After taking into consideration weather, morale, base amenities, stuff to do, and accessibility to major cities, it seems that some of our militarys most heroic acts of service might not be fighting battles abroad, but bravely conquering these 10 towns at home. I'd expect with being in the field for 3+ weeks at a time they accommodate for certain lifestyle minimums for soldiers. On-base housing is rumored to be nice and the post boasts a brand new commissary, PX, and a really good hospital. Since 9/11, more than 1.6 million American Soldiers have deployed overseas, many of them two, three and four times. . Leeches are just another of Gods greatest creations awaiting your arrival to Fort Polk. So, Marines can prep for sandstorms in the Middle East with sandstorms right here at home. 101st Airborne Division soldier dies in training accident at Fort Polk, How to avoid sending the tuna sandwich of deployment care packages, This vet wants to defeat domestic terrorism by boosting your mental toughness, 8 pieces of gear grunts buy themselves before deploying, Top 5 historical military destinations for your summer road trip, 4 reasons military brats make better adults, The complete post guide to Fort Leavenworth, The next generation of Warrior is more Spartan than you may think, 6 reasons why beach assaults actually suck, 6 effective ways to discipline your troops without paperwork. At Fort Polk youll find batting cages, a miniature golf course, a go kart track, and a splash park. Sarah P. Your taste buds will be very happy here! What city is closest to Fort Rucker? Not sure about the active, non-training side of the base. Any info is appreciated..thanks in advance. There is a lot of truth in the statement it is what you make of it. If you choose to seclude yourself and sit at home, bored, you will probably be counting down the days until your next PCS; however, if you get out, form relationships, explore your surroundings, and make the most our of your time there, these will be some of your most memorable years. But before you try and visit Big Deuce and Short Round, lets dive in and learn more about your new duty station. It's 3 hrs from LA, 2-3 hrs from LV and about 4-5 hrs from SD. And if you like to unwind from desert combat training by driving into more desert to shoot more guns and drive more off-road vehicles, then Fort Irwin is your paradise.Surprise silver lining: The Barstow Tanger Outlets offer soldiers the chance to buy their Air Jordans on discount so they can wear them to Shock Wave, the on-base night club that shows UFC fights without cover and serves food that is not half bad, hit or miss, and meh, according to Yelp! These often sought-after duty stations are now an. It's not to bad, but it's been a good while since I was there. WE'RE INVESTING IN HOUSING. If youre a football fan, be sure to head to Baton Rouge for a LSU game. Everyone seems to love district 13. Its cheaper to live in the place you never wanted to! What is life on fort Polk like? The humidity is so thick you could cut it with a knife and as you scan the ground with your headlamp, tiny flashes of light shimmer back at you from the grass, bushes, and trees that surround you. Ensure Soldiers and families with U.S. Army Alaska and at select installations with unique needs such as Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Irwin, California and Fort Polk, Louisiana receive critical Quality of Life needs. It's not really as bad as people like to make it seem. ), and Kings Canyon is the same distance east. I've been hearing a lot about how bad Fort Irwin is and how much everyone dreads going there, calling it the worst duty station after Fort Polk. And now its also in your inbox! Fort Polk is home to the following units: Weather: Fort Polk has a subtropical climate. One of the most challenging aspects of military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. WE'RE TAKING A HARD LOOK AT HOW WE'RE DOING PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION MOVES TO STABILIZE MORE SOLDIERS BUT ALSO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE GOOD MOVES., - General James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army, "We expect a lot from everyone in our Army, and we ask a lot of our families too. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. She's an advocate for living life one PCS at a time, enjoying careers in the environmental, nonprofit, and educational sectors. Heres how to choose the right branch for you, Why you dont hear about the German Navy on D-Day, 7 acronyms the military should use, but doesnt, This years Navy fleet week New York has a theme, This is the Department of Defenses online memorial for the fallen, 4 of the worst things about training in Mojave Viper, 6 things that will surprise you about Mojave Viper, 6 first-world problem complaints about military life, Trump wants Space Force to be its own military branch, New report reveals the US militarys fattest service branch. Fort Polk's location also serves as a point of contention for those that prefer a more populated urban area nearby. Located in Leesville, Louisiana, Fort Polk has a reputation for its miserable climate. I wouldn't mind the constant field thing if I'm allowed to lift weights on the downtime somehow. Its night and you are patrolling through the Vietnam-like jungles of Fort Polk in search of the elusive G Man. The humidity is so thick you could cut it with a knife and as you scan the ground with your headlamp, tiny flashes of light shimmer back at you from the grass, bushes, and trees that surround you. Bases:Fort Bragg, Pope AirfieldUnlucky call sign:Fort Drag,No hope Pope"Why it's not great: Fort Bragg is like the Kardashians -- everybody in the Army knows about it, talks about it, and either loves it or hates it passionately. Attend a festivalWithin five hours from Fort Polk, there are countless sights and activities for curious kids and fun-seeking adults. Archived post. Soldiers conduct joint hot load training at Camp Buehring. Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email, and get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. And since that Canadian border is only 30 minutes away, youre never in short supply of maple syrup.Surprise silver lining: The way to survive Fort Drum is to bundle up, get outside, and start adding ice to the front of all your favorite activities: ice fishing, ice climbing, ice walking, ice dining. Base: Fort Irwin National Training CenterUnlucky call sign: A string of expletives that we cannot repeatWhy it's not great: Fort Irwin is the vast desert training area for the Army, a severe and remote landscape that could easily double as the Mad Max set. Theyre so bad down here that slapping yourself in the face is not only normal but its a tactical strategy. There are three main neighborhoods: Dogwood Terrace and Palmetto Terrace are located on South Fort, and Maple Terrace is on North Fort. Mardi Gras ParadeThey can be found everywhere! No those arent water droplets and you didnt suddenly walk into a diamond mine. Theres something special waiting for younext years rotation back to this paradise. Sat and Sun of UTA weekends 7:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Pre-Deployment and Post-Deployment Briefings. You wont often find relief in the shade. Although one of the more capable commanders on the list, this Confederate general's accomplishments include not being . 3. This is a very tight-knit community. Whatever recreational needs you desire, Fort Polk has it! Fort Polk is a wonderful place to live! Deep in the swamp or what feels like the swamp at least lies a training ground whose memories haunt your dreams forever. Among the most notable is the. : I am transferring from Wisconsin national guard to active duty as a 91B my first duty station is gonna be fort Polk I am married no kids I'm wondering what it is like on fort Polk, give me the good the bad and the ugly please. Exceptional Family Member Program, STAND-TO! For more information, please see our Fort Polk is one of those places where people say Youll cry when you receive orders, but youll cry harder when you leave. Its true. In fact, as much flak as the Coast Guard gets for being the awkward child of the military, the Coast Guard doesn't seem to have a "worst" station among them. What do you guys think is the worst post? BLUF - winter temps can reach as low as -30F. The nearest towns are at least an hour away, and the nearest fun is in New Orleans, a long drive away. All Members must present a valid driver's license or passport when registering and receiving Membership Card. Blake Stilwell is a traveler and writer with degrees in design, television & film, journalism, public relations, international relations, and business administration. All rights reserved. When she's not on the clock, she's seeking local adventure with her family as a travel schooling family, blogging about hidden destinations within driving range of each duty station. Military OneSource provides tax services, spouse employment help, webinars, online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more. Be dynamic, curious, and positive, and the boredom wont be an issue anymore. Army Spouse, Fort Polk offers the quiet hometown feel that so many of us crave after traveling around with the Army. But needless to say, go to Lake Charles, LaFayette, New Orleans, Houston, somewhere other than around Polk. The Coast Guard talks about its districts like it's in the world ofThe Hunger Games. "The 36th Infantry Division is the first National Guard Division to command an active duty brigade as part of the Army's total force policy." Its like the North Pole in a world where Santa doesnt exist. Neighbors become friends; friends become family. 8. We think there is so much chatter about Fayetteville because it houses the biggest population in the Army -- and the naysayers are loud simply because there are so many of them. I met people. Third, the base sucks. We feel safe. And New Orleans is a five-hour drive, so at least you can get a beignet for your troubles.Surprise silver lining: In recent years, Fort Polks base amenities have undergone an impressive facelift. Fort Polkitself hosts events throughout the year and truly works hard to care for its residents. Sarah P. I cried when we found out we received orders to Fort Polk. When people argue about worst CONUS duty stations, 29 Psalms vs Polk is only the two to argue that I feel are reasonable with MAYBE a hint of Fort Hunter Liggett if you're single and the Hacienda isn't offering local nasty booty . By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I got a job. Every branch is getting the Armys new modular pistol, These are the best and worst military towns for families, 6 lessons I learned moving nuclear weapons through North Dakota, Enlisting? Our family has enjoyed the slow pace of life here at Fort Polk and the amazing friends we have met because of it. Army wife of eight years. Fort Polk and surrounding community could use your help. Privacy Policy. Germany-Wiesbaden was awesome. Theres skiing at Dry Hill, tubing at Maple Ridge Snow Park, and plenty to explore in the Adirondack Mountains. There is so much to see and do. Oh and for the record, Lake Bandini isnt an actual lake. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!). That said, Fort Polk is a pretty great place to be stationed. Plus, the bugs and critters of this swampy . Your personalized home buying dashboard awaits you. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The Army now offers new active-duty recruits the ability to select their first duty station, giving many the option to go as far away from or stay as close to home as they want. and our The perk? So even though the base may be a bust, it might just prompt enough personal growth to make a really excellent online dating profile. Living in a swamp is not something anyone grew up dreaming about. Patriots In The News. I figured I'd head you guys off at the pass. What is OPTEMPO like? You havent fully experienced Louisiana until you dig into a crawfish creation of some sort. Phone: Staff Duty: (910) 643-0045. Fort Polk, Vernon Parish receive Army Community Partnership Award, Black Hawk crash at Fort Polk kills one, wounds three. [deleted] 7 yr. ago. Never been stationed at Polk but been to a few rotations and it seems like a place I would not want to be. I'm told the station at Venice, Louisiana can be pretty bad and that the CG will let you choose your follow on orders for doing a tour there. Our family has loved experiencing Louisianas laissez les bon temps rouler culture, and a festival or celebration is not hard to find in any direction you travel. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 7:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Airman and Family Readiness Center - Relocation Assistance, (ACS) Information\, Referral\, and Follow-up Program, Women\, Infants\, and Children (WIC & WIC-O), Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC), Non-appropriated Funds (NAF) Human Resources, Housing Referral Office/Housing Privatization. WE'RE INVESTING IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS. You can have a good barracks room or a bad one depending on several factors like your duty station, unit assignment, and rank. Fort Johnson, formerly Fort Polk, is a United States Army installation located in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, about 10 miles (15 km) east of Leesville and 30 miles (50 km) north of DeRidder in Beauregard Parish.. Mon Fri 5:45 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. & 2:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Child and Youth Registration and Referral, Family Child Care/Child Development Homes, Legal Assistance and Claims (Staff Judge Advocate Office), Veterinary Service/Treatment Clinic - Fort Polk, BLDG 702 - Child Development Center (CDC), BLDG 701 - Child Development Center (CDC), Household Goods/Transportation Office (inbound), Household Goods/Transportation Office (outbound), BLDG 3349 - Child Development Center (CDC). Every branch of the service has that place their soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines just dream of getting orders for. So, its like Aladdin, except without a genie to help you.Most common escape: Ruidoso, New Mexico offers all sorts of outdoor activities plus a casino and horse racetrack. . Fort Drum. Mondays to Fridays, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. BLDG 14500 - Child Development Center (CDC), Welch Magnolia Guest House - Temporary Lodging. Also: as a Unit Supply Specialist which unit would I most likely be heading to? The itsy-bitsy swarm of spiders. Another fun fact about this paradise you ask? Reimbursement for State Licensure and Certification Costs From a Permanent Change of Station, Army Military Personnel Parental Leave Program, Changes to Family Readiness Group Program. Fayetteville, the town right outside of Fort Bragg, has consistently ranked one of the worst military towns to live in. The host city of Leesville has been voted one of the most supportive military towns in the country. Prospective buyers are advised to verify information to their own satisfaction prior to purchase. Mondays to Fridays; 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. PICERNE MILITARY HOUSING (Privatized Housing). Reddit, Inc. 2023. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Most people who haven't been to Clovis will argue that I spelled "Minot" wrong. The negative stigma is often passed onto the spouses and family members prior to their arrival. Word has it that the family-friendly community here is so good that you dont just cry when you get there, you cry when you leave, too. Feel free to tell us why your post is the best, too. If you enjoy outdoor sports, Fort Polk has plenty to offer. IntroductionQuality of Life programs promote the health and well-being of the Army's people, increasing recruiting and retention and reducing overall stress and uncertainty. Besides the unique cultural tensions of living in a border town, service members reported that Fort Bliss was hot, isolated, and subject to sandstorms. In the case of Cannon AFB, solid relationships here are built not on entertainment or flashy dining options, but on good ol fashioned beer, football, and common commiseration. We do this so we can provide you with as much information about a post as possible. Youve survived. It's literally in the middle of the desert, temperatures can get in the 100s during the summer. Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website. But no one ever seems to talk Twentynine Palms-level smack about any station. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. And if you're one of those people, then you may want to avoid these 4 duty stations: 1. 