FORT INDIANTOWN GAP: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER
By Tracy Fuga
Introduction
Welcome to Fort Indiantown Gap, known as The Gap or FIG to those connected to it. This military installation in central Pennsylvania provides warfighters from all branches with commander-centric training support. It’s a great place to live and work, with a long history that dates back to 1755 when settlers forced the colonial government to establish a fortification in the area. The current post traces its roots back to 1931 when authorization was made to acquire land after the Pennsylvania National Guard outgrew its training site at Mount Gretna. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Fort Indiantown Gap served as the Army’s largest Reserve Officer Training Corps summer camp. Many young officers receiving commissions at that time later served during the Vietnam conflict. In the 1980s and 1990s, various units of the military conducted and supported training at Fort Indiantown Gap for military operations in Grenada, Panama, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Bosnia and Kosovo. Today, Fort Indiantown Gap serves as headquarters for the Pennsylvania National Guard and continues its role as a major reserve component training post with more than 100,000 personnel training there annually. Continue reading for an in-depth guide to help aid you in your transition to living and working on Fort Indiantown Gap. 1. Where Is Fort Indiantown Gap? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Post 4. Entering Fort Indiantown Gap and Post Amenities- Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
- Fort Indiantown Gap Visitor Center
- Fort Indiantown Gap DEERS Office
- Fort Indiantown Gap Gate Hours
- Fort Indiantown Gap Commissary
- Fort Indiantown Gap PX
- Fort Indiantown Gap Barber Shops
- Fort Indiantown Gap Post Office
- Fort Indiantown Gap Finance Office
- Fort Indiantown Gap Legal Office
- Fort Indiantown Gap Library
- Fort Indiantown Gap Hotels
Where Is Fort Indiantown Gap?
Fort Indiantown Gap Public Affairs Office
Bldg. 8-41 Fort Indiantown Gap, PA 17003Phone
: 1 (717) 861-6893Fort Indiantown Gap Map
Fort Indiantown Gap Directions
Public Transportation
The nearest Amtrak stop to Fort Indiantown Gap is in Harrisburg, roughly 25 miles away. This stop will connect you to major routes that lead across the country. Alternatively, you could take a Greyhound bus from Harrisburg and connect to Atlantic City, Philadelphia, New York City and most other major cities on the East Coast.Flights to Fort Indiantown Gap, PA
The closest airport to Fort Indiantown Gap is Harrisburg International Airport. It’s about 30 miles from the front gates of Fort Indiantown Gap. The airport is served by nearly all major airlines via daily direct or connecting flights.Driving Directions to Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania
- If you drive from the airport, you will get on US-22 West from North Cameron Street.
- Get on I-81 North/US-322 East via the rap to I-78/Hazleton/Allentown.
- Follow I-81 North to PA-934 North in East Hanover Township.
- Take exit 85B from I-81 North.
- Take Asher Miner Road to enter Fort Indiantown Gap.
Fort Indiantown Gap Transportation Office
Fort Indiantown Gap Transportation Office
Bldg. 11-67 Fort Indiantown Gap, PA 17003Phone
: 1 (717) 861-8301Fort Indiantown Gap Transportation Office Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0830 to 1600
Entering Fort Indiantown Gap and Post Amenities
Tours are not offered at the installation but there are three areas that are open to the public during business hours without prior coordination with authorities at Fort Indiantown Gap. Click here to learn more about where you can go.Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
The installation is in the process of being secure in line with Department of Defense standards. During construction, individuals will be able to access the installation by instructions given through the appropriate government organization. New arrivals are briefed by several agencies on programs, assistance and services available on post.Fort Indiantown Gap DEERS Office
Bldg. 14-99 Fort Indiantown Gap, PA 17003Phone
: 1 (717) 861-8693Fort Indiantown Gap DEERS Office Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0830 to 1600
Fort Indiantown Gap Visitor Center
There is not a visitor center on base. Visitors should contact the PAO to gain access to the installation.Fort Indiantown Gap Public Affairs Office
Bldg. 8-41 Fort Indiantown Gap, PA 17003Phone
: 1 (717) 861-6893Fort Indiantown Gap Visitor Control Center Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0830 to 1600
DEERS Fort Indiantown Gap
The Fort Indiantown Gap DEERS Office is an appointment-based system. Update DEERS due to marriage, divorce, birthday or death. You can also renew or get issued your CAC/ID cards. To schedule an appointment, click here.Fort Indiantown Gap DEERS Office
Bldg. 14-99 Fort Indiantown Gap, PA 17003Phone
: 1 (717) 861-8693Fort Indiantown Gap DEERS Office Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0830 to 1600
Fort Indiantown Gap Gate Hours
Construction is currently ongoing on what will become Fort Indiantown Gap’s East and Main gates. Until then, call the post operator at 1 (717) 861-2000 for information about accessing the installation.
