Newcomers Assistance - Relocation Readiness
- Orientation
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Make the most out of your assignment and get to know your new home.
- Post Tour
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Join us for a guided bus tour of the Mountain Post. Get to know your new home and become more familiar with all Fort Carson has to offer. If you have kids, you are more than welcome to bring them. Note, if they are under 80 lbs or 8 years or younger, they must be in an approved car seat / booster seat. We are unable to provide a car seat or booster.
- Every 4th Wednesday of the month / 10 a.m. / ACS Center, Bldg. 1526
- Address Location: 6303 Wetzel Avenue, Fort Carson, CO 80913
- 4th Infantry Division
- 3rd Brigade SFRL
- Fort Carson
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- Colorado
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Weather, It Tends to Change
While amazing, our weather can be erratic. During winter and spring, winter storms can suddenly occur. In our local area, we can get snow anywhere from mid October to late May. And depending on what part of Colorado you are in, road conditions can vary drastically. Mountain passes can easily close due to snow and ice or mudslides. South Colorado Springs may be sunny while North Colorado Springs may have snow and ice. Preparation is the key. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Download the CDOT mobile app (iOS & Android) for up-to-date road conditions. Many of the major roadways have live feed video cameras. Checking the roads before you travel can make all the difference.
Climate, It's Not What You Think
Although Colorado is known for its ski resorts, the Colorado Springs area where Fort Carson is located has a mild year-round climate. In January, the coldest month, temperatures average a high of 43 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 23 with a mean of 33 degrees. The area averages 37 inches of snow annually. August, the warmest month, has an average high of 84 degrees and a low of 61 degrees with a mean of 73 degrees.
Altitude, Adjusting to It
Colorado Springs elevation is 6,035 feet. Acclimation to our area varies for every individual. If you are not a fan of drinking water, it is highly recommended you become one. The air is drier and your body will dehydrate much faster. Because of the elevation, newcomers may experience slight fatigue at first. New personnel are allowed 30 days to adjust to the altitude and to reach Fort Carson fitness standards.
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- Hotel Options
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Personnel needing a hotel for themselves, as well as Family, can contact the IHG Army Hotels, Bldg. 7301, +1(719)526-4832, the post's temporary lodging facility. Depending on the time of year, availability may be limited. Reserve room (s) in advance. Nonavailibity statements can be provided by IHG along with a list of available hotel. Hotel options are also available at the Air Force Inn on Peterson Air Force Base (depending on traffic, 15 to 30 minute drive).
For helpful information on Housing/Moving, visit the Fort Carson website.
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- Getting Here
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Driving: Located on the South side of Colorado Springs. Depending on what direction you are coming from on Interstate 25, you'll take either Exit 135 to South Academy Blvd. or Exit 132B onto Magrath Ave. which will take you directly to Gate 20.
Flying: Denver International Airport (DIA) is about 90 miles North from Colorado Springs; visit their USO to get refreshed. Locally, fly into the Colorado Springs Airport, you'll be about 10 miles from Fort Carson. Single Soldiers and BLC students not assigned to Fort Carson are authorized to use the Colorado Springs Kiosk, +1(719)622-7985, located in the airport to be shuttled to Fort Carson at no cost.
Greyhound: Located in the downtown area at 120 S. Weber St. in Colorado Springs, +1(719)635-1505. Coordinate pick-up by calling the Replacement Detachment CQ Desk, +1(719)526-6961 or +1(719)524-4475.
- Signing In and In-processing
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Signing In: Replacement Detachment, Bldg. 1456, is located on 1783 Nelson Blvd., Fort Carson, Colorado, 80913. If reporting during duty hours, Soldiers must be in uniform. If after 1500 & on weekends, Soldiers are authorized to report in civilian clothes; however, must be clean shaven in accordance with AR 670-1. Newly arrived personnel, Colonel & below, complete all in-processing requirements while assigned to Replacement Detachment.
Lodging during In-Processing: Unaccompanied (SGT & Below): Provided at barracks, Bldg. 1449. While assigned to the Replacement Detachment, Soldiers participate in a 5 day in-processing schedule. APFU is required for scheduled PRT sessions.
Accompanied SSG & below, WO1, 2LT & 1LT: Please make your own lodging arrangements. Soldiers participate in a 5 day in-processing schedule. APFU is required for scheduled PRT sessions.
SFC & Above, CW2 & Above, CPT & Above: Please make your own lodging arrangements. Soldiers participate in Executive in-processing, 1-3 days in length.
