Fort Jackson is the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. Army, training 52 percent of all Soldiers and nearly 80 percent of the women entering the Army each year. To provide the Army with trained, disciplined, motivated and physically Wt warriors who espouse the Army's core values and are focused on teamwork, is the post's primary mission. Accomplishing that mission means training more than 55,000 Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training Soldiers every year.

The post has other missions as well. Fort Jackson is home to the U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute, the Joint Armed Forces Chaplaincy Center, and the Department of Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment.

The Fort spans more than 52,000 acres, includes more than 73 ranges and Weld training sites and 1,100 buildings. Facilities that have been recently completed or are still under way include the Army Drill Sergeant School, Residential Community Initiative and the Veterans Administration National Cemetery.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, civilians, retirees and family members make up the Fort Jackson community, which continues to grow in numbers and facilities. An additional 20,000 Soldiers attend courses at the Soldier Support Institute, Armed Forces Chaplaincy Center and Drill Sergeant School annually.More than 3,500 active duty Soldiers and their family members are assigned to the installation and make this area their home. Fort Jackson employs almost 4,000 civilians and provides services for more than 87,000 retirees and their family members. Located in the heart of the Midlands region of South Carolina, Fort Jackson was incorporated into the city of Columbia in October 1968 and is midway between New York and Miami.

Columbia is the only southeastern U.S. city which boasts direct access to three interstate highways, Interstate-20, Interstate-26 and Interstate-77, and indirect access to two additional interstates within 100 miles, Interstate-95 and Interstate-85.Average temperatures in the region range from a high of 92 degrees in July to a low of 34 in January. Annual rainfall averages around 48 inches.

The fort has a significant economic impact on the local area, contributing $2.6 billion to the local economy. In addition, more than 100,000 family members visit the Midlands area each year to attend basic training graduation activities, patronizing local hotels, restaurants and shopping areas.

Since 1917, when fighting men were needed during WorldWar I, Fort Jackson has had a proud history of training Soldiers for America's Army. The post's initial site of 1,200 acres was purchased and donated to the federal government by the citizens of Columbia. This began a tradition of mutual respect and cooperation between the city and Fort Jackson. The tradition continues today.

Sweeping change is under way at Fort Jackson, as the post unites tradition with innovation to help create Soldiers who are of strong body and mind. Several advancements have been made to provide the best care, support, and services for Soldiers, families, and civilians. Examples range from new housing to improved physical training and basic rifle marksmanship techniques. The overall goal is simple: Training Today's Soldier. 2010