Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
If a person arrives in the area by plane, he or she will land at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, built in 1965 and continuously being upgraded. The airport is located 8 miles from the heart of the city.
Transportation to and from the airport includes commercial buses, limousines and taxis. The airport’s military assistance desk can provide information Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Reporting In
All Soldiers, regardless of rank or grade, must report to the Fort Jackson Welcome Center during non-duty hours only, Monday through Friday, after 4 p.m. and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. During duty hours, all permanent party Soldiers should report, in uniform, to the Strom Thurmond Soldier Service Center, Building 5450, Strom Thurmond Boulevard.
The Welcome Center is located at 4394 Strom Thurmond Blvd., just inside Gate 2, Forest Drive (I-77, Exit 12). A 24-hour operation, the Welcome Center is staffed and ready to serve all Soldiers and anyone needing information or directions on Fort Jackson. The Welcome Center can be reached at (803) 782-9802. For a reservation at Fort Jackson lodging, call toll free (800) 276-6884. Soldiers requesting leave extensions should call Officer Management at 751-6606 or Enlisted Management at 751-4411, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After 4:30 p.m., leave extensions must be coordinated through the Staff Duty Officer by calling 751-7611.
Inbound Household Goods/
Unaccompanied Baggage
Incoming Soldiers should, at their first opportunity, contact the Transportation office in the Strom Thurmond Building, Room 102, if they have unaccompanied baggage or household goods en route to Fort Jackson. In the event that property has not arrived here, Soldiers should provide a work and/or contact telephone number. This initial contact may save the Soldier considerable time in arranging for delivery. For more information about inbound household goods shipments, call (803) 751-7694/7695. Because of the high volume of calls received, contact information can be faxed to the “Inbound Section” at (803) 751-4437. Be sure to include the full name of sponsor and the area code with phone numbers.
Outbound Household Goods/
Unaccompanied Baggage
Soldiers departing the installation for permanent change of station, retirement or separation should contact the Personal Property Branch at 751-5137/5138 to arrange an outbound counseling at least 30 days in advance of their anticipated move. A 60-day advance notice is required for the months of May through August due to the high volume of personnel relocating. DoD or DA civilians departing on a permanent change of station overseas should do the same thing.
On the date of counseling, the member should bring four copies of his/her orders for each type of shipment to be made (HHG to destination, HHG to storage, baggage, etc.) and an inventory sheet of items to be moved. Inventory sheets are available in advance in Room 102 of the Strom Thurmond Building, 5450 Strom Thurmond Blvd.
Outbound Travel Services
Personnel Movements Branch, located in Building 4350 on Magruder Avenue, is the place to visit for all official travel needs. Personnel Movements Branch arranges travel and issues tickets for TDY, PCS and ETS moves. This office also processes passport and visa applications. Proper identification and orders are needed to arrange any of these services. Port calls and dependent travel services are handled by appointment. Call 751-6053/7531. To make a TDY reservation, call 782-2966.
Uniform Policy
The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) may be worn off post. Soldiers are not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages in any off-post establishment while wearing ACUs. ACUs may not be worn at off-post sporting events, theaters or other public entertainment or other events. ACUs will not be worn off-post to social or official functions when it would be appropriate to wear the service uniform or civilian attire. ACU sleeves will be worn down at all times. Sailors or deploying Soldiers authorized to wear the Desert Combat Uniform are permitted to wear the DCU uniform off post. Uniforms will be worn properly bloused, zipped and buttoned with sleeves worn down. Utility uniforms will be serviceable and present a clean appearance if worn off post.
Driver’s License
Military personnel and their family members are not required to obtain South Carolina driver’s licenses or license plates as long as they have valid ones from other states. Expiration of a service member’s driver’s license varies according to its state of origin. Upon arrival in South Carolina, motorists should contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to determine the laws governing current licenses. If a person does not have a valid driver’s license, he or she must pass a written examination and a road test ($2 test fee) within 90 days of arrival. The driver’s license fee is $12.50. A learner’s permit ($2.50 fee) may be issued at the age of 15 and an unrestricted license at the age of 16. One of the nearest DMVs to the post is located at 1630 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29202. Call (803) 737-8350 for further information, or log onto http://www.scdmvonline.com.
