It's time to get pumped about your latest set of PCS orders! To help you get ready to go, we're highlighting a round of new Army post favorites. You might be surprised at some of the suggestions, but our picks came straight from a MilitaryByOwner poll, so you know there is wisdom in the selections.
Photo courtesy Grace Rebekah Photography/Indie Ink
Traditional Army Post Favorites
Just for reference, if you're really new to the Army and don't know about traditional Army post favorites, here's a quick list. Keep in mind that people love these picks for the weather, location, and the number of things to do.
- Fort Carson, Colorado
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
- Alaskan Army Posts
- Hawaiian Army Posts
- Germany
Now it's time to explore a new generation of Army post favorites.
1. Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Fort Campbell has the unique distinction of straddling the Kentucky and Tennessee state line, and many military families consider Clarksville, Tennessee, for their new home when moving to the area. However, Fort Campbell is most commonly associated with the Army's 101st Airborne Division, aka "The Screaming Eagles," the 5th Special Forces Group, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. That's a whole lot of military might stacked on one post.
The nearby population embraces the military presence with open arms, so that's why you'll find a solid retiree population in addition to the massive active-duty crowd. In fact, the area is so well-loved that Clarksville was named one of the "Best Places to Live in the United States" by Money Magazine, thanks in part to its affordability and access to amenities in nearby cities like Nashville and Memphis.
Fort Campbell experiences all four seasons. The weather variety is perfect for outdoors people who enjoy hiking and biking Kentucky's rolling hills and hunting and fishing in the area's open spaces.
Making a PCS move to Fort Campbell? Start your home search:
2. Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia
The Army marries Fort Stewart (3rd Infantry Division) and Hunter Army Airfield for many operations, so sometimes they're referred to as the same post. Each post has separate missions that contribute to its reputation as the major armored military power on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.
Photo from Shutterstock
There's something about the sweet Georgia heat that so many military families love. Because there isn't much cold weather, there's plenty of time to explore the location's unique history and one-of-a-kind landscape.
Hinesville's charming small-town atmosphere draws military families year after year, complemented by Savannah's classic Southern culture. Once you try the region's food, you'll never forget what it's like to eat Southern style.
Access to the coastline is another draw to these Army posts. You'll find abundant water activities, including boating and Georgia Barrier Island hopping. Tybee Island is the closest and a favorite location to escape the hustle and bustle of military life.
Check out homes near Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield:
Wondering what your BAH will be at your future post? Use the Army BAH calculator to check.
3. Fort Meade, Maryland
Fort Meade is part of the wide-reaching National Capital Region category of military bases, but it's situated further from Washington, DC, than other bases. Compared to DC and Virginia installations, this one has slightly less traffic and congestion.
However, this doesn't mean Fort Meade lacks high-quality amenities outside the gate. The base sits between two big suburban areas: Columbia and Annapolis, Maryland. Between these cities and nearby Baltimore to the north, you'll check every box for shopping, dining, entertainment, and sports attractions.
Western Maryland has the mountains and snow that cold-weather aficionados adore, while less than two hours east of Fort Meade, the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean attract water nad beach enthusiasts to explore the shore. The central part of the state features green, rolling hills, offering wine and horse country destinations for weekend excursions.
These easily accessible attractions are perfect getaways for hardworking soldiers because Fort Meade hosts some of the most high-profile tenants, including the United States Cyber Command, the National Security Agency, and Defense Information Systems.
Just north of Lawton and about 90 minutes from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Fort Sill is an Army post many families love because of its small-town feel. Whether you choose to live on base or off, don't be surprised if you become tight with your neighbors in a hurry. You'll find a lot of camaraderie with people permanently stationed at Fort Sill or temporarily relocated for school.
Fort Sill is one of four Army Combat Training locations, so you'll get used to field artillery booms and the hubbub from the air defense artillery and electronic warfare activity that make up the Fires Center of Excellence.
Outdoorsy people enjoy Fort Sill's pleasant weather most months of the year. The areas around the base offer plenty of hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting options. The Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge (watch for bison herds!) is perfect for exploring the unique terrain.
After a day or weekend of exploring the refuge, most visitors make time to visit the iconic and beloved Meers Store and Restaurant. Its claim to fame is the Meersburger, a 7-inch diameter burger that's known as the "best burger in Oklahoma."
Moving to Fort Sill? Tour homes for sale or rent before you arrive:
Are any of these Army posts your destination this year?
Regardless of where you land this PCS cycle, somebody considers it their favorite Army post, so dig into the community and embrace the best things about the location.
