If a person arrives in the area by plane, he or she will land at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, built in 1965 and continuously being upgraded. The airport is located 8 miles from the heart of the city.

Transportation to and from the airport includes commercial buses, limousines and taxis. The airport’s military assistance desk can provide information Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

All Soldiers, regardless of rank or grade, must report to the Fort Jackson Welcome Center during non-duty hours only, Monday through Friday, after 4 p.m. and all day on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. During duty hours, all permanent party Soldiers should report, in uniform, to the Strom Thurmond Soldier Service Center, Building 5450, Strom Thurmond Boulevard.