Location
Fort Buchanan is located by Guaynabo City, Puerto Rico. The base is near the capital of San Juan. Puerto Rico boasts fabulous ocean views, tropical weather, and lush green mountains. The island is approximately 100 miles by 35 miles and similar in size to Connecticut.
History
Fort Buchanan, the only active Army installation on Puerto Rico and in the Greater Antilles, was named after BG James A. Buchanan, the first commander of the Puerto Rican Regiment/1st U.S. Volunteers that was formed by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War. After defending the Canal Zone during WWI, the regiment was officially designated the 65th Infantry Regiment in 1920. A tract of 300 acres on the south shore of San Juan Bay was obtained in 1923, and designated as Camp Buchanan. In 1940, Camp Buchanan was renamed Fort Buchanan and, during WWII, became a general depot and induction center/training area for the Antilles command, while expanding to its current 1500 acres.
Mission
The mission of Fort Buchanan is to provide Caribbean-wide support to the Department of Defense, support SOCSOUTH restationing, serve as a Power Support, Power Projection Platform by planning, preparing and executing mobilization, receive and integrate U.S. Army South, provide Base Operations support, and develop and execute contingency plans.
Population Served
Ft. Buchanan serves and supports Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard soldiers, Air Force and U.S. Navy Reserve personnel, DoD civilians, veterans, retirees, and military family members. The installation also supports some 32 federal agencies stationed in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Base Transportation
Base transportation is not available on Fort Buchanan.
Sponsorship
Soldiers desiring a sponsor to assist them prior to and upon arrival should contact the personnel office of the gaining unit. All soldiers should contact the Airport Movement Liaison Office, 787-707-3916 or DSN 312-740-3916, to ensure transportation to the post is available upon arrival. Assistance at the airport can be obtained with a telephone call to the Military Personnel Office Buchanan, 787-707-3242 or 787-707-3337. Upon arrival at Ft. Buchanan, all soldiers will report to the Welcome Center during duty hours and to the Military Police desk sergeant after duty hours. See the Major Unit Listings for contact information. Mail enroute should be sent to 218 Brooke Street Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico 00934.
Temporary Quarters
Fort Buchanan offers 75 guest quarters at the El Caney Guest House. Pets are allowed at 2 Deluxe Double Suite that are pet friendly with $75.00 deposit (not refundable) and $5 daily charge per pet. Prior to arrival, military personnel must contact El Caney Guest House at 787-707-3635, DSN 312-740-3635 to make reservations or secure assistance in locating other lodging.
Relocation Assistance
The Relocation Readiness Program provides assistance to military and civilian employees and their families prior to, during, and after a PCS move. Newcomers’ Orientations include welcome packets, information fairs, cross cultural programs and a tour of the area. The Lending Closet with basic household items is available. For further information contact the Relocation Readiness Program at 787-707-3682 or 787-707-3697.
Critical Installation Information
Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs) shipped to Puerto Rico must comply with U.S. specifications. All active duty and civilians on transportation orders are authorized tax exemption on one privately owned vehicle. Additional vehicles are subject to local government import taxes which must be paid prior to release to the owner.
Pet Information: Possession of a Pit Bull dog in Puerto Rico is forbidden. There are no licensing requirements for domestic pets living on-post at Fort Buchanan; however, all domestic pets are required to have a permanently implanted Home Again Microchip. For exotic pets (snakes, spiders or other unusual animals) an import license and a Fort Buchanan license is required. Vaccinations must be up-to date (within 6 months of arrival).
Important Documents: It is essential to hand carry the following documents: Birth, Marriage, Divorce Certificates, Medical/Dental/Shot Records, Education Transcripts/School Records, Travel Orders, POV/Household Goods Shipping Documents, Previous Year Tax Return, Wills/Real Estate Deeds/Titles, Checking/Savings Account Documents, Checkbooks, Spouse Employment Records/Resumes, etc.
Driver’s License: If in possession of a valid license from a state that has reciprocity relations with Puerto Rico, non-resident military personnel, their spouses, and children are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Puerto Rico driver’s license. The only states that do NOT have reciprocity with Puerto Rico are Hawaii and Idaho. If one has a license from these states, is a Resident of Puerto Rico or has an expired U.S. license, a Puerto Rico license must be obtained within 120 days of arrival. Licenses from other countries are not recognized in Puerto Rico. DOD civilians are not exempt and must obtain a Puerto Rico driver’s license.
Cost of Living: Puerto Rico is a high cost of living area.
Base Operator: 787-707-3403 or DSN 312-740-3403
Population: Fort Buchanan serves and supports Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard soldiers, Air Force and U.S. Navy Reserve personnel, DoD civilians, veterans, retirees, and military family members. The installation also supports some 32 federal agencies stationed in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Child Care: One Center on post. Fort Buchanan Child Development Center (CDC) offers full-day care for children 6 weeks to 4 years old. Hourly service is available. For information call: Parent Central Services – 787-707-3787/3434.
Schools: Antilles Consolidated School System (ACSS) is a part of the Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS) and falls under the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). ACSS consists of six schools located on two military installations on the island of Puerto Rico. Fort Buchanan has 3 schools; an early childhood school for students in grades PreK-4; a middle school for students in grades 5-8; and a high school for students 9-12. Visit the DDESS Puerto Rico Schools website for more information.
Youth Services: Fort Buchanan Youth Center offers pool tables, video games, computers and special activities. Programs offered such as dances, sport events, special classes and others. Phone: 787-707-3824/3713.
Army Community Service: ACS 787-707-3292
Housing: Housing includes 119, 3-4 bedroom units and 2 bedroom units only for field grades available, waiting period is 30 days. Unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH) includes 69 rooms, no waiting period. The Fort Buchanan Housing Office is lo cated at Bldg. 82 Miles Loop Rd. Phone: 787-707-3433 or DSN 312-740-3433.
Employment: Good prospects for employment in the Fort Buchanan area include: Medical, Legal, Engineering; Administrative Services, Computer Programmers and Computer Repair. Visit the CPOL website for civilian employment information. Unemployment rate is 14.8% as of May 2012.
Post Services:
MWR Facilities: Golf course, Bowling Center, water park, fitness center, library, Community Club and Activities Center, Auto/Hobby Shop
Commissaries: 1 commissary on post, 787-707-2078
Exchange System: 1 main exchange, 787-792-8989
Medical Services: The Health Clinic on the installation offers services to Active Duty and Warriors in Transition (WT). There are over ten major hospitals in the Metropolitan Area, private and public. There are also various health centers that offer a wide variety of services. Most accept TRICARE, and other major health insurance. For information, contact 787-707-4393. For Family Advocacy – Medical, contact 787-707-2050.
Special Installation Messages:
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial 719-567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
Fort Buchanan MWR website.