Location
Fort Irwin is located approximately 37 miles northeast of Barstow, California midway between Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California. The High Mojave Desert’s hills and mountains surround the installation. Natural vegetation is sparse and mainly consists of mesquite, creosote, yuccas, and other low growing plants. Beautiful sunsets, blue skies, sunny days and wide-open vistas are some of the pleasures of the desert that give many a sense of freedom. However, expect the primary colors to be tan and brown. For those needing to see green, Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are two hours away providing tall trees and lakes. The base operator’s phone number is 760-380-3369, DSN 312-470-3369.
History
On August 8, 1940, a Presidential order withdrew from public use almost 1,000 square miles of public land in the High Desert of Southern California. The land was established as the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Range and later named Camp Irwin in memory of Major General George Irwin, a World War I battle commander. In 1951, the post became the home of the United States Army Armor and Desert Training Center and was designated Fort Irwin in 1961. In 1981, the installation was re-designated as the National Training Center (NTC) and since then its development as the premier training site of the U.S. Army has been nonstop. For more information, go to the Fort Irwin homepage.
Mission
As a part of the U.S. Army FORSCOM, Fort Irwin provides realistic joint and combined arms training focused on developing soldiers, leaders, and units of America’s Army for success on the 21st century battlefield. Additionally, the NTC provides a vital source of experience based information and data essential to doctrine, equipment, training and force development in order to improve the force. The NTC conducts 10 training rotations per year. Soldiers assigned to the 11th ACR and Operations Group can expect to spend several days per month in the field.
Population Served
Because Fort Irwin is a fairly small community, people living here get to know their neighbors. After a short period, visits to the commissary and Post Exchange (PX) are usually accompanied by a series of friendly “hellos.” Children often live next door to their schoolmates, play on the same sports teams, or go to daycare together. Fort Irwin maintains a small town atmosphere with town hall meetings and other community forums, even though 4,000-5,000 soldiers from other installations rotate through the NTC each month.
Base Transportation
There is a Public Transportation Service between Fort Irwin and Barstow. This service is beneficial for everyone associated with Fort Irwin. It will allow access to the City of Barstow for shopping, entertainment, school and allow employees who work on the Fort additional options based on their work schedules. (See flyer for more information to include: schedule pick-up/drop-off location and times) Fort Irwin pick up and drop off is in Reggie’s Parking lot.
Sponsorship
You will receive an initial welcome letter from your unit. In order to better assist you with your relocation to Fort Irwin, contact the G1 Strength Management Office, they will provide you with information on the brigade that you are assigned to. For more information contact G1 at 760-380-3225/5237, DSN 312-470-3225/5237.
To assist in facilitating smooth transitions for youth as they relocate to new military installations, CYS collaborates with the Relocation Assistance Officer to provide an active Youth Sponsorship Program. The goal is to welcome new youth, provide them with information on programs and activities, answer questions they may have, and encourage early involvement at their new location. Please contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) for more information at 760-380-6880 DSN 312-470-6880.
To forward your mail temporarily you can use the following address: Your Name, Post Locator, and P.O. Box 105010, Your Expected Arrival Date, Fort Irwin, CA 92310-5010. When you arrive, you can pick-up your mail at the Post Locator in Building 306. If you forward your mail, please make sure that you go to the post office as soon as you arrive. If your expected arrival date changes after your mail has been forwarded, please call 760-380-3369 to let them know that you are still coming to Fort Irwin. This will prevent your mail from being returned to the sender. If you prefer to rent a Post Office Box in advance, call the Post Office at 760-386-2259.
Temporary Quarters
You may stay at the Landmark Hotel when you first get here, depending on availability. This is the only hotel on post. Your next option is to stay at a hotel/motel in Barstow. You may continue staying at the Landmark if housing is not available right away, but this can be costly. Nonavailability statements are not required in order to be reimbursed for temporary lodging if you stay in a motel in Barstow. Save your receipts. Commercial motels/hotels in California charge a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to guests staying in their facilities. Military members are not exempt from paying this tax.
Relocation Assistance
FORT IRWIN N.O.W. (NEWCOMER’S ORIENTATION WELCOME) rolls out the red carpet for Newcomer’s!!! The Fort Irwin N.O.W. is a Newcomer’s Orientation where new Soldiers, Civilians and their Families can learn from subject matter experts on many of the day to day operations on post. The orientation addresses helpful, key information specific to Fort Irwin. At the time of registration, participants will receive a Newcomer’s ticket to “SPEED” (Soldiers and Family Program for Enlightenment, Entertainment & Discovery) and a welcome packet!
Newcomer’s Orientation Welcome (N.O.W) Event dates for the 2012 are: March19, April 23, May 21, June 18, August 13 and September 10. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and Official Event Starts 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Sandy Basin conference room. This briefing is “MANDATORY” for in-processing Soldiers of ALL RANKS. Spouses are highly encouraged and welcome to attend. Note: Busses will be provided for Newcomer’s on the day of the brief in front of Reception Campus Bldg. 109 NTC Replacement will depart Bldg. 109 at 8:15 a.m.
Contact the Relocation Readiness Program office at 760-380-3598 for information and to request a Welcome Packet. For those families that are staying in Barstow, Victorville area, or the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) there is a satellite Army Community Service (ACS) located on 512 Barstow called the Military Connection & Resource Center (MCRC) at 760-256-1735. Both ACS Relocation Readiness Program located at the Reception Campus, Bldg. 109, Langford Lake Rd. Fort Irwin and MCRC offer a Lending Closet with items to include kitchenware, flatware, dinnerware, glassware, folding mats, microwaves, coffee makers, mattresses, and some baby items. There is no furniture or linens to be loaned out. All items are permitted to be loaned out for approximately 30 days or on a case by case basis.
Critical Installation Information
Soldiers with Exceptional Family Members should contact the Fort Irwin EFMP Program Manager at 760-380-3698, DSN 312-470-3698 before coming to Fort Irwin. Families not enrolled in EFMP but who have special medical or educational needs should contact their local Army Community Service EFMP manager.
Hand carry the following documents: Personnel Files, Finance Records, Leave Form, Medical Records, Birth Certificates, Shot Records (Children & Pets), Marriage Certificates, Employment Records (Spouse), Resumes (Spouse), Education Records, Transportation Documents (Bills of Lading, Inventory), Custody Papers, Divorce Decrees, and Proof of Car Insurance.
You must go to Family Housing, Bldg 4553 Tippecanoe, to be placed on the waiting list for privatized housing. For more information call 888-828-4144. Individuals seeking housing in Barstow should contact the Housing Referral Officer at 760-386-3576.
Newcomers should view the Fort Irwin National Training Center Newcomers Map.
Fort Irwin
Reception Campus, Bldg 109 Langford Lake Rd
Fort Irwin, CA 92310-1420
Phone 760-380-3598
Phone (DSN) 312-470-3598/4784