Fort Carson, the "Mountain Post," is located just south of Colorado Springs at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The unparalleled beauty and mild climate of Colorado Springs make it a gateway to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Many internationally known ski areas and some of the nation's most scenic parks and finest hunting and fishing areas are located within a short drive.
Welcome to Fort CarsonFort Carson Families have easy access to the many cultural attractions of "The Springs" and the bright lights of nearby Denver.
Whether you have already arrived to Fort Carson or have just received orders to report here, the information in this publication will help you get settled and take advantage of the on- and off-post services and attractions for your enjoyment.
GETTING HEREFort Carson is located 60 miles south of Denver on Interstate 25, Exit 135, South Academy Boulevard, or Exit 140A, Nevada Avenue (State Highway 115). The Colorado Springs Airport is currently served by eight airlines and is located about 10 miles from Fort Carson. The Greyhound bus terminal is located at 120 S. Weber St. in Colorado Springs. Their phone number is (719) 635-1505.
ENTERING FORT CARSONIf you are entering Fort Carson in a privately owned vehicle that has not been registered with a Department of Defense installation and does not have a current, valid DOD sticker, you must enter post through Gate 1 and be subject to a full-vehicle inspection. All incoming Soldiers and civilian personnel are required to permanently register their vehicles, including motorcycles. If you are using a rental vehicle, your contract will act as your registration and proof of insurance.
To enter Fort Carson, you must have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of current insurance. For more information on vehicle registration, during normal duty hours call 524-1896. After duty hours call the military police desk at 526-2333. Soldiers should contact their unit for vehicle registration prior to arrival, as policies are subject to change. Vehicle Registration is located in Bldg. 6012, adjacent to Gate 1.
CLIMATE AND ALTITUDEThe Colorado Springs area has a mild year-round climate. In January, the coldest month, temperatures average a high of 43 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 23 with a mean of 33 degrees. The area averages 37 inches of snow annually. August, the warmest month, has an average high of 84 degrees and a low of 61 degrees with a mean of 73 degrees. Fort Carson's elevation is above 6,000 feet and some newcomers may experience slight fatigue at first. Because of the elevation, new personnel are allowed 30 days to adjust to the altitude and to reach Fort Carson fitness standards.
COLORADO ROAD CONDITIONSColorado weather can be erratic. Mountain passes are frequently closed due to snow and ice or mudslides — even in summer months. During winter months, storms may suddenly occur. Preparation is key to staying safe. If you are traveling in the winter, come prepared. It is advisable to have equipment such as tire chains, blankets, flashlights and bottled water for emergency situations. The Colorado State Highway Patrol road conditions are updated around the clock. Call (303) 639-1111.
INPROCESSINGAll incoming military personnel should report to the United States Army Replacement Detachment and Fort Carson Welcome/Farewell Center, Bldg. 1218. The building is located on the corner of Wetzel Avenue and Ellis Street. It is not necessary to report in uniform. The detachment operates 24-hours-a-day. Soldiers will receive an inprocessing appointment after signing in. Allow two to four days to in process, depending upon rank. Be sure to have dental, medical, finance and personnel records, orders and a Department of the Army Form 31 (leave form). If your finance records are in order, you will normally be paid your travel entitlements within five days of your first day of inprocessing.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY CIVILIANSDepartment of the Army civilians should report to Bldg. 1550, 6151 Specker Ave., Room 2080, at 7:45 a.m. on the first day of their employment at Fort Carson. For information on employment at Fort Carson call 526-8341 or DSN 691-8341.
WHERE TO STAYIf you are a staff sergeant or below, and are unaccompanied by your family, you will receive temporary billeting at the replacement detachment.
If you are accompanied by your family, or are a sergeant first class or above (unaccompanied), contact the Colorado Inn, Bldg. 7301, the post's temporary lodging facility.
The Colorado Inn is operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. TDY personnel and PCS Families will be housed on a priority basis. Currently, there are 203 rooms available for service members on post. Only non-smoking rooms are available. Children under 16 stay free. Pets are not allowed at the Colorado Inn.
The Colorado Inn has also contracted with several local hotels to provide rooms for overflow personnel. These hotel contracts provide for lower than normal rates for military personnel and their Families. For more information or to make a reservation, call 526-4832, Ext. 0. Hours of operation for the Colorado Inn are 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. daily. You can view rooms or make online reservations at www.carson.army.mil, click on the "newcomers" link on the left-hand side.
HOUSEHOLD GOODSContact the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office as soon as possible. The office will coordinate delivery of household goods, unaccompanied and hold baggage. For more information or for delivery coordination call 554-9298. Claims on damaged shipments are handled by the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.
WEAPONS REGISTRATIONMilitary personnel assigned or attached to Fort Carson, civilian employees, visitors or anyone wishing to bring a weapon/ firearm onto the installation must register their weapon with the Provost Marshal's Office, Bldg. 2700, within 72 hours after acquisition of the weapon/firearm or 14 days after initial arrival to Fort Carson. This registration requirement applies to individuals living in government quarters and those living in an off-post residence. Persons with weapons/firearms registered at the PMO must clear their registration upon departure from the Mountain Post. For details call 526-2333.
Post regulations make it illegal to possess, store, maintain or display a blackjack, gravity or inertia knife, switchblade, stun gun, zip gun or any other instrument designed to injure or cause death. Weapons should not be stored in vehicles under any circumstances.