Fort Indiantown Gap Commissary
The closest commissary to Fort Indiantown Gap is in Carlisle Barracks, about 40 miles away. There are multiple local grocery stores and national chains within 10 miles of the installation.Carlisle Barracks Commissary
851 Sumner Road Carlisle Gap, PA 17013Phone
: 1 (717) 961-5730Carlisle Barracks Commissary Hours
Monday
- ClosedTuesday through Saturday
- 0900 to 1800Sunday
- 1100 to 1600
Fort Indiantown Gap PX
The Fort Indiantown Gap mini Post Exchange offers an assortment of health and beauty care, small appliances, electronics, toys and more. Check cashing and an ATM are also available.Fort Indiantown Gap Exchange
Bldg. 9-120 Fort Indiantown Gap, PA 17003Phone
: 1 (717) 861-2714Fort Indiantown Gap Exchange Hours
Sunday and Monday
- ClosedTuesday
- 0800 to 1930Wednesday through Friday
- 0630 to 1930Saturday
- 0800 to 1700
Fort Indiantown Gap Barber Shop
There is one barber shop on post. It is open from 0900 to 1700 Monday through Saturday. Call for more information.Main Exchange Barber Shop - Bldg. -120
Phone
: 1 (717) 861-2714Fort Indiantown Gap Post Office
There is not a post office located on post. There are a number of official post offices close to Fort Indiantown Gap. Visit here to find the location nearest you.Fort Indiantown Gap Finance Office
The Fort Indiantown Gap Finance Office is open during duty hours. The office can reset MyPin pin numbers and address other pay issues. National Guard personnel can receive assistance with travel entitlements and vouchers.Fort Indiantown Gap Finance Office
Bldg. 0-47 Fort Indiantown Gap, PA 17003Phone
: 1 (717) 861-8370Fort Indiantown Gap Finance Office Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0800 to 1600
Fort Indiantown Gap Legal Office
The Fort Indiantown Gap Legal Assistance Office provides legal advice and assistance to service members, their dependents and citizen employees who provide direct support to the Pennsylvania National Guard. The office ensures every client receives expert legal guidance to assist with any of life’s challenges.Fort Indiantown Gap Legal Office
Bldg. 7-36 Fort Indiantown Gap, PA 17003Phone
: 1 (717) 861-8891Fort Indiantown Gap Legal Office Hours
- To make an appointment with the Legal Assistance Office, call 1 (717) 861-8891.
Fort Indiantown Gap Library
There is not a library on post at Fort Indiantown Gap. Visit here to find a library near you.
Fort Indiantown Gap Hotels
Fort Indiantown Gap offers several on-post lodging facilities. The Fort Indiantown Gap Billeting Office provides all on-post housing for service personnel and those traveling on orders. The lodging areas are scattered throughout the garrison area and most are within walking distance to the post amenities. Cottages, suites and transient quarters are available for rental. Reservations may be made 24 hours in advance.Fort Indiantown Gap Billeting Office
Bldg. 11-7 Fort Indiantown Gap, PA 17003Phone
: 1 (717) 861-2512Fort Indiantown Gap Billeting Office Hours
Available 24/7
Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Fort Indiantown Gap Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.
Where Should I Live Near Fort Indiantown Gap?
If you’re considering living on post, check out the available temporary housing and lodging options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off post.Cities Near Fort Indiantown Gap
There is one main city near Fort Indiantown Gap, Hershey. Most people connected to Fort Indiantown Gap choose to live in one of the smaller towns near the installation to enjoy a short commute to work.Best Places to Live Near Fort Indiantown Gap
Hershey, PA
A name synonymous with chocolate, Hershey boasts a population of just over 14,000 people. Its economy is largely supported by its close proximity to Fort Indiantown Gap and its namesake chocolate factory, and it is home to Hershey Park. Hershey is just a quick drive from the capital city of Harrisburg. Family-friendly activities like paying a visit to the Indian Echo Caverns, Lake Tobias, ZooAmerica zoos and anything associated with chocolate are popular among those who live here. Housing is affordable and sits around the national average. The median monthly owner costs for a mortgage are $1,817 and median gross rents are $1,058. The area has a lot to offer, and most of it is pretty sweet.
Fort Indiantown Gap Schools
Pennsylvania has some of the best public schools in the country and many of them are feeder schools to amazing universities like Penn State, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University and Carnegie Mellon. There are no schools on post, so your children will attend school based on your address. Most will be connected to the Northern Lebanon School District unless you live outside Lebanon County. Wherever they attend, rest assured that they’ll have access to the finest education possible. And if your child requires extra help, there are a number of programs available. Fort Indiantown Gap’s Education and Incentives Center provided school-aged children resources and information to help achieve academic success. And check out our full guide to Fort Indiantown schools for a more detailed rundown.
Fort Indiantown Gap Weather
Hot, humid summers with thunderstorms, cold winters with snow and the chance of rain at a moment’s notice await when you live and work in Fort Indiantown Gap. Summer temperatures can be brutal but temperatures rarely go into three digits. People enjoy living in central Pennsylvania for the chance to experience all four seasons.
Things to Do Near Fort Indiantown Gap
There are tons of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with fishing, hiking, boating, and recreation at nearby parks and nature reserves. There are also fun events held year-round at Hersheypark with popular artists regularly playing concerts there. There’s also the BrewFest, Flowers & All That Jazz, Music in the Vines and more. Fantastic restaurants, live music, and special events can also be found about two hours away in Philadelphia or the chance to experience Amish Country an hour away in Lancaster. Not to mention the recreation and entertainment options available on post thanks to Fort Indiantown Gap MWR.Suggested Read
: 15 Of the Best Things to Do Near Fort Indiantown Gap
Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Fort Indiantown Gap at MyBaseGuide.
Conclusion
Fort Indiantown Gap has more to offer than meets the eye. The area is bustling with plenty of sweet things to do and there’s more to offer just a short drive away. While connected to Fort Indiantown Gap, you’ll have the opportunity to train at one of the busiest National Guard installations and the chance to experience everything the East Coast has to offer. Moving to a new place has its challenges but you’ll be glad to be here.The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Last Updated:
9/29/2021SHARE:
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