Vehicle Registration
Fort Jackson is a limited access installation. All vehicles must be registered with the installation. Authorized personnel (active duty/retired military, DoD civilians and contractors) can obtain a decal for their vehicle in the Strom Thurmond Building, Room 114, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and closed from 1 to 2 p.m. for lunch. Registrants are required to show proof of insurance, vehicle registration, driver’s license and military identification. The installation motorcycle policy applies to all Soldiers at all times, civilians while on the installation, and all civilians operating a motorcycle off post on official military business. All motorcycle owners are required to successfully complete the approved Motorcycle Safety Foundations (MSF) course before registering their motorcycle on Fort Jackson. The course is provided by the Fort Jackson Safety Office at no cost to military personnel or DoD civilians, and personnel will not be charged leave to attend the course.
All operators and passengers must wear the following personal protective equipment when operating a motorcycle:
• Department of Transportation approved helmet properly fastened; Soldiers must wear a helmet on and off post regardless of South Carolina State Law;
• Impact or shatter resistant goggles, wraparound goggles or full face shield (attached to helmet);
• Long pants;
• Long sleeved shirt or jacket;
• Full-fingered gloves;
• Leather boots or over-the-ankle shoes;
• A brightly colored protective safety vest during daylight conditions and a retro-reflective vest during hours of darkness.Vests will be clearly visible and not covered; a sash or belt does not satisfy this requirement.
Motorcycles must have two rear-view mirrors and have headlights turned on at all times. South Carolina does not require a vehicle safety inspection sticker. However, personnel assigned permanently to Fort Jackson who have privately owned vehicles registered in a state that requires a state inspection must properly display a state inspection sticker on their vehicles.
On-Post Traffic Violations
Traffic violations are handled by the U.S. Magistrate Court. An offender may either pay the fine or go before a magistrate for resolution of the violation. Fines can exceed $1,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Assessment of traffic points usually accompanies traffic violations. In South Carolina, drivers may accumulate only 12 points.
The state has a compulsory seatbelt law, which also applies when driving on Fort Jackson. Additionally, children, 4 and under, traveling in a vehicle’s front seat must be secured in restraining devices approved by the National Safety Products Council. Children, 5 and younger, traveling in the back seat must also be in a restraint. Children, 6 and older, who are traveling in the back seat, must wear seat belts.
On Fort Jackson, the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. Right turns on red are permitted, and speed limits on post, the interstate and other highways are strictly enforced. Additionally, state law mandates that when windshield wipers are in use, headlights must also be turned on.
Fort Jackson Military Police enforce all traffic and on-post regulations.
In 2006, Fort Jackson implemented a policy affecting the use of cell phones and other communication devices while operating a moving motor vehicle on post. Fort Jackson Supplement 1 to Army Regulation 190-5 prohibits the use of a cell phone or any other communications device while operating a moving motor vehicle. This includes devices that allow you to speak over a cell phone without using your hands to hold the phone or communication devices which have a speaker and microphone.
If you receive a phone call, or need to make a call, you are to first pull over to a safe location. Passengers in moving motor vehicles are allowed to use cell phones, but to minimize distraction to the vehicle operator, are not allowed to use a speaker or other device that allows the conversation to be heard by the driver. Signs reflecting this policy are posted at all gates, major intersections on the installation and at Hilton Field entrances and exits to inform and remind drivers and passengers about this policy. Armed Forces traffic tickets will be issued to operators of vehicles who do not follow this policy. For more information, call the Fort Jackson PMO at 751-3030.
Parking is not allowed on grassy areas or in reserved parking spaces/lots on the installation. Parking is not allowed on sidewalks next to the barracks or billeting areas or in areas designated for loading or unloading.