What to Bring: Fort Carson Soldiers need all CIF. Reporting documents include,
- 5 copies of all assignment orders & amendments
- 5 copies of DA Form 31 (Leave form)
- Copies of profiles (P3 & above only)
- Medical Record (If given to you by losing Command)
- Dental Record (If given to you by losing Command)
- Please attempt to bring all copies on your own. We can assist with making copies if needed, by exception.
Compassionate Reassignment Requests: Report to MPD CAPS in the Mountain Post Soldier Center, Bldg. 1525, Rm 210.
Permissive TDY: If taking in conjunction with PCS leave & it is annotated on DA31 & approved by an O5 or higher, please sign in at the Replacement Detachment CQ desk. CQ NCO will modify the DA31 to reflect the 10 days PTDY; no longer completed at housing. When PTDY is complete, return to the Replacement Detachment CQ desk to start in-processing. Save the DA31, Finance will need it to complete travel requirements.
Leave Extensions: If needed, check orders for contact information or call the Replacement Detachment CQ Desk at +1(719)526-6961 or +1(719)524-4475.
DA Civilians Reassigned to Fort Carson: Report on the the 1st day of employment to the Civilian Personnel Assistance Center (CPAC), Bldg. 1118, Rm 161. Located on 1626 Ellis St. Recommend contacting CPAC prior to arrival, +1(719)526-8341 or DSN 691-8341.
- Places to Eat
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Baskin Robbins - Stand alone
Burger King - Main PX; Triplex; and Gate 3
Dining Facilities
- Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) DFAC
- James R. Wolf DFAC
- Robert C. Stack DFAC
- Warfighter DFAC - Bldg 9420 / 10101 Warfighter Rd
Hunt Brother's Pizza - Wilderness Express
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) - Triplex
Korea Express - Mini Mall
Mulligan's Grill - Cheyenne Shadow's Golf Club
Outpost Food Truck (DFAC) - In front of the Mountain Post Soldier Center
Pizza Hut - Stand alone
Qdoba - Triplex
Strike Zone Snack Bar & Grill - Thunder Alley Bowling Center
Subway - B Street Express, Mini Mall, and Wilderness Express
- Housing on Post
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Fort Carson Family Homes has single-family, duplex, and townhome floor plans from 2 to 5 bedrooms, in pet-friendly neighborhoods featuring playgrounds, athletic courts, recreational trails and community gardens. Select homes are available for rent to military retirees and DOD civilian employees.
Residents enjoy a secure and comfortable community environment with the convenience of on-site management and maintenance, curbside trash and recycling pick-up, lawn care services and a calendar full of exciting resident activities and events. Starting the process is easy, but if you have questions, call +1(719)579-1606 and speak with a leasing specialist.
First month's rent and deposit assistance is available by contact Army Emergency Relief (AER) at +1(719)526-4590.
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- Housing off Post
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More than 70% of the military population live off of Fort Carson. Numerous housing options available. It's important to note, the cost of homes in the local areas have significantly increased within the last couple of years. If you plan on living in one of the many local communities, take the time to research.
- Black Forest
- Ellicot
- Security-Widefield (Local city directly outside of Fort Carson)
Volunteer realtors from the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors (PPAR) are onsite at the Fort Carson Housing Services Office (HSO) for one-on-one assistance, +1(719)526-2323.
Upon arrival, attend our ACS Homebuyer's Workshop facilitated by PPAR and learn about the process indepth. Understanding the VA homebuying process is important.
Rentals can be found by visiting the DoD off post housing website, Homes.mil.
First month's rent and deposit assistance are available through Army Emergency Relief (AER), +1(719)526-4590. Get informed on the local market trends.
- Employment
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Be proactive. Start the process and visit ACS Employment Readiness for information on the local job market. For questions, call +1(719)526-0452. Ask about the ACS Volunteer Program, it's a great way to add to your resume while you are on the search. And, free onsite childcare is available for ACS Center volunteers.
- Parents
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Childcare: It is highly encouraged that you contact CYS Parent Central Services for information on local daycare options, to include military-operated and military-subsidized child care options. For details, visit Bldg. 1528 or call +(719)526-1101.
Child & Youth Services (CYS): If you have kids, take advantage of available programs ranging from daycare to youth sports to online tutoring.
Events for 0 to 5 Years
Events for 6 Years to 12 Years
Events for 13 Years to 18 Years
Schools and Making the Best Choice
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- Army Community Service
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Regardless of what stage of life you and your family are in, Army Community Service has services and programs to make your Army life more successful. If you are new to the Fort Carson Colorado area, make sure to stop in and pick up a welcome packet, get maps and directions about the local area and meet our professional staff. ACS offers monthly classes on parenting, finances, relationships, volunteerism, exceptional family members, and much, much more.