1 (800) 342-9647. Base: Naval Air Station LemooreUnlucky call sign: Armpit of the Navy -- supposedly because of the smell and air qualityWhy it's not great: Never heard of Lemoore? Hey, how does being cast out into one of the most polluted cities on the planet sound? People are so friendly, on post and off. Wondering what that fast-moving cloud is that covered the sliver of sunshine? Ever parachuted into a cloud of fog to see nothing, but hear the pounding of hooves coming straight for you? Its mosquitos. There are so many events throughout the year for families. After Americas role in the war ended, the post closed. Fort Polk itself is relatively small and in a somewhat isolated area. Hence, our Post With the Most series. Best of luck to you. Every time we mentioned to someone that we were going to Polk, they said we are so sorry. However, after getting settled in, we quickly realized this is one of the best duty stations weve ever experienced. All rights reserved. Cookie Notice But if youre not, and are willing to drive a bit further, Sante Fe, New Mexico offers galleries, museums, badass psychedelic funhouses/art collectives, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains -- popular for hiking, biking, and skiing.Surprise silver lining: Isnt it always true that in the face of misery, communities pull together? STAND-TO! Sign up for our newsletter and receive the mighty updates! Operation Just Cause, the invasion of Panama, opened in the first hours of December 20, 1989. The U.S.'s northern fortress of military strategic solitude, Minot Air Force Base, has long been a prime destination for career-ending mishaps. We here at Army Wife Network want to take the some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. It's a very good duty station if you're looking to deploy often. So when that nearby flood pond looks like the salvation from swamp ass youve been looking for, think again. There is often a negative stigma associated with Fort Polk due to feedback from soldiers who have only experienced Fort Polk as a rotational training unit. The negative stigma is often passed onto the spouses and family members prior to their arrival. Ate some alligator and then had a threesome with her and her sister. Second, it's by a shit town (Leesville) where the local girls are so dirty that even their STD's have STD's and the most fun you'll have is going to Walmart then drinks at a shitty bar. The Best is Yet to Come for Army Wife Network..Stay Tuned! The task force developed a campaign plan to outline a comprehensive approach to strengthening QoL programs across the Army, including these priorities: WE ARE INVESTING IN OUR QUALITY OF LIFE INITIATIVES FOR OUR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES. Your email address will not be published. What pops up when your headlamp goes off? Also worth mentioning: Freedom Crossing, the first-ever, on-base, open-air shopping center offers tons of restaurants and shops. Improving and streamlining relocation policies and initiatives for Soldiers and their families. Archived post. Bekah DiFelice is a writer, military spouse, and recovering addict to the word "literally." Enter the password that accompanies your username. In this video ill break down some of the Army duty stations that soldiers commonly don't like being stations at and why so you know what soldiers think are the 5 worst duty stations Show. Base: Fort PolkUnlucky call sign: Fort PukeWhy it's not great: The Army has some pretty terrible duty locations, but they were more unanimous than any other branch of the service on which post qualified as THE WORST. I have to say, Fort Polk, LA is without a doubt, the worst place in the entire fucking world. 1. For more on Fort Polks history, visit the Fort Polk Museum. Outside of that, it's just alright. . More than 1.6 million soldiers have deployed to the Middle East since 9/11, and at least 50% have trained at Fort Polk. Iraqi and Afghan villages sprang up in the pine forests of Fort Polk. Each month, we do a segment that highlights an Army installation. The Department of Defense has released the 2023 Basic Allowance for Housing rates. BAH rates, which vary by rental market, will increase an average of 12.1% on January 1, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter and receive the mighty updates! Grass is always greener conecpt. Both Dallas and Houston are fun towns. I loved Polk. Not much to do in Leesville, the area is pretty good for fishing if that's your thing. Most neighborhoods have a mix of old and new housing, and Corvias is constantly working to renovate old housing. Winter low temperatures sometimes hover near freezing. For those that like to hunt and fish, there are plenty of outdoor activities. And remember, when airmen complain about the smell of cow manure in the desert, Marines can complain about the lake of sewage. Thanks guys!). Ensuring Soldiers and their . By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Quality of Life Priorities. The one that turned Matt Damon into a bad guy? Because everything is bigger in Texas, the post has the largest on-base bowling alley, fitness center, and Post Exchange (PX) in the whole Army. I have not been to a lot of active bases, maybe a dozen or so. Polk is the worst (IMHO) simply due to the weather and climate. It is one of three of the Armys Combat Training Centers, and it trains more than 11 Army and National Guard Brigade Combat Teams every year. 4/10? The duty station of choice enlistment option currently includes more than 5,600 vacancies in 17 different career fields, based on the availability of the selected . Both cities offer major league sports like the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Texas Rangers, and Houston Astros. And these were their picks for the Best Military Towns in America -- some truly beautiful parts of the country. 