Citations are given for vehicles playing loud music on post. Music should not be heard at a distance of more than 25 feet. Fort Jackson Supplement 1 to AR 190-5 requires all personnel riding bicycles on the installation to wear an approved bicycle safety helmet and follow safety guidelines. There are many pedestrian crosswalks located around the installation. All vehicles must stop when approaching a crosswalk where a pedestrian is waiting to cross. Citations are issued for failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian and carry a $60 fine.
Running Routes
Running routes are established on Fort Jackson for the safety of the Soldiers doing physical fitness training in the morning. Since the majority of Soldiers on Fort Jackson are in Basic Combat Training and not accustomed to running in traffic, orange cones mark the run routes. Running routes are closed Monday through Saturday, 5:50 to 7 a.m. Permanent party units’ running routes usually are marked until 7 a.m., Monday through Friday. Moving a cone or driving through a coned barrier into a running route will result in a traffic fine and could lead to revocation of driving privileges on post. Running is prohibited on Marion Avenue in the morning hours except by Soldiers participating in group physical fitness training. Runners are prohibited from wearing headphones or earphones.
Bicycle Registration/Operation
Bicycle registration is highly encouraged at the PMO/Force Protection Branch. Registration of bicycle serial numbers is a crime prevention method. In the event a bicycle is stolen, investigators will have a starting point. Bicycle operators/ passengers must wear approved helmets. The wearing of headphones or earphones is prohibited by anyone operating a motor vehicle, moped, motorcycle, or bicycle or while a person is running.
Weapons Registration
Personnel bringing privately owned weapons on the installation must register them with their unit commander/supervisor within five working days of assignment/ employment using FJ Form 190-11-100.
Transportation and Storage of Privately Owned Weapons
Fort Jackson Supplement 1 to AR 190-11 prohibits keeping privately owned weapons in vehicles, even when properly secured, while at work or while attending to other business on the installation not directly related to authorized shooting activities on the installation.
If transporting a privately owned weapon in a vehicle, it must be done in a manner prescribed by the laws of South Carolina and must be properly secured by ensuring the weapon is unloaded and that the ammunition is secured in a separate container and area of the vehicle. Pistols must be secured in a closed glove box, console or trunk compartment, or if the vehicle does not have a trunk-type compartment, preferably in a separate locked container (such as a gun case), or in a locked gun rack. In addition, carrying concealed firearms on one’s person except by military, state or federal law enforcement authorities in performance of their duties is prohibited.
Pets
Pet owners living on the installation must register their animals within five working days of their arrival. This should be done at the Fort Jackson Veterinary Clinic, Building 2445, Knight Avenue. To register a pet, proof of rabies immunization is required.
The Veterinary Treatment Facility provides limited medical care for pets, by appointment only. Such care includes immunizations, heartworm and intestinal parasite examinations, preventive medication, health certificate exams and sick-call evaluations.
The clinic can perform routine surgeries such as spaying, but it cannot board pets. Also, because it is a non-appropriated funds-supported facility that must support itself, fees are charged for all services and medications. Flea and tick products and other over-the-counter items are sold at the clinic. A $2 user’s fee for each transaction is required.
Dogs and cats, three months and older, must be registered, and current rabies vaccinations are required. Dogs must have current distemper, hepatitis, leptopirosis and parvo vaccinations and must be on heartworm prevention. Cats must be vaccinated for distemper, feline leukemia and upperrespiratory diseases.
All animals living on post must be microchipped. If this procedure is done off post, the microchip number must be reported to the VTF and filed in the animal’s record. Cost of the procedure is $15.
If you plan to live off the installation and intend to use the Veterinary Clinic or specified areas of Fort Jackson for hunting, you also must register your animals at the clinic. Soldiers and their families living off post also need to review local ordinances regarding the supervision and upkeep of family pets. In Richland County, call the Department of Public Works Animal Control Office at 735-7322.
The Veterinary Clinic also maintains an animal shelter where unclaimed strays may be adopted. The clinic will neuter these animals at a reduced cost. All animals will be vaccinated and free of heartworm disease.