ACS offers many different classes on a variety of subjects, all designed to improve the quality of your life.
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- Education
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Visit the Education Center, Bldg. 1012, room 138 for higher learning or call +1(719)526-2124. Onsite campuses include
- Colorado State University - Pueblo
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,
- Pikes Peak Community College
- University of Colorado - Colorado Spring
Campuses in the local communities:
- Colorado Christian University
- Colorado College
- Colorado State University - Pueblo
- Colorado Technical University (CTU)
- IntelliTec College
- Pikes Peak Community College
- Pueblo Community College
- University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
- Health Care
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Fort Carson MEDDAC is the Army Medicine command that operates Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) and manages its 2,300 military and civilian personnel. Newly arrived Soldiers and Family Members will be assigned a provider and clinic. Questions and concers can be referred to the patient advocates. Remember, if you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) in TRICARE, such as marriage or birth of a child, it opens a 90-day period for you to make eligible enrollment changes.
Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling +1(719)526-2273.
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- Recreation and Leisure
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Campgrounds and Facilities (Joint Services)
If you and your family are looking for adventure in the great outdoors of Colorado, then the Morale, Welfare and Recreation joint services campgrounds and facilities are available.
Buckley Air Force Base FamCamp
- Location: Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora
- Tel: +1(720)847-6853
- Accomodations: 38 RV spaces with tent areas
- Ammenities: Laundry, Showers, Picinic Area, Golf, Gas, Commissary, Exchange, Fitness Center, Shoppete, Snack Bar, Class VI, Car Wash, Dump / Sewer, Water, Electric
- Location: United States Air Force Academy, Woodland Park
- Tel: +1(719)687-9098
- Accommodations: 15 tent sites (primitive), four log camper cabins, six duplex units, lodge with four rooms
- Amenities: Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing
- Location: United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Tel: +1(719)333-4980
- Accommodations: 105 gravel sites, eight tent sites
- Amenities: Playground, picnic area, hiking, commissary, exchange, package store
- Things to Consider Before PCSing
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Childcare: It is highly encouraged that you contact CYS Parent Central Services for information on local daycare options, to include military-operated and military-subsidized child care options. For details, call +(719)526-1101.
Emergency En Route: Be prepared, save the American Red Cross number to your contacts, +1(877)272-7337.
Employment Assistance: Be proactive. Start the process before you leave. Visit ACS Employment Readiness for details on the local job market or call +1(719)526-0452. Ask about the ACS Volunteer Program, it's a great way to add to your resume while you are on the search. And, free onsite childcare is available for ACS Center volunteers.
Exceptional Family Member's: Visit the ACS Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) page for details on local services or call +1(719)526-0400.
Flying to Fort Carson: You have 2 options; fly directly to Colorado Springs or fly into the Denver International Airport (DIA), which is about 90 miles from Colorado Springs.
Firearms on Fort Carson: All weapons brought on post must be registered with FC Form 66-E. Start before you arrive, form can be completed via mail. Takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Getting Around Without a Car: Fort Carson offers free shuttle buses.
Housing in the Local Communities: Numerous options are available. It's important to note, the cost of homes in the local areas have increased significantly within the last couple of years. Take the time to research your options before you arrive.
The Fort Carson Housing Services Office (HSO) has an onsite volunteer realtor to assist, call +1(719)526-2323. Once you arrive, attend our monthly Homebuyer's Workshop. For rentals, visit Homes.mil. First months rent and initial deposit assistance is available via Army Emergency Relief (AER), +1(719)526-4590. For more information, visit the below subheader, Housing in the Local Communities.
Leave Extension: Save the Army Travel Assistance Center to your cell phone, +1(800)582-5552. If you do not make it by your report date, it is critical that notification is made immediately.
Per Diem Rates: Up-to-date details for Fort Carson.
Pet Boarding Kennels: Unavailable on Fort Carson. For help, contact the Fort Carson Veterinary Center, +1(719)526-3803. The Better Business Burea is a great resource in locating a kennel.
Schools (Kids): Colorado has open enrollment. Contact the School Liaison Office (SLO) for assistance with the numerous options available to parents. Additional information available through the Colorado Department of Education.
Shipment of personal items: Start as soon as possible, visit Move.mil. Note, Fort Carson no longer provides Loan Closet services.
Sponsorship: Whether your a Soldier or Family Member, a sponsor can help with getting to know the local area. For details, call +1(719)526-0457.
Welcome Packet: Request a packet. Include your name, address, contact number, arrival date, and any other information you may be needing.
