Where is Fort Jackson Military Base?
Located in the heart of the United States, Fort Jackson is a United States Army installation situated in Columbia, South Carolina. As one of the largest initial entry training centers in the Army, Fort Jackson is responsible for training over 35,000 new soldiers every year.
Location and Address
Fort Jackson is located approximately 5 miles east of downtown Columbia, the state capital of South Carolina. The base is situated on a 52,000-acre site, which was originally a tobacco plantation in the 18th century. The base’s main address is:
Fort Jackson
5500 Stibur Drive
Columbia, SC 29207
Getting to Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson is easily accessible by car, with several major highways passing nearby. The base is located just off Interstate 77 and Interstate 20, making it a convenient stop for soldiers and visitors alike.
- By Car: From downtown Columbia, take I-77 South to Exit 16A (SC-555 West), then follow the signs to Fort Jackson.
- By Air: The closest airport is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), located approximately 15 miles from the base. Taxi, Uber, and Lyft services are available from the airport to Fort Jackson.
- By Bus: Greyhound and other bus services stop at the Columbia Bus Station, located approximately 10 miles from the base. From there, visitors can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to Fort Jackson.
History of Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson has a rich history dating back to 1917, when it was established as a training camp during World War I. The base was named after General Charles J. Jackson, a prominent figure in the War Department. Over the years, Fort Jackson has undergone several expansions and renovations, with the most significant one being the construction of the new Basic Combat Training complex in the 1990s.
Units and Organizations
Fort Jackson is home to several Army units and organizations, including:
- United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC): TRADOC is responsible for training and educating Army soldiers, as well as developing doctrine and policy for the Army.
- United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM): FORSCOM is responsible for training and preparing Army forces for deployment and combat.
- 84th Training Command (IT): The 84th Training Command is a major subordinate command of FORSCOM, responsible for training and educating Army Reserve and National Guard units.
Training and Education
Fort Jackson is best known for its Basic Combat Training (BCT) program, which is designed to train new soldiers in the fundamentals of Army combat skills. The base also offers advanced individual training (AIT) in various military specialties, such as infantry, armor, and artillery.
Points of Interest
Fort Jackson has several points of interest for visitors, including:
- The Old Post Chapel: A historic chapel built in 1918, which serves as a place of worship for soldiers and their families.
- The Fort Jackson Museum: A museum that showcases the history and heritage of the base and the Army.
- The 1st Battalion (Old Guard) Training Academy: A training facility that teaches soldiers the skills and traditions of the Old Guard, the Army’s premier ceremonial unit.
Services and Amenities
Fort Jackson offers a range of services and amenities for soldiers and their families, including:
- Commissary: A grocery store that provides food and household items to soldiers and their families at discounted prices.
- Exchange: A shopping mall that offers a range of products and services, from clothing and electronics to personal care items and snacks.
- Fitness Center: A state-of-the-art fitness center that offers workout equipment, classes, and personal training.
- Dining Facilities: Several dining facilities that offer a range of meal options, from fast food to formal dining.
Conclusion
Fort Jackson is a vital Army installation that plays a critical role in training and preparing new soldiers for combat. Located in the heart of South Carolina, the base offers a range of services and amenities for soldiers and their families, as well as several points of interest for visitors. Whether you’re a soldier, a family member, or simply a visitor, Fort Jackson is a place of great history, tradition, and importance.