The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 751-7160 for an appointment. Over-the-counter sales are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Better Business Bureau
Investigate before you invest. Those are wise words, particularly when you are new to an area. Before you sign a lease, buy a new car or purchase furniture for your new home, determine whether a company is reputable.
An easy way to do this is to contact the Better Business Bureau of the Midlands, which maintains lists of businesses which have unresolved consumer complaints or unfair business practices. The bureau also can help consumers resolve complaints with businesses. All services are free.
The Better Business Bureau of the Midlands is located at 2330 Divine St. For more information, call 254-2525. The Web site address is http://http://www.columbia.bbb.org.
Housing
Arriving at the Installation
All customers are required to in-process at the Housing Services Office before seeking off-post housing. Those who want to reside on-post will be referred to the Balfour Beatty Communities Office, located in Building 5939, Thomas Court.
On-post Housing
Fort Jackson’s permanent party on-post housing is divided into eight areas, seven for enlisted and one for officers’ families. Units are unfurnished, but they are equipped with central heating and air conditioning, refrigerators and gas ranges. Many of the units have built-in dishwashers. Portable dishwashers are available for others. Select homes also come with carpet in the bedrooms and wood-like flooring in common areas. In August 2008, Family Housing was transferred to Balfour Beatty Communities, which is now responsible for managing on-post housing, constructing new homes, renovating existing homes and demolishing inadequate homes.
Since this transition, Balfour Beatty Communities is also responsible for all landscaping within the on-post housing areas (with a few exceptions). Also, for the families living on-post, Balfour Beatty Communities LifeWorks program hosts weekly events, free of charge.
Applying for On-post Housing
Service members interested in living on-post will need to come to the Balfour Beatty Community Management Office located at 5939 Thomas Court (within the family housing area) where they can fill out an application, provide their PCS orders and meet with a resident specialist to complete the process.
During the meeting, the resident specialist solicits information from the resident such as size of family and housing requirements and collects copies of orders. Leave and Earning Statements, marriage certificates and copies of birth certificates may be required for verification. Residents must apply for housing within 30 days of arrival to receive an eligibility date of the “date departed last permanent duty station” or they will be placed on a waiting list, effective the date of application. This is the date that determines the resident’s application date on the housing waiting list.
To apply early, please visit the Web site http://www.ftjacksonfamilyhousing.com and click on “Submit an Application.” A Web site will appear in the browser that will allow the service member to log on with his or her AKO address and password.
There is never a security deposit or application fee at Balfour Beatty Communities, and pets are welcome at no additional fee or deposit. Your rent at Balfour Beatty Communities includes your utilities (except phone, cable and satellite), renter’s insurance, landscaping and curbside garbage pickup.
With customer service in mind, office hours are designed to accommodate the residents’ needs. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents can submit applications, check their status on the waiting list, receive move-in instructions, place service requests, and discuss specific needs with the management staff.
In the case of an emergency, personnel are available around the clock with an immediate response and resolution. Balfour Beatty Communities is committed to long-term solutions to maintenance problems, not just cosmetic fixes and wants to foster pride of ownership in homes and community by effectively maintaining physical appearance, cleanliness, state of repair, and surrounding landscapes. To speak with a Balfour Beatty Communities Management staff member, call (803) 738-8275.
Off-Post Housing Referral
The Housing Services Office (HSO) is located in the Strom Thurmond Building, Room 240. The HSO is your first point of contact and will assist you in finding or locating housing off the installation. You are required to report to the HSO prior to making any arrangements for renting, leasing or purchasing any off post housing. You must report to the HSO in order to validate permissive TDY (PTDY) for house-hunting purposes. Failure to do so will result in the Soldier being charged leave for the entire period. DA Form 31 for PTDY must be approved by a lieutenant colonel or above.
The staff is ready to provide personal service and the most current rental information. If on-post housing is unavailable or you simply wish to reside off-post, the HSO staff will assist with locating suitable housing in the local community. Telephone numbers for HSO are 751-7566/5788.
Selecting a Home Off-Post
Select your home after considering the following:
• Is the size adequate for your family with the possibility of additions to your family?
• Is the cost within your means?
