanced driver's license, a retired military ID, a DoD Common Access Card, or a service-connected Veterans Card, they must bring another form of US ID, such as a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate, to the visitor control center.

Visitor Control Centers

Fort Jackson has two Visitor Control Centers that can help visitors gain access to the base.

Gate 2 Location: 4120 Moseby St, Columbia, SC 29207

Hours: Daily, 0700-1700

Phone: (803) 751-5483

Gate 4 Location: 6271 Boyden Arbor Rd, Columbia, SC 29223

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0600-1600

Phone: (803) 751-5483

What ID Do You Need For Base Access?

Anyone with a valid DoD-issued ID card is permitted onto the base. To access the installation as a guest of a valid DoD ID holder, you are required to present one of the following:

• U.S. Military ID (all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, military retirees and dependent ID card holders, Gov't Civilian CAC card holders)
• Veterans Health Identification Card issued by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Card
• State-issued Identification, such as a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state that meets the REAL ID standards or an Interim Driver’s License issued by a state that meets the REAL ID standards

Base Amenities & Facilities

Fort Jackson has all the amenities you need to make this new duty station your home. Below are some of the key resources you’ll want to be familiar with.

Medical Center

Moncrief Army Health Clinic is a military hospital providing care to the Ft. Jackson community. Services include primary, preventative, and specialty care, pharmacy, lab testing, and more. Please note that the Moncrief Army Health Clinic does not provide urgent or emergency care. You can find more information about urgent and emergency care by clicking here.

Address: 4500 8th Division Road, Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Hours: Hours vary by clinic. Check the specific clinic for detailed information.

Appointments Phone: 803-751-CARE/2273

Finance Office

The Finance Office is dedicated to making sure service members get accurate pay and resolving pay issues.

Address: 5450 Strom Thurmond Blvd, Room 129, Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0900-1600

Phone: (803) 751-4565/6669

Legal Office

The Legal Office is available to service members, retirees, and family members. The office provides legal services such as Power of Attorney, notary, basic and living wills, and information on other legal matters.

Address: 2600 Liberty Div Road, Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 0900-1115 & 1230-1600; Thursday, 1230-1600

Phone: (803) 751-4287/7657

Commissary

The Fort Jackson Commissary is a grocery store on base offering cost savings to service members and families.

Address: 4716 Commissary Way, Fort Jackson, SC29207

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 0830-2000; Sunday, 0930-1800; Monday, 1000-1800

Phone: (803) 949-3422

Exchange

The Fort Jackson Exchange Mall is a shopping complex that aims to meet the needs of service members and families. You will find everything from department store items, a barber shop, and a food court.

Address: 4110 Moseby Street, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1900; Saturday, 0900-1900; Sunday, 1000-1900

Phone: (803) 787-1950

Post Office

The United States Postal Service has an office on base for all your mailing needs.

Address: 4350 Century Division Avenue, Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0900-1300 & 1430-1630

Phone: (803) 782-8709

Transportation Office

The Transportation Office can oversee your property shipments and help your PCS run smoothly, including resources for your personal property, finding movers, and helping you safely transport your pets.

Address: 5450 Strom Thurmond Blvd. Fort Jackson, SC, 29207

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 0730-1600; Thursday, 0730-1200

Phone: (803) 751-5137/5138

ID/DEERs Office

The Fort Jackson ID/DEERs Office can help with getting or renewing military ID cards and enrolling or updating DEERs for service members, veterans, and families. You can schedule an appointment by clicking the link here. Use Site ID 10271 when scheduling online.

Address: 5450 Strom Thurmond Blvd., Room 109, Ft. Jackson, SC 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1600

Phone: (803) 751-6024

Barber Shops

Make sure your hair is within regulation at any one of Fort Jackson’s barber shops.

Fort Jackson Post Exchange Barber

Address: 4110 Moseby Street, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 0900-1800; Sunday, 1100-1700

Phone: (803) 787-3790

Mini-Mall Barber

Address: 4712 Lee Road, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday 1000-1700; Saturday, 1000-1600

Phone: (803) 787-1274

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR)

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), on Fort Jackson offers a multitude of support to families calling Fort Jackson home. From Child and Youth Services (CYS) to golf, fine dining, and everything in between, MWR wants to make sure you thrive at your new duty station. Check out their website to see all they have to offer.

Address: 6511 Strom Thurmond Blvd, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0400-2000; Saturday, 0800-1700

Phone: (803) 751-3484

Golf Course

The Fort Jackson Golf Club features two championship courses, state-of-the-art practice facilities, a 10,000 square foot clubhouse, a well-stocked pro shop, and more.

Address: 3652 Inchon Road, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Tee Time Hours: March through October 0730-1900; November through February, 0830-1700

Phone: (803) 562-4344

Library

Thomas Lee Hall Library has books, programs for patrons of all ages, and computers, making sure you have plenty to read while you’re here.

Address: 4679 Liberty Div. Road, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday & Thursday, 1100-1900; Friday & Saturday, 1200-1700

Phone: (803) 751-5589

Auto Craft Shop

The Auto Craft Shop provides a space for auto maintenance and hobby work. Featuring 21 work bays, hydraulic lifts, and computerized equipment, you will find everything you need to get the job done right.

