Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC
Fort Jackson is an active United States Army installation in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the Army's main center for Basic Combat Training. This guide covers directions, visitor rules, housing, schools, medical care, services, and recreation.
Base Overview
| Official name | Fort Jackson |
|---|---|
| Military branch | United States Army |
| Base status | Active |
| Street address | 9810 Liberty Div Road, Fort Jackson, SC 29207 |
| Main phone number | 803-751-5166 / 5167 |
| Official website | U.S. Army Fort Jackson |
Location and Directions
Fort Jackson is in Columbia, South Carolina. From Columbia Airport, take I-26 East toward Charleston, then I-77 North and Exit 12 onto Strom Thurmond Boulevard. From Charlotte Airport, take I-485 South, then I-77 South toward Columbia and Exit 15 onto Strom Thurmond Boulevard. The COMET provides bus service on Fort Jackson.
Visitor Information
Visitors and uncleared contractors who need unescorted access must complete an NCIC III background check. A physical government-issued Real ID is required; digital identification is not accepted. Visitors in the same vehicle as an eligible military sponsor may not need a visitor pass when escorted by that sponsor. Questions about access can be directed to 803-751-5483.
| Entrance | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Control Center | Fort Jackson | Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Gate 1 | Fort Jackson Boulevard, from I-77 Exit 10 | Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Gate 2 | Forest Drive; 4120 Moseby Street | Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Gate 4 | Boyden Arbor Road; 6271 Boyden Arbor Road | Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Gate hours and access rules can change, so confirm current requirements before traveling.
Housing and Lodging
| Option | Details | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Services Office | Helps with on-post and off-post housing, leases, inspections, landlord issues, and community information. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | 4514 8th Division Road 803-751-9339 / 9343 |
| Fort Jackson Family Homes | Manages and maintains on-post family housing. | Fort Jackson |
| IHG Army Hotel/Fort Jackson Inn | Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Available to military personnel, family members, guests, retirees, and eligible visitors. | 7550 Cherbourg Street 803-782-9802 or 877-711-8326 |
Single and unaccompanied Soldiers in specified ranks are generally assigned to the Freddie Stowers Single Soldier Complex. Exceptions need command approval.
Facilities and Services
Army Community Service is at 9810 Liberty Div Road and is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 803-751-5256. Family and MWR provides child care, youth programs, recreation, discount tickets, equipment rentals, and dining options.
The Transportation and Household Goods office is at 5450 Strom Thurmond Boulevard, Room 102. Call 803-751-5137. It is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Thursday services end at noon.
Schools and Childcare
Fort Jackson has two DoDEA schools. Pierce Terrace Elementary School serves Pre-K through 1st grade. C.C. Pinckney Elementary School serves 2nd through 6th grade. Fort Jackson Family and MWR also offers child care services and youth programs.
Pierce Terrace Elementary School and C.C. Pinckney Elementary School have school information online.
Medical Services
Moncrief Army Health Clinic is at 4500 8th Division Road, Fort Jackson, SC 29207. Primary care is available for Soldiers and enrolled TRICARE family members. The clinic also provides pharmacy, radiology, behavioral health consultation, nutrition services, and wellness programs.
| General information | 803-751-2160 |
|---|---|
| Appointments | 803-751-2273 |
| Emergency care | The clinic has no emergency room. For a true emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. |
Recreation and Amenities
Family and MWR provides recreational activities for Soldiers, families, and civilians. Its services include child care and youth programs, ticket sales, equipment rentals, and dining options.
The Armed Forces Wellness Center is at 4512 8th Division Road. It is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and can be reached at 803-751-6749. Services include health assessments, wellness education, tobacco education, nutrition classes, stress-management education, and sleep education.
Things to Know
- Fort Jackson is the U.S. Army's main production center for Basic Combat Training.
- The installation trains roughly half of all Soldiers entering the Army and more than 60 percent of women entering the Army.
- Cell-phone use while driving on post is prohibited.
- Bring physical government-issued identification when seeking access.
- Gate hours, access rules, and service hours can change. Confirm current information before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fort Jackson?
Fort Jackson is in Columbia, South Carolina.
What identification is needed to enter Fort Jackson?
A physical government-issued Real ID is required for installation access. Digital identification is not accepted.
Is there an emergency room at Moncrief Army Health Clinic?
No. For a true emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Does Fort Jackson have on-post schools?
Yes. Pierce Terrace Elementary serves Pre-K through 1st grade, and C.C. Pinckney Elementary serves 2nd through 6th grade.
Where can visitors ask about installation access?
Call the access questions line at 803-751-5483.