• Will the neighborhood be a safe, secure place for the growth and well-being of your family?
• Does the location provide access to shopping centers, churches, schools and playgrounds for your family?
• Once you’ve made your choice, read your lease carefully before signing. Make sure you’re given a check-in inspection list, and note the condition of the residence at the time of occupancy. If there are problems when you take possession, have them stated on the inspection list with the landlord’s signature on your copy.
Reviewing this will come in handy when you are ready to move out. A representative from HSO can accompany you to the check-in inspection at your request. Once you plan to move out, have the landlord sign the list again. If this is not done, you may find yourself paying for damages when you leave. The HSO staff can provide you with other tips about smart leasing.
Residential Lease Agreement
A written lease agreement is required for most residential leases. This agreement should outline the responsibilities and obligations of all parties and should constitute the entirety of the agreement. Before signing a lease agreement, make sure you understand everything written in the agreement. Signing the agreement is generally evidence of that party’s intent to be bound and agree to all the terms within the agreement. The HSO office can review the lease before you sign it.
Oral Representations
When you are shopping for a rental property, you may receive oral representations from property managers in regard to many aspects of the property. Oral representations that conflict with written provisions in a lease are generally unenforceable. Oral evidence that modifies a written lease agreement is likewise generally inadmissible in court. The written lease agreement controls the obligations of the parties and is generally the enforceable agreement.
Landlord and Tenant Obligations
The written lease agreement will outline the obligations of both the landlord and tenant. However, according to South Carolina law, landlords and tenants have general obligations when leasing a rental property. Landlords have a general obligation to maintain premises. Landlords must comply with all applicable building codes, make repairs and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition, and keep all common areas safe. A landlord may also be required to make running water, hot water, and heat available as well as keep all electrical, gas, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and other facilities in working order if these obligations are not specified in the written agreement to be the tenant’s obligations.
Tenants have a general obligation to comply with all building and housing codes, to keep the dwelling unit reasonably safe and clean, dispose of trash, keep all plumbing Fixtures clean, and use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other facilities in a reasonable manner. The tenant may also incur further obligations as outlined by the written lease agreement.
Security Deposits
Security deposits are usually an up-front expense a tenant pays a landlord to secure interest in the leased property. Security deposits may also provide a means for a landlord to seek reimbursement for damage to the property or repair costs. Generally, a landlord has an obligation to maintain the premises and should not use the security deposit to pay for normal wear and tear of premises. According to South Carolina law, a landlord is required to provide the security deposit, less the amounts used for repairs and damages, along with an itemized list of expenses to a tenant no later than 30 days after termination of a written lease agreement. The tenant is required to provide the landlord with written notification of a forwarding address. If this provision is violated, a landlord may have a legal cause of action and may seek treble damages (three times the amount of damages) plus reasonable attorney’s fees by statute.
Early Termination
A written lease agreement will usually contain the date of termination of the agreement. Parties may have the option of renewing the lease, usually with new terms or increased rent, by providing written notice. Most residential leases are for a one-year period, but may be longer or shorter. Termination of the lease before the termination date may give the aggrieved party a legal action for damages.
Damages are usually the monetary damages a landlord may incur for this early termination. Many leases also include early termination clauses and provisions that cover the procedures for terminating the lease early, often with some sort of penalty-fee provision and/or a liquidated damages clause designed to estimate the amount of monetary loss a party would suffer for this early termination. These clauses are often drafted to protect the landlord’s interests and can make it difficult or costly for a tenant to terminate the lease early.
This is usually to ensure that the tenant either performs the obligations they agreed to in the contract for the contract period or compensates the landlord for this early termination.
SCRA and Lease Termination
The Service Member’s Civil Relief Act of 2003 has some added provisions, which may help service members terminate a residential lease agreement prior to the termination date. The SCRA is not limited only to protections covering lease termination.
Other protections include issues such as security deposits, prepaid rent, eviction, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgage interest rates, mortgage foreclosure, civil judicial proceedings and income tax payments. It also provides many important protections for military members on active duty.
