FORT CARSON
ARMY
Colorado Springs, CO
United States
FORT CARSON
ARMY
Colorado Springs, CO
United States
Fort Carson
Base Essentials
Welcome to Fort Carson, “The Best Hometown in the Army!” Fort Carson, Colorado, is known as the Mountain Post and is one of the top requested stateside locations. If you include its Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, Fort Carson encompasses 373,000 acres and supports approximately 64,750 personnel and family members. The post is home to the 4th Infantry Division, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), the 627th Hospital Center, the World Class Athlete Program headquarters, the 1st Space Brigade, and other supporting units. For a full list of units at Fort Carson , visit the post’s website. Fort Ca...
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
FORSCOM
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
137,000
Active Duty
25,000
Civilian
7,000
Population
750,000
Economic Impact
$5.5 billion
Fort Carson History
Named AfterBrevet Brigadier General Christopher "Kit" Carson
Fort Carson near Colorado Springs, Colorado, was established in 1942 as a World War II training camp. Named after frontier scout Kit Carson, it quickly grew into a major Army installation and deployed units to both the European and Pacific theaters. Today it is home to the 4th Infantry Division and several other major tenant units, and its training areas extend into the vast Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. Fort Carson supports large-scale maneuver training and has been a major deployment hub for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
4th Infantry Division
—
—
71st Ordnance Group (EOD)
—
—
4th Combat Aviation Brigade
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Camp Carson Established Near Colorado Springs
1943
Rapid Expansion for WWII Division Training
1954
Redesignated Fort Carson
1970
4th Infantry Division Assigned to Fort Carson
2003
4th ID Leads Operation Iraqi Freedom; Saddam Captured
—
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(5)
1942
Camp Carson Established Near Colorado Springs
Camp Carson was established south of Colorado Springs, Colorado, as a major World War II training installation. Named in honor of frontier scout and Army officer Kit Carson, the post trained infantry and armored divisions for the Pacific and European theaters.
1943
Rapid Expansion for WWII Division Training
Camp Carson expanded rapidly to handle multiple division-level training cycles simultaneously, processing hundreds of thousands of soldiers through basic and advanced individual training as the Army mobilized for worldwide operations in 1943 and 1944.
1954
Redesignated Fort Carson
After surviving post-WWII demobilization and reactivation for the Korean War, Camp Carson was permanently redesignated as Fort Carson, reflecting its enduring role as a major Army combat training installation in the Mountain West.
1970
4th Infantry Division Assigned to Fort Carson
The 4th Infantry Division ("Ivy Division") was reassigned to Fort Carson following its return from Vietnam, establishing the division–installation partnership that defines Fort Carson's combat mission to the present day.
2003
4th ID Leads Operation Iraqi Freedom; Saddam Captured
The 4th Infantry Division deployed from Fort Carson to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In December 2003, soldiers of the 4th ID captured former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein hidden in a "spider hole" near Tikrit, a landmark moment in the conflict.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Carson.
Fort Carson Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Carson.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Fort Carson.
Information
Fort Carson Colorado: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Career & Pay
Military Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Are Complex But Possible
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Health & Fitness
Early Morning Behavioral Healthcare Is Unavailable For Fort Carson Soldiers
Read
Armed Forces Resources
Orthopedic Surgeon Military Doctor Team Helps Community
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Information
Your Guide to the 4th Infantry Division Museum on Fort Carson
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Carson.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
READY Company Installation Reception Center
Phone
(719) 526-6961Hours
24/7 (ACS Newcomers Assistance: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Wed 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
In-Processing
All inbound Soldiers (colonel and below) sign in at the READY Company CQ desk, Building 1456, Iron Fighter Drive. Staff duty operates 24/7 at (719) 526-6961. Bring DA Form 31 and 5 copies of assignment orders. Report in duty uniform during duty hours; civilian attire after 1500 and on weekends.
In-processing follows a 4+1 day schedule covering finance (travel vouchers completed within 72 hours), SRP, CIF appointment, medical/dental, and orientation to Mountain Post resources. Airport shuttle available 24/7 from Colorado Springs Airport — call (719) 526-6961. Denver International support also available.
ACS Newcomers Assistance at Building 1526, 6303 Wetzel Avenue ((719) 526-0457) provides relocation counseling, lending closet, and newcomer orientation. The Visitor Control Center at Gate 1 (Building 6012, (719) 526-2325) processes visitor passes.
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Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Fort Carson.
On-post housing at Fort Carson is managed by Lendlease, which operates family communities including Mountainside and Carson Terrace with 2- to 4-bedroom homes near the foothills of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs. Homes feature modern kitchens, open floor plans, and access to community centers, playgrounds, and fitness facilities, with Lendlease maintaining 24/7 main…
Local Market
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Cost of Living Around Fort Carson
105
5% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Carson.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
2
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
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1
High Schools
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3
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Colorado Springs (Powers Corridor)
Suburban
The Powers Corridor in eastern Colorado Springs is the most popular area for Fort Carson families, offering a dense mix of newer subdivisions, top-rated schools, excellent retail, and a relatively short commute to post. Neighborhoods like Meridian Ranch, Lorson Ranch, and Stetson Hills are consistently in demand. The area has grown rapidly and offers one of the best overall quality-of-life packages in the Colorado Springs metro.
Commute: 15–25 min
Gate: Main Gate (Highway 115)
Schools: Academy School District 20 / Falcon School District 49
Families with kids
Dual military
Outdoorsy types
Pikes Peak views from nearly every neighborhood. Close to Monument Valley Park, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak itself. D-20 and D-49 schools are among the best in the state.
Fountain
Small Town
Fountain is the closest off-post city to Fort Carson's main gate and the most affordable option in the area. It's a smaller, working-class military town with solid rental availability and rock-bottom prices compared to the rest of Colorado Springs. It's the go-to for junior enlisted and budget-conscious families who want minimal commute time.
Commute: 5–10 min
Gate: Main Gate (Highway 115)
Schools: Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8
Budget-friendly
Single service members
Families with kids
Unbeatable gate proximity and low cost of living make Fountain practical for budget-conscious families. Quick access to Pueblo for additional shopping. The community is heavily military and very familiar in culture.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Carson.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Colorado taxes active duty pay of Colorado residents at a flat 4.40% rate. Combat zone pay is exempt. Nonresident servic…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in Colorado may elect the same domicile and owe no…
Vehicle Registration
Nonresident active duty service members may file Form DR 2667 (Non-Residence and Military Service Exemption) to avoid pa…
Property Tax
100% permanently and totally disabled veterans (or veterans with individual unemployability status — expanded by Colorad…
Pet Policies at Fort Carson
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Carson.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
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Restricted Breeds
9
Prohibited Animals
13
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Fort Carson.
Commissary
1
Fort Carson Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
PX
Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 10am–7pm
Medical
1
Evans Army Community Hospital — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Carson.
01
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Fort Carson Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Call (719) 407-8315 for current hours.
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02
Is there a PX on base?
Yes, Fort Carson has a PX (Post Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders. Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 10am–7pm.
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03
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Evans Army Community Hospital is the primary military treatment hospital serving Fort Carson. Call (719) 526-7000 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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04
Is there an on-base vet clinic?
Yes, Fort Carson Veterinary Services provides veterinary care for pets of active-duty and retired military members. Call (719) 526-3803 to schedule.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Fort Carson has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Fort Carson has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 (rated B (Niche)) serves most military families at Fort Carson. Visit ffc8.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Fort Carson restricts certain breeds including Akita, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, Pit Bull Terrier, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Fort Carson has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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10
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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11
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Fort Carson.
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12
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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13
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Fort Carson.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.