Address: 5669 Liberty Div. Road, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday, 1230-1930; Saturday & Sunday, 0930-1630

Phone: (803) 751-5755

Bowling

The Century Lanes Bowling facility promotes something for everyone, from bowling, bingo, pool tables, and video games.

Address: 4464 Lorraine Street, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday & Friday, 1700-2200; Saturday, 1200-2200; Sunday, 1200-1800 (Wednesday & Thursday reserved for family and grad days)

Phone: (803) 751-6138

Fitness Centers

Fort Jackson Fitness Centers strive to meet the mental and physical needs of service members, retirees, and families by offering a diversified program that includes weight training equipment, fitness classes, basketball courts, personal trainers, and more.

Coleman Gymnasium

Coleman Gymnasium offers full-court basketball, a large weight room with strength machines, and a cardiovascular room with treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes.

Address: 4482 Johnson Street, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0500-1900; Saturday and Sunday, 0900-1500 (24-hour access registration available)

Phone: (803) 751-5817

Perez Fitness Center

Perez Fitness Center offers cardio and strength training equipment, pickleball courts, racquetball courts, saunas, and more.

Address: 4149 Sightseeing Div. Ave, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0500-2000; Saturday, 0900-1700; Sunday, 0900-2100

Phone: (803) 751-6258

Andy’s Fitness Center

Andy’s Fitness Center, located inside Fort Jackson’s Solomon Center, provides cardio equipment, an indoor track, free weights, classes, and more.

Address: 6510 Strom Thurmond Blvd, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0500-1900

Phone: (803) 751-3484

Aquatics

Cool off in the summer heat or swim laps at the indoor pool. Fort Jackson Aquatics has all you need to cool off with one water park, one outdoor pool, and one indoor pool.

Palmetto Falls Water Park

Address: 6511 Strom Thurmond Blvd, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Seasonal Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 1100-1900; Friday & Saturday, 1200-2000; Sunday, 1300-1900

Phone: (803) 751-3475

Legion Outdoor Pool

Address: 2761 Inchon Road, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Seasonal Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 1100-1800; Sunday, 1300-1800

Phone: (803) 751-3306

Knight Indoor Pool

Address: 3296 Century Div. Ave, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 0600-1300 & 1600-1900; Friday 0600-1300; Saturday, 1300-1600

Phone: (803) 751-4796

CYS Services

CYS Services enhance the development of children and youth by engaging in constructive activities. Childcare is also provided for the Fort Jackson Community through CYS. You can register and make payments through the CYS Webtrac service.

Address: 6510 Strom Thurmond Blvd, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday 0800-1700

Phone: (803) 751-4865 or (803) 751-4824

Childcare

Fort Jackson has three Child Development Centers (CDCs) offering hourly and weekly childcare for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years, one school-age center for children in grades kindergarten through fifth, and two combination centers. CYS Registration is required for all childcare options.

Pickens Child Development Center

Currently closed for repairs. Please check the website linked above for up-to-date information.

Address: 4581 Pickens Ave, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Phone: (803) 751-6221

Scouts Out Child Development Center

Address: 4585 Scouts Out Street, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Phone: (803) 751-1972

Scouts Out School Age Program

Address: 5614 Scouts Out Street, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Phone: (803) 751- 8014

Lighthorse Child Development Center (LCDC) & Lighthorse School Age Center (LSAC)

Address: 5978 Lighthorse Street, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Phone: (803) 562-5901

Liberty Extended Care Center (LECC)

Address: 4680 Liberty Division Ave, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Phone: (803) 751-5853

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

The Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to support those who are responsible for managing care and services for family members with special needs. The EFMP Medical Office is for enrollments and assignments. The EFMP Family Support Office can help with individualized assistance, workshops, and information about programs.

Address: 4500 8th Division Road, Main Clinic, Ground Floor, Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Hours: Tuesday through Friday 0730-1603

Phone: (803) 751-2505

Fort Jackson Dining Facilities

There are numerous ways to dine on base at Fort Jackson in addition to traditional DFACs. Below are a few favorites.

The 1917 Club

The 1917 Club is open for lunch to all members of the military. This lunch spot has a wide variety of options, including Themed Thursdays!

Address: 5700 Liberty Div. Road, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Wednesday, 1000-1400; Thursday and Friday, 1130-1330

Phone: (803) 751-3933

Exchange Food Court

The Main Exchange Food Court has all your favorites from Charlie's Cheesesteaks, Panda Express, Qdoba, and more.

Address: 4110 Moseby Street, Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1900; Saturday, 0900-1900; Sunday, 1000-1900

Phone: (803) 787-1950

Fort Jackson Housing

Fort Jackson has housing for single/unaccompanied service members and privatized family homes.

Housing Office

The Fort Jackson Housing Services Office can help you make decisions about where to live and how to apply.

Address: 4514 8th Division Road, Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1600

Phone: (803) 751-7567

Unaccompanied Housing

Unaccompanied housing (UH) is mandatory and provided for single soldiers E1 to E5 with no dependents. Unaccompanied military E6 and above are not required to live in the barracks and may reside off base.

