LOCATION
Fort Irwin is located approximately 37 miles northeast of Barstow, California in the High Mojave Desert midway between Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California.
Desert hills and mountains surround the installation. Natural vegetation is sparse and consists of mesquite, creosote, yuccas, and other low growing plants. Beautiful sunsets, blue skies, sunny days and wide-open vistas are some of the pleasures of the desert and give many a sense of freedom. Do, however, expect the primary colors to be tan and brown. For those needing to see green, Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are two hours away providing tall trees and lakes.
HISTORY
On August 8, 1940, a Presidential order withdrew from public use almost 1,000 square miles of public land in the High Desert of Southern California. The land was established as the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Range and later named Camp Irwin in memory of Major General George Irwin, a World War I battle commander.
During World War II, Camp Irwin was used for training and served as an internment site for prisoners of war. In 1944, the camp was closed by the War Department and remained in caretaker status until 1951 when it was reactivated to become the home of the United States Army Armor and Desert Training Center. Ten years later in 1961, Camp Irwin became Fort Irwin.
Again in 1971, with the Vietnam war winding down, Fort Irwin was deactivated and eventually turned over to the State of California to train National Guard and Reserve Component soldiers. During this period, the Army began looking for a site to house a National Training Center and out of the eleven sites considered, Fort Irwin came out on top. In 1981, the installation was reactivated as the National Training Center and thus far its development has been nonstop. Today, it is considered to be the premier training site of the U.S. Army.
MISSION
To provide realistic joint and combined arms training focused on developing soldiers, leaders, and units of America's Army for success on the 21st century battlefield. Additionally, the NTC provides a vital source of experience based information and data essential to doctrine, equipment, training and force development in order to improve the force.
The NTC conducts 10 training rotations per year. Soldiers assigned to the 11th ACR and Operations Group can expect to spend several days per month in the field.
The major command is FORSCOM.
Telephone Access
DSN 470-xxxx 760-380-xxxx (government) 760-386-xxxx (nongovernmental)
POPULATION SERVED
Because Fort Irwin is a fairly small community, people living here get to know their neighbors. After a short period, visits to the commissary and Post Exchange (PX) are usually accompanied by a series of friendly "hellos". Children often live next door to their schoolmates, play on the same sports teams, or go to daycare together.
Fort Irwin maintains a small town atmosphere with town hall meetings and other community forums even though 4000-5000 soldiers from other installations rotate through the NTC each month.
SPONSORSHIP
To assist in the facilitating smooth transitions for youth as they relocate to new military installations, CYS collaborates with the Relocation Assistance Officer to provide an active Youth Sponsorship Program. The goal is to welcome new youth, provide them with information on programs and activities, answer questions they may have, and encourage early involvement at their new location.
Please contact Child and Youth Services for more information at 760-380-2258/2257
Area Child Care
Contact AG Replacement for other sponsorship information at 760-380-3006
MAIL: When you arrive, you can pick-up your mail at the Post Locator, Building 306 (in the Post Office). If you forward your mail, please make sure that you go to the post office as soon as you arrive. If your expected arrival date changes after your mail has been forwarded, please call (760) 380-3369 to let them know that you are still coming to Fort Irwin. This will prevent your mail from being returned to the sender.
To forward your mail temporarily you can use the following address: Your Name, Post Locator, and P.O. Box 105010, Your Expected Arrival Date, Fort Irwin, CA 92310-5010
If you prefer to rent a Post Office Box in advance, call the Post Office at (760) 386-2259. Six months rental will cost you $29.00(small - 3 inches by 5.75 inches) / $45.00(medium - 5.25 inches by 5.75 inches).
TEMPORARY QUARTERS
A temporary lodging expense is paid for 10 days only. Soldiers who are going to their 1st duty station or retiring are not eligible for TLE. In order to receive TLE, you must e on duty - you cannot be on leave.
You may stay at the Landmark Hotel when you first get here, depending on avaialability. This is the only hotel on post. Your next option is staying at a hotel/motel in Barstow. You may continue staying at the Landmark if housing is not available right away, but this can be costly.
Temporary Housing around Barstow MCLB
Nonavailability statements are not required in order to be reimbursed for temporary lodging if you stay in a motel in Barstow. Save your receipts. Motel/hotels in California charge a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to guests staying in their facilities. Military members are not exempt from paying this tax. However, there is no tax charged at the Landmark Inn Hotel on post for soldiers on orders.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
760-380-3598
A Mandatory Newcomers' Briefing is held each morning from 0800 to 0830 in building 312. We encourage family members to attend this orientation.
There is no furniture i.e., tables, beds, or chairs for temporary use while awaiting arrival of household goods. The ACS Lending Closets (Bldg. 548 on-post/Outreach Center off-post) have kitchen items, bedding, folding mats for sleeping, some baby furniture and small household appliances for loan for thirty days.
Soldiers with Exceptional Family Members should contact the Fort Irwin EFMP Program Manager before coming to Fort Irwin. Families not enrolled in EFMP but who have special medical or educational needs should contact their local Army Community Service EFMP manager.
DOCUMENTS TO HANDCARRY: Personnel Files, Finance Records, Leave Form, Medical Records, Birth Certificates, Shot Records (Children & Pets), Marriage Certificates, Employment Records (Spouse), Resumes (Spouse), Education Records, Transportation Documents (Bills of Lading, Inventory), Custody Papers, Divorce Decrees, and Proof of Car Insurance.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION
Individuals seeking housing in Barstow should contact the Housing Referral Officer.
You must go to Family Housing, Bldg. 312, Fort Irwin, to be placed on the waiting list.