Welcome to Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico!
Fort Buchanan is known as the "Sentinel of the Caribbean," and is the only active U.S. Army installation on Puerto Rico and in the Greater Antilles. This Army post is located by Guaynabo City near the capital city of San Juan and is used primarily for Reserve and National Guard units.
If the military moves you to Puerto Rico, you'll soon discover why it's known as the "Island of Enchantment."
Newcomers to Fort Buchanan
Photo by Don Barone from Getty Images Pro via Canva.com
Who’s stationed at Fort Buchanan?
From the Fort Buchanan official website:
"Fort Buchanan is host to a number of tenant activities, such as: the 1st Mission Support Command, the U.S. Army Reserve major tenant unit; the Puerto Rico National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ); Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC); USMC Det. 1, Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 45; Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES); Defense Commissary Agency (DECA); Rodriguez Army Health Clinic (RAHC); Fort Buchanan Veterinary Treatment Facility; Defense Military Pay Office (DMPO); Defense Contracting Audit Agency; TRICARE; Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC), among others.
Fort Buchanan also hosts a number of non-DoD organizations that provide valuable services to Soldiers, their dependents, and community members, such as: Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, AAFES Concessionaires and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol."
Fort Buchanan is home to Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard soldiers, along with Air Force and Navy personnel and DoD civilians. The installation also supports 32 federal agencies in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It's a unique and strategic location and falls under the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) area of operations.
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan covers 746+ acres, to include Army Family Housing. There are approximately 130,000 veterans, retirees, civilians, active duty military, and dependents in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Latin America. Puerto Rico has a population of over three million people.
Connect with the Fort Buchanan newcomers’ program.
Living in Puerto Rico
Welcome to your tropical paradise!
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. It’s classified as an "unincorporated territory," which means the U.S. government controls the island, but it has a self-governing status and a non-voting delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives. Spanish is the official language of Puerto Rico, with English as the second official language.
Puerto Rico boasts gorgeous ocean views, the Cordillera Central (Puerto Rico’s interior mountain region), tropical forests, and white-sand beaches. The main island is about 100 x 35 miles and is similar to the size of Connecticut. There are also four other small islands and hundreds of cays and islets that are part of Puerto Rico.
Immerse yourself in the exotic food and drink, take in an area festival, soak up the sun, and of course, try the locally grown coffee! But one of the biggest draws of this area may be the hospitality, friendliness, and warmth of the local people.
From Discover Puerto Rico:
"Boricuas, as we call the locals, are optimistic and energetic people, proud of their cultural heritage and history, which emerges from a mix of Taíno, Spanish, and African traditions."
Photo by Tatiana Rodriguez on Unsplash
Fort Buchanan Housing
Fort Buchanan's military housing area, Las Colinas, includes homes with two, three, and four bedrooms. Homes range in size from 1100-1600 square feet.
The housing office provides housing referrals to those wanting to live off-post. You can also check in with the housing office for information about temporary lodging, your Overseas Housing Allowance, and more. Note that wait times for military housing can be lengthy.
Fort Buchanan housing office information:
- The Fort Buchanan Army Family Housing Division (AFHD) location: Constitution Avenue, Building #34
- Fort Buchanan Army Family Housing Office phone: 787-707-3153/3367/3256 or DSN 312 740-3256/3367/3256
Fort Buchanan Off-Post Housing
Cities near Fort Buchanan include Guaynabo, San Juan, Catano, and Bayamon. Puerto Rico has a high cost of living. According to Military OneSource, "The City of San Juan, PR ranks #8 in the U.S. News & World Report most expensive places to live in the U.S."
An assignment to Puerto Rico is considered an overseas assignment, so military members will be entitled to an Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA). See Puerto Rico OHA rates here for the DoD Puerto Rico location San Juan (including Bayamon, Carolina, and Fort Buchanan location code PR080).
See homes for rent or sale near Fort Buchanan.
Fort Buchanan Schools
There are four DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) schools on the island, located on Fort Buchanan and Ramey Coast Guard Base.
Fort Buchanan’s three schools include an elementary school for Pre-K-5th grade, a middle school for grades 6th-8th and a high school for grades 9th-12th.
Off post, you’ll find other local school options along with private schools in the metro area, with programs offered in both English and Spanish. Puerto Rico follows the same federal educational guidelines as the rest of the U.S.
Connect with the Fort Buchanan School Support Services for more information and support.
Things to Do Near Fort Buchanan
One of the best parts of a military assignment is the opportunity to explore a new area. There's always something to do in Puerto Rico!
First things first, connect with the Fort Buchanan MWR to check out the multitude of activities available right on post. You’ll find golfing, horseback riding, a bowling alley, skeet shooting, and arts and crafts. The MWR posts a regular calendar of activities and wellness programs.
Fort Buchanan Outdoor Recreation offers rentals for kayaks, camping equipment, scuba gear, sports equipment, outdoor games, and picnic and party equipment. There are also picnic areas on post available to rent for a nominal fee.
Photo by jmsilva from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
Ready to explore off post? Here are a few ideas to begin.
Fort Buchanan Outdoor Adventures
Fort Buchanan Outdoor Recreation offers rentals for kayaks, camping equipment, scuba gear, sports equipment, outdoor games, and picnic and party equipment. There are also picnic areas on post available to rent for a nominal fee.
The beaches: There are over 270 miles of coastline in Puerto Rico. Whether you’re looking for tranquil waters or a great surfing spot, you’re in luck. Start with this list of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
Hiking: Explore the rainforest, wetlands, or trails on foot. Find details about 143 hiking, running, and mountain biking trails in this list of the best trails in Puerto Rico according to AllTrails.
Shopping: Local handcrafted items, souvenirs, or want to shop till you drop at a mall or shopping center? Find your preferred excursion in this Puerto Rico shopping directory.
Take a Local Tour
Casa BACARDI Puerto Rico: Rum lovers will enjoy a trip to the world’s largest rum distillery. Take a historical tour, rum tasting tour, or attend a mixology class.
Bus and trolley tours: One of the best ways to get to know a new place is by driving around and getting lost on purpose. Sit back and let someone else handle the driving while you take a guided bus tour of Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, coffee plantations, historic sites, and so much more. See Puerto Rico’s best bus and trolley tours.
Puerto Rico Foodie Life
A food truck park, fine dining, rich coffee options, a "pork highway"—it's all here! Locals suggest a culinary road trip: drive around, try different places, and discover your favorite spot.
The Pork Highway (it really is a thing), La Ruta del Lechón, is a stretch of highway along Route 184. Take Highway PR-52 and head south of San Juan to exit 32 and Guavate. You'll find dozens of lechoneras, roadside open-air eateries specializing in slow roasted pork and the delicious side dishes.
Discover more culinary adventures in Puerto Rico.
Coffee fanatics will revel in the 200-year history of Puerto Rican coffee. The island's volcanic soil paired with coffee beans grown at high altitudes makes for a delicious cup of coffee for you. Find Puerto Rico coffee destinations here.
We’ve barely scratched the surface of all you can expect to do and see at your Fort Buchanan assignment. Enjoy your time spent on the Island of Enchantment!
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