Address: 4514 8th Division Road, Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1600

Phone: 803-751-5446/5427 or 1123/1148

Privatized Housing/Balfour Beatty Communities

Fort Jackson has privatized families living on base. Fort Jackson partners with Balfour Beatty Communities to provide housing for military families of Fort Jackson, responsible for management, maintenance, and construction. Fort Jackson Family Homes offers 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom layouts, picnic areas, basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, and so much more! As soon as you know you’re coming to Fort Jackson, get on the list to reserve your spot on base.

Address: 520 Brown Ave, Fort Jackson, SC 29206

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 0800-1700; Wednesday, 0800-1900; Saturday, 1000-1600; Sunday, 1200-1600

Phone: (803) 738-8275

On-Base Housing Pet Policy

Fort Jackson Communities recognizes the joy pet ownership can bring to families living on base. In an effort to protect community members, there are a few rules for owning a pet if you live on base. Contact the leasing office for more information.

Off-Base Housing & Military Preferred Living Areas

Fort Jackson is located just outside of Columbia, SC, the capital of the Palmetto State. Some popular nearby towns include Dentsville, Cayce, Forest Acres, and Irmo. We’re listing our top two communities below.

Dentsville, SC, Richland County

Dentsville, SC is about 25 minutes north of Fort Jackson and home to nearly 15,200 residents. Dentsville offers an affordable choice for military families with a dense suburban feel and great schools. Don’t let the suburban description fool you. Nearby State Park, Sesquicentennial, gives outdoor opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing.

Median listing home price: $200,000

Median rental rate: $1,600

Schools: Richland County has two school districts to serve students K-12.

Forest Acres, SC, Richland County

Forest Acres, a highly rated area in Richland County, is about 10 minutes north of Fort Jackson and home to nearly 10,400 residents. This community features suburban living with access to downtown, a tight-knit community, and great schools.

Median listing home price: $315,000

Median rental rate: $1,400

Schools: Richland County has two school districts to serve students K-12.

Fort Jackson Schools

Base Schools (K-12)

There are two elementary schools on Fort Jackson that are operated under the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA).

• Pierce Terrace Elementary School serves students PK-1.
• Pinckney Elementary School serves students in grades 2-6.
• Dent Middle School serves students in grades 6-8.
• Richland Northeast High School serves students in grades 9-12.

Off-Base Schools (K-12)

Students residing in nearby communities off base are either included in the Richland School District One or the Richland School District Two. Check individual district websites to determine the schools you are zoned for based upon your address.

• Richland School District One serves more than 21,600 students P-K through 12th grade across many schools around the county. According to Niche, a popular school-ranking site, Richland School District One Schools receive a B- rating. Visit the Richland School District One website to find the schools you’re zoned for.
• Richland School District Two serves more than 28,300 students P-K through 12th grade across many schools around the county. According to Niche, a popular school-ranking site, Richland School District Two Schools receive an A- rating. Visit the Richland School District Two website to find the schools you’re zoned for.

Local Employment Assistance & Resources

Employment Readiness Program

The Employment Readiness Program provides support to spouses and dependent family members seeking career development and job search assistance. Services are available by appointment by calling (803) 751-5256.

Local Employment Resources

City of Forest Acres

Official job listings for the City of Forest Acres.

Richland County

Official job listings for Richland County.

Richland School District One

See openings in Richland School District One Schools.

Richland School District Two

See openings in Richland School District Two Schools.

City of Dentsville, SC

Official job listings for the City of Dentsville.

Fort Jackson Civilian Opportunities

Federal Jobs

Federal employment opportunities are available at Fort Jackson and are open to both military-affiliated applicants and the public. These positions often provide competitive benefits and long-term stability. You can find employment for NAF positions, Defence Commissary Agency (DeCA), Child Development Centers, and more. Find your federal job using the USAJOBS website here.

Enjoy Your Time at Fort Jackson

Fort Jackson is much more than the Army's largest Basic Combat Training center—it is a fully equipped, robust community designed to support service members, civilians, and their families. Whether you are visiting for a weekend graduation, arriving for training, or settling in for a multi-year PCS, the installation and the surrounding Columbia area offer everything you need for a successful tour.

With comprehensive on-base amenities, extensive MWR facilities, and welcoming neighboring communities like Forest Acres and Dentsville, you are well-positioned to thrive in the Palmetto State. Take advantage of the resources available to you, explore what the local area has to offer, and embrace your time at this historic installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live on Fort Jackson without children?

Yes, housing options on base are determined by rank and marital status.

Can I live on Fort Jackson if I'm not married?

Yes, Soldiers E5 and below are required to live in the barracks.

What are the PT hours for Fort Jackson?

Base-wide PT hours are weekdays from 0500-0730.

Can I use coupons at the commissary?

Yes. As part of the Defence Commissary Agency (DeCA), the Fort Jackson Commissary will accept manufacturer paper coupons, print-at-home coupons, and digital coupons.

Is Fort Jackson hands-free?

Yes. Fort Jackson and State laws prohibit holding and using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.