- Tips to Help You
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Banana Belt: If you hear someone refer to this term, it is the area around Barkeley Avenue and McGrath Avenue. If you look at the streets on a map, they form a banana.Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Welcome to the highest zoo in America. It sits at an elevation of 6,800 feet above sea level and has more than half a million visitors every year.
Community Connection: Make Bldg. 1524 one of your first stops. You'll find newcomers information and resources. If you plan on buying a home, sign up for our Homebuyer's Workshop.
DEERS & ID Card: Schedule an appointment online.
DMV: Conveniently located in the Mountain Post Soldier Center, Bldg. 1525, wait times are online. For details, call +1(719)520-6240.
Dog Parks: Two fenced-in parks are available at Iron Horse Park.
Drink Water: Colorado Springs elevation is 6,035 feet. Acclimation to our area varies for every individual. If you are not a fan of drinking water, it is highly recommended you become one. The air is drier and your body will dehydrate much more quickly.
Exceptional Family Member's: Stop by the ACS Center, Bldg 1526 and meet your ACS Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) team or call +1(719)526-0400.
Family Readiness Group (FRG): Get up-to-date FRG contact information.
- Food Handlers Training - Nutrition Care Division, Evans Army Community Hospital, Bldg 7500, Room 1945. For details, call +1(719)524-0730.
Firearms on Fort Carson: All weapons transported on post must be registered with FC Form 66-E. The process takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Getting around Fort Carson: If your vehicle is not here yet or you don't have one, the post provides free shuttle buses.
Golfers: Great news, because of our altitude, a golf ball flies on an average 10% farther in Colorado than other states. Tee-up at the Cheyenne Shadows Gold Course.
Household Goods: Contact the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office as soon as possible. The office will coordinate delivery of household goods, unaccompanied and hold baggage. For more information or for delivery coordination, call +1(719)554-9298. Claims on damaged shipments are handled by the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.
Hunting: The post Conservation Law Enforcement Program offers a Colorado Hunters’ Education Course. Registration required, next course is 30 & 31 March.
Incline: It's just 2,744 steps up the Manitou Incline. Gaining 2000 feet in elevation from start to finish, it's a bit under 1 mile in length. Take the challenge.
Leisure, Tour and Travel: Stop by The HUB and get any upcoming family vacations, getaway cruises, or tickets to local/state/national/international attractions. They'll help you put together a perfect trip. For details, call +1(719)526-5366.
Military & Family Life Counselors (MFLC): Available to Service Members and their Families to provide non-medical short term, situational problem-solving counseling. Services can be provided on or off the installation and can be for individuals, couples, families and groups.
Military Installations
- North American Aerospace Command Defense (NORAD) - Colorado Springs
- Peterson Air Force Base - Colorado Springs
- Schriever Air Force Base - Colorado Springs
- United States Air Force Base - Colorado Springs
- Buckley Air Force Base - Denver
Mountains are to the West: If you get lost in Colorado Springs, remember that, it's a helpful trick to finding your way around.
MWR: Up-to-date information ranging from recreation to sports & fitness to community support.
Per Diem Rates: Up-to-date details for Fort Carson.
Pets: Boarding kennels are unavailable on Fort Carson. For assistance, contact the Veterinary Center at +1(719)526-3803 or visit the local Better Business Bureau.
- Stray Animal Facility: If you live on Fort Carson and your pet gets loose, you can contact Tumbleweed Country Kennels, 12599 Jordan Road, Fountain, CO 80817. Photos are taken of collected animals on Fort Carson and posted online. Owners have 5 days to recover their pet before it is abandoned and placed for adoption. For details, call +1(719)382-1126.
Post Guide and Telephone Directory
Schools (Kids): Colorado has open enrollment. Parents are highly encouraged to contact the School Liaison Office (SLO) prior to making education decisions. Additional resources are available through the Colorado Department of Education.
Shipment of personal items: All you answers are on Move.mil. Note, Fort Carson no longer provides Loan Closet services.
- Joint Personnel Property Shipping Office North Central (JPPSO-NC)
- Tel: +1(719)526-3755
- Office Hours: Mon-Thu, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Fri, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Shopping Locations
- Chapel Hills Mall (Local)
- Citadel Mall (Local)
- First & Main Town Center (Local)
- Outlets at Castle Rock (About 31 miles North from Fort Carson)
- Promenade Shops at Briargate (Local)
- University Village Colorado (Local)
Shooting Complex: Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex located outside of Gate 20. We also have a Trap/Skeet range. For details, call +1(719)896-6196.
Ski Resorts: USA Today named Winter Park as the number one spot. Copper Mountain took fifth place and Telluride tenth place. So whether you are an avid skier or new to bunny slopes, stop by the Outdoor Recreation Complex to get information.
