Update: Fort Polk was redesignated Fort Johnson on June 13, 2023.
Location
Fort Polk is located in Vernon Parish in West-Central Louisiana, better known as “The Crossroads”. Louisiana has parishes, whereas, other states have counties. Close to our front gate are the nearby towns of Leesville and DeRidder, respectively located in Vernon and Beauregard Parishes. A low cost of living area, Fort Polk sits about 45 miles from Alexandria, 70 miles from Lake Charles, 120 miles from Shreveport, 150 miles from Baton Rouge, 250 miles from New Orleans, and 180 miles from Houston, Texas. Fort Polk is approximately 3.4 miles east of U.S. Highway 171 and approximately 4 miles south of Highway 28. The base operator’s phone number is 337-531-2911 or DSN 312-863-2911.
History
Camp Polk, named for Confederate Lieutenant General and Episcopal Bishop Leonides Polk, was officially completed August 1, 1941. Soldiers of the World War II and Vietnam eras would scarcely recognize the new Fort Polk. Most of the old wooden buildings have been replaced with modern barracks, motor pools, unit administrative offices, and service facilities. After more than half a century of service, U.S. leaders continue to place their confidence in Fort Polk. In July 1993, the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), one of the Defense Department’s premier training facilities, relocated here from Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. For more information, go to the JRTC-Fort Polk homepage.
Mission
The JRTC provides advanced level joint training for the Army (Active and Reserve Component), Air Force and Navy contingency forces in deployment and tactical operations under realistic conditions of low to mid intensity combat. Currently, Fort Polk is supporting the war on terrorism by providing contingency training for the Army’s light infantry and special operations forces, and by deploying home station and reserve component forces in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, and Iraqi Freedom. The JRTC and Fort Polk is experiencing a tremendous transformation to be able to continue to accomplish our missions as a Combat Training Center, Power Projection Platform and a Modern Installation that supports our soldiers and families. For more information, see the Major Unit Listings.
Population Served
Population on-post runs between 8,000 and 9,000 people. More than 4,000 married soldiers reside with their families in recently constructed on-post housing units.
Base Transportation
Military bus and taxi services are available on post. Information concerning schedules and fees may be obtained by calling 337-531-6246. Information may also be obtained by visiting Consolidated In and Out Processing, 2030 14th Street, Bldg 1830.
Sponsorship
Requests for a sponsor should be made by calling the Consolidated In and Out Processing Center at 337-531-1126, DSN 312-863-1126.
Prior to arrival, personnel should request a Fort Polk P.O. Box at their local Post Office. To do so, you must show two forms of identification, purchase a money order, and fill out the proper forms. Your local Post Office will forward all information to Fort Polk. A box number is assigned and all pertinent information returned your local Post Office.
New arrivals during duty hours should report to Central In and Out Processing, Bldg. 1830, 337-531-7952/7307, DSN 312-863-7952/7307. After duty hours, report to the International Hotel Group (IHG) Welch Magnolia Guest House, Bldg. 522, Utah Avenue, 337-531-9200, DSN 312-863-9200. Or you may go on the IHG website or call 877-711-8326.
Temporary Quarters
Reservations for soldiers PCSing with or without Family members, and for official Temporary Duty (TDY) visitors are made through the International Hotel Group (IHG) Welch Magnolia Guest House, 7326 Utah Avenue, Bldg. 522, 337-531-9200, DSN 312-863-9200 Or you may go on the IHG website or call 877-711-8326. Receipts for temporary lodging must be provided to the Finance Office for reimbursement. Contact Welch Magnolia Guest House for additional information and assistance. Pet-friendly rooms are offered upon request and availability.
Relocation Assistance
The Fort Polk Relocation Assistance program offers a variety of settling-in services including: Welcoming Services, Newcomer and Re-entry Family Day Orientation, Hearts Apart and Adult Craft classes, CONUS/OCONUS orientations, and Sponsorship support. The Lending Closet is open 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. We are located in Bldg. 920, Bell Richard Avenue. You can call us at 1 800-227-1071, 337-531-6923/6952/6941, DSN 312-863-6923/6952/6941.
Critical Installation Information
- Command Policy: Dangerous Dog Breeds: any full or mixed Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire, Bull Terriers, English Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rotweilers, Chows, Wolf Hybrids, or any other breed with dominant traits geared towards aggression.
- Newcomer & Reentry Family Day Orientation: An Installation Mandated Orientation, held every Thursday, is designed to help prepare Service and Family members adapt to life in the U.S. and Fort Polk community in coordination with the Military Personnel Division. Free on-site childcare by our accredited child care givers is available, and lunch and snacks are provided.
- There is no Furniture Management Office (FMO) at Fort Polk. AAFES Post Exchange, WAL MART, Discount Stores, etc., sell conveniences needed by newly arriving personnel including air mattresses.
- The Field Officer Of The Day (FOD) is located in Bldg. 350, 6661 Warrior Trail, and can be reached at 337-531-1726/1727, DSN 312-863-1726/1727.
Fort Polk
7033 Magnolia Drive
Bldg. 4919
Fort Polk, LA 71459-5342
Phone 337-531- 2011
Phone (DSN) 312-863-2011
Fax 337-531-6014
Fax (DSN) 312-863-6014