LOCATION: The Army Aviation Warfighting Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama, is located in the southeast corner of lower Alabama. Fort Rucker is approximately 80 miles south of Montgomery and 20 miles northwest of Dothan. Florida's Gulf Coast lies 80 miles to the south. The communities of Enterprise, Daleville, and Ozark are west, south and east of the post, respectively and serve as our three main gates. The post covers about 64,500 acres of countryside in an area known as the "Wiregrass" named for a wild grass peculiar to the region.
Much of the main post is in Dale County, with the remaining government-owned and leased acreage in Coffee, Geneva and Houston counties. The area is known for its lower cost of living making it a prime target for real estate investments. Most of the countryside is rolling and wooded. An abundance of lakes and streams and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make this area a fisherman's paradise.
HISTORY: Fort Rucker and Army Aviation trace their origins back to earlier eras; both were products of World War II. During World War II, America conducted a manpower mobilization unprecedented in its history in terms of total numbers; the United States put into uniform over 16 million men and approximately 333,000 women. This mobilization called for the creation of new training camps and military bases, including Camp Rucker, named in honor of Colonel Edmund W. Rucker, a Civil War Confederate Officer, who was given the honorary title of "General". With the consolidation of all Army Aviation flight training at Fort Rucker in 1973, the post became the Mecca for Army aviators. Air Force helicopter pilots have also been trained here since 1971, as have students from more than 60 foreign countries.
MISSION: The current mission of the Army Aviation Warfighting Center is to develop the aviation force for its worldwide mission. This mission includes developing concepts, doctrine, organization, training, leader development, material, and soldier requirements. It is also to provide resident and nonresident aviation maintenance, logistics and leadership training in support of the total force and foreign nations for the sustainment of joint and combined aviation operations. Major commands on Fort Rucker include U.S. Army Garrison Fort Rucker, U.S. Army Aviation Warfighting Center, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career Center, U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center (ATTC), Aviation Center Logistics Command (ACLC), U.S. Army Aeromedical Center, U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, U.S. Army School of Aviation Medicine, and U.S. Army Air Traffic Services Command (ATSCOM).
POPULATION SERVED:
The Fort Rucker Community
| Group |
Number |
| Post Population |
12,902 |
| Total Military |
4,500 |
| Total Civilian |
6,543 |
| Military Family Members on Post |
1,859 |
| Military Families off Post |
5,029 |
| All Military Retirees (40 mile radius) |
46,153 (10,666 family members) |
SPONSORSHIP: To request a sponsor prior to your arrival, simply forward a completed DA Form 5434 to your current Strength Management Work Center (SMGT) or Army Personnel Office. The SMGT will then forward the form to your gaining MACOM or activity here on Fort Rucker who will respond to your request. Depending on your incoming status, whether you are a student, permanent party member or arriving to a tenant organization, your check-in procedures will vary. (See Installation::Check-In Procedures for more information.)
TEMPORARY QUARTERS: Reservations can be made with Army Lodging prior to arriving at Fort Rucker. Reservations for PCS or temporary duty schools, no advance restriction. Other TDY, 30 days in advance. Retirees, graduation, and other authorized guests, 7 days in advance. Room rates range from $26 to $48 per day, based on single occupancy ($5 extra per person). (See Installation::Temporary Lodging for more information.)
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Spouses and family members of incoming soldiers should visit the Army Community Service located at the Soldier Service Center, Novosel Street, Building 5700, Rooms 193 and 390. Army Community Service offers the following services and activities to transitioning families to the Army Aviation Warfighting Center: the ACS Lending Hangar; monthly Newcomers' Welcome; Welcome Packets, including maps and information on post and the surrounding communities; employment opportunities; community networking opportunities, Support groups, various workshops and a host of other important information, activities and services. Please make Army Community Service one of your stops and let us become connected to you and your family. Army Community Service is open Monday thru Friday from 07:30am to 4:15pm. Call us for directions or for more information at (334) 255-3161/2887.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION: Telephone access to Fort Rucker automated information: (334) 255-1110 or DSN 558-1110. For Field Officer of the Day (FOD) and Staff Duty Officer (SDO) after duty hours and weekends only: (334) 255-3100 or DSN 558-3100. DSN prefix is 558. The area code for Fort Rucker and surrounding communities is 334.