Sponsorship: It's not too late to request one. For Soldier or Spouse sponsorship, call +1(719)526-0457. For Youth sponsorship, call +1(719)524-0194.
Staff Duty Numbers: 24/7 Unit Staff Duty phone numbers.
Tax Center: Call +1(719)524-1012 or 1+(719)524-1013 to make appointments through the remainder of tax season. Free income tax preparation services for both state and federal returns are available to all Active Duty, Retirees and Family Members. Located in Bldg. 1358, open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Training Programs: Take advantage of the many opportunities.
- Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) Certification: Military spouses can apply through April 2019 for the fellowship.
- Red Cross Dental: For details, call +1(719)526-7144.
Welcome Packet: Stop by and pick one up at Community Connection, Bldg 1524. We're on the South side of Mountain Post Soldier Center.
Weather Conditions: Download the CDOT mobile app. You'll find that many of the major roadways have live feed video cameras. Depending on when you are traveling, Colorado Road Conditions can vary drastically. Check the roads before you travel.
WIC Office: Three locations available in the local area.
- Closest office to Fort Carson: 97 Widefield Blvd, Widefield, CO 80911. For details, call +1(719)578-3199.
- Single Soldiers
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- Sports & Fitness
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- Fostering and Adoption
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We recieve many inquiries on adoption and foster care in Colorado.
- Adoption Reimbursement for Retirees
- Adopt US Kids - Military Resources
- Colorado Heart Gallery - Meet Colorados Kids
- El Paso County DHS Adoption
- Military Adoption Benefits for Active Duty
- Military OneSource Adoption Essentials for Active Duty
- The Adoption Exchange
Foster Care
Local Agencies to assist with the process
- A New World
- Bethany Christian Services
- Catholic Charoties of Colorado Springs
- Courage Community Foster Care
- Dungarvin Colorado
- Family Resource Network
- Foster Courage
- Griffith Centers for Children Chins Up
- Hope & Home
- Kids Crossing
- Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain
- Maple Star
- Rocky Mountain Kids
- Special Kids, Special Families
- Regulations and Policies
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Command Policies - IMCOM
Garrison Commander Policies
- How We Can Help
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Hours of Operation
Located in Community Connection, Bldg 1524
Monday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Contact
6391 Wetzel Ave.
Bldg. 1524 Google MapHandicap Accessible
Tel:
+1(719)526-1070Military DSN Tel:
(312)619-1070- Centralized Relocation Readiness Program services.
- Relocation Readiness Program flyer
- Everyday English Course
- Immigration assistance and classes
- Meet-Up Groups for German, Latino and Multicultural
- Multicultural assessment appointments
- Naturalization ceremonies
- Office on the Go Services
- Referrals for English as a Second Language (ESL)
- S-1 Naturalization Training
- Tranlation referrals
Newcomers to Fort Carson
- Details listed above on this page.
- Bulk Order of Welcome Packets: If ordering more than 10, allow 2 business days.
- Loan Closet is not available at Fort Carson. To find a list of area thrift stores, type thrift shops in the Enter Keyword search box for the 211 website. Specific resources on Fort Carson indude:
- Warriors Warehouse (Flyer) - Eligibility details on Facebook.
- Mountain Post Thrift Shop
- Clearing for ACS, AER, & EFMP
- Destination Overseas
- Loan Closet is not available at Fort Carson. To find a list of area thrift stores, type thrift shops in the Enter Keyword search box for the 211 website. Specific resources on Fort Carson indude:
- Warriors Warehouse (Flyer) - Eligibility details on Facebook.
- Mountain Post Thrift Shop
- Office on the Go Services
- PCS 101
- Relocation Counseling for Chaptering, ETSing and Retiring
- Relocation Packets for other locations
- Sponsorship Information and Training
- Waiting Families Program
Available for pickup at Community Connection
Welcome to Fort Carson, Colorado. You are coming to one of the top requested stateside locations. Whether it’s your 1st move or last of many, the Army Community Service (ACS) Relocation Readiness Program is here to help. Did you know, our local community has the 3rd largest DoD retiree population in the U.S.
Located in the Southern part of Colorado Springs, Fort Carson is a new adventure, a great place to call home, and location where community makes all the difference. And not to mention, Colorado Springs was ranked # 1 Best Big City in "Best Places to Live" by Money magazine, #1 Outside Magazine's list of America's Best Cities and #2 on U.S. News list of most desirable cities.
Post Orientation and Tour
Bucket List for Newcomers - "Bakers Dozen"
These are personal suggestions from volunteers. No federal endorsement is intended.
Digital Welcome Packet
Your Relocation Readiness Program