4. Fort Polk offers dozens of other amenitites outside the standard options found on mostinstallations. Despite all of that, we haven't hated being here. All of the duty stations on this list have one thing in common: They're pretty far from real American life. U.S. Army has added Hawaii and Germany to the list of guaranteed assignment locations for 16 different occupations. Their Families have served and sacrificed, too. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to Fort Polk, Louisiana. Located in the middle of nowhere the Mojave Desert, 29 Palms is where tanks outnumber sedans and sunburns happen through car windows. Due to its small hometown feel, many families find that the relationships they build there are their favorite part of being stationed at Fort Polk. 1. The company has plans to add several new homes over the next few years. You go to sleep-sweating. How is Fort Polk, for both single and married soldiers? Base: Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine PalmsUnlucky call sign: 29 Stumps or The StumpsWhy it's not great: Marines call The Stumps the place for the best training and arguably the worst social life. Correction: The original version of this article inadvertently reversed the order of the towns and ranked Fayetteville #1 instead of #10. Historical Facts/Landmarks:Fort Polk was established in 1941 and named in honor of the Right Reverend Leonidas Polk, the first Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana. . These guys are smack-dab in the middle of the Mojave . It has all the usual complaints of a remote base town with one notable difference: it is regularly ranked among the nations worst for air pollution.Most common escape: We could talk about the nearby cities of Visalia or Fresno, but who cares about that when the most beautiful place on earth is literally in your backyard? But with tension growing in Vietnam, Fort Polk was reborn, continuing its major training mission with Tiger Land (signs which can still be found on the installation today). s not much to do around. These guys are smack-dab in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Also, the stink of cow dung doesn't travel as far in the cold. Base: Cannon Air Force BaseUnlucky call sign: AfcannonstanWhy it's not great: Blame the fact that Clovis is more West Texas than New Mexico, that there are limited on-base amenities, or that its completely surrounded by cattle farms and dairies; but airmen know Clovis as a remote base town memorable for the wafting smell of cow manure and the downright biblical wave of pestilence known as fly season.Most common escape: Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas, are the two closest cities, but we cant bring ourselves to see how this is a good thing -- unless you enjoy taking down 72oz of free steak in an hour. All things which in fact, you will be doing in the box while training there. Then at the precise moment, your unit enters the box, the monsoon hits. Hours of Operation: If arriving on a weekend or holiday, please contact the staff duty desk. Find us on Facebook. 3 BCT Soldiers from Fort Polk brave the elements in 10th MTN D-Series Winter Challenge. No requests to join the subreddit will be approved at this time. Soldier and Family Readiness Groups, Invest significantly in housing and barracks, Provide robust virtual health capabilities and transition health care delivery to the Defense Health Agency, Provide predictable and responsive services during PCS moves. The nearest towns are at least an hour away, and the nearest fun is in New Orleans, a long drive away. All members will receive a pass that is good for 1 year to access JRTC and Fort . There is a very small town feel to post. 1803 Louisiana Ave, Fort Polk, LA 71459 Duty Station Overview Fort Polk is a United States Army installation located in Vernon Parish, approximately ten miles east of Leesville, Louisiana, and thirty miles north of DeRidder in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana. Sure, the PX is supposedly great thanks to a facelift, but it had better be: There's nothing else to do. Were sorry, Fayetteville -- you didnt deserve that. Sure, there are dozens of barbers that will give you a tight fade, but theres really nowhere to be off duty and allow your face to fade into a five oclock shadow. First of all, it's in Louisiana, where the temperature is 100 degrees with 100% humidity and the state bird is the mosquito. Because NAS Lemoore is a great place to get asthma. Don't listen to these Jabronis. Oh, and theres also that small thing about the contaminated drinking water.Most common escape: Although theres basically nothing to do in Jacksonville except get a fresh tattoo or payday loan, Wilmington is just an hour away, Myrtle Beach is a little over two, and Nicholas Sparks lives nearby where he pens novels for your romantic escapism, I mean, for your reading pleasure. Members of the brigade teamed with multiple nations and the 1st Armored Brigade of Fort Bliss, Texas, to eradicate ISIS forces within the northern Iraqi desert and surrounding areas. Sustaining the well-being of Soldiers and families. It's just outside of Barstow which sucks nothing to do there. Natchitoches is one of my favorite places to visit, and the town puts on events all throughout the year.
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