LOCATION
United States, Southeast, South Carolina, Columbia. George Washington, himself, remarked that the city of Columbia was a well-chosen site, as he viewed the city at an early stage, stiiing on a bluff above the Congaree River below the confluence of the Broad and Saluda rivers. Established in 1786, Columbia was a planned city, built to be the seat of state government. A metropolitan region of over 400 thousand population, Columbia offers a diversity of experiences and attractions. This Southern city, with its blooming azaleas in the Spring, remembers its past and is looking forward to the future. Being the state capital, having a thriving business climate, and being the site of a major university downtown all contribute to Columbia being a unique and interesting place in which to work and live. Columbia displays its patriosim proudly and is glad to be the home of Fort Jackson, the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. Army. Nicely situated in the center of the state, Columbia is only several hours from the Atlantic coast in one direction, and the mountains in another. For more information about Columbia, please visit the Fort Jackson website (look for "Fort Jackson and surrounding area.")
HISTORY
Named after Major General Andrew Jackson , "Old Hickory," the seventh president of the United States, Fort Jackson had its beginnings in 1917, as a new Army Training Center to answer America's need for trained fighting men in World War I. The installation would become the largest and most active of its kind in the world. First know as the Sixth National Cantonment and later as Camp Jackson, Fort Jackson has always served as the Army's pioneer in the training environment. Much more can be learned bout Fort Jackson's history by visiting the Fort Jackson website, listed in the Contacts/Links section - and then by clicking on "Fort Jackson and surrounding are" and by clicking on "Fort Jackson History." Information about the museums which preserve Fort Jackson's history can be found at the above locations.
MISSION
Fort Jackson is the largest and most active Initial Entry training Center in the U.S. Army, training 34 percent of all Soldiers and 69 percent of the women entering the Army each year. Providing the Army with trained, disciplined, motivated and physically fit warriors who espouse the Army's core values and are focused on teamwork is the post's primary mission. That means training in excess of 45,000 basic training and advanced individual training Soldiers every year. In addition, Fort Jackson has become a significant site of professional development for Soldiers. With the downsizing of Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, Fort Jackson developed a number of professional development schools for the Soldier Support Institute (SSI). The Institute include the U.S. Army Adjutant General School, Finance School, Recruiting and Retention School, the Institute's NonCommissioned Officers Academy, and the Training Support Battalion. Also, the Army Chaplain School and the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute make their homes at Fort Jackson. Fort Jackson is home to one of the Army's Drill Sergenat Schools.
POPULATION SERVED
In addition to the 45,000 or more of basic training and advanced individual training Soldiers who pass through Fort Jackson every year, permanently assigned Soldiers total more than 3600 with their more than 10,000 family members every year. Approximately 14,000 Soldiers attend courses at the SSI and other schools each year. Fort Jackson employs almost 5,200 civilians and provides services for more than 115,000 retirees and family members.
SPONSORSHIP
For questions about until of assignment and assignment of sponsors, please contact the Adjutant General Division, Ms. Loretta Hill, Ph: 803-751-5579 (DSN734-5579)
TEMPORARY QUARTERS
Temporary Lodging is arranged through the Fort Jackson Welcome Center, a "24/7" operation. The Welcome Center is located at 4934 Strom Thurmond Blvd, just inside Gate 2, which is the Forest Drive/Ft. Jackson off I-77. Exit #12. The Welcome Center can be reached toll-free at 1-800-276-6984 or (803) 782-9802. Arrangements for on post temporary lodging as well as referral for off post temporary lodging can be gained from this facility.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
The Army Community Service Relocation Readiness program is housed in the Strom Thurmond Building, 5450 Strom Thurmond Blvd, in room 120. This location is a few blocks from Gate #2 off I-77, which is exit #12. Enter the gate and continue through two stoplights. The Strom Thurmond building is on the right. Information on Fort Jackson and the surrounding Columbia/midlands region can be obtained by stopping in, or by phoning (803) 751-4868 (DSN 734-4868). Please also see Contacts/Links for this section. Lending Closet services are available for permanently assigned Soldiers and family members.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION
It is no longer permissible to use cell phones while driving a car on post.