Introduction

It’s time to PCS and you’ve received orders to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Congratulations! Located just outside Columbia, South Carolina, the post was established in 1917 as an infantry camp and named after President Andrew Jackson, a South Carolina native. It has served as a major training center since 1940. It is home to the Army Soldier Support Institute, the Department of Defense Chaplain Center and School, the US Army Drill Sergeant Academy, as well as the 165th and 193rd Infantry Brigades. Fort Jackson covers approximately 53,000 acres and is the most active Initial Entry Training Center in the Army, training around 50 percent of all soldiers and 60 percent of the women entering the Army. The post processes over 48,000 basic training recruits and 12,000 additional advanced training Soldiers every year. The post houses around 3,500 active duty Soldiers and their families as well as more than 3,500 civilian employees.

*For all COVID updates for Fort Jackson, visit the post website’s COVID-19 page here.

Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Fort Jackson to help aid you in your transition to your new post home.

1. Where Is Fort Jackson?
2. Google Map View
3. Getting There – Directions to the Post
4. Entering Fort Jackson and Post Amenities
   • Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
   • Fort Jackson Visitor Center
   • Fort Jackson DEERS Office
   • Fort Jackson Gate Hours
   • Fort Jackson Commissary
   • Fort Jackson Exchange
   • Fort Jackson Barber Shops
   • Fort Jackson Post Office
   • Fort Jackson Finance Office
   • Fort Jackson Legal Office
   • Fort Jackson Library
   • Fort Jackson Hotels
5. Where Should I Live Near Fort Jackson?
6. What Schools are Near Fort Jackson?
7. What’s the Weather Like in Fort Jackson?
8. Things to Do Near Fort Jackson

Where Is Fort Jackson?

Fort Jackson Welcome Center

Building 7550 Benning Road Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207

Phone:

1 (800) 276-6984

Fort Jackson Map

Fort Jackson Directions

With I-77 running just west of post, getting to Fort Jackson is relatively easy no matter where you’re coming from. And with plenty of transportation options in and around the city of Columbia, getting where you need to go on or off post is a breeze.

If Entering Through the Fred Wilson Gate

1. Once you pass through the Access Control Point, turn right onto Sheridan Rd
2. Turn left on Lawrence St.
3. Turn right onto Pershing Road.
4. Follow Pershing Road until you see the Welcome Center on your left.

If Entering Through the Buffalo Soldier Gate

1. Once you pass through the Access Control Point, follow Buffalo Soldier Road until you reach JEB Stuart Road and turn right.
2. Then turn left onto Pershing Road
3. Continue until you see the Welcome Center on your right.

Traveling by Train

If arriving by train, the Columbia, SC Amtrak stop is located at 850 Pulaski St, Columbia SC 29201. Schedules and fares can be found here.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport Transportation

There are no specific shuttles or military liaison desk at the Columbia airport. A cab can be called for a flat rate of $32. The airport is located approximately 30 miles from Fort Jackson.

Traveling by Bus

Greyhound Bus provides service to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The Greyhound Bus station is located at MacGruder ST, Building 4350, Fort Jackson, SC. Ticketing and schedules can be found here.

Driving Directions to Fort Jackson

If Driving I-77 South

1. Take exit 15 to SC-12/Percival Rd (signs to Fort Jackson).
2. Turn left onto Boyden Arbor Rd.
3. Sharp left onto Dixie Rd and continue onto Artillery Rd.

If Driving I-77 North

1. Take I-77 North to SC-12 E/Percival Rd.
2. Take exit 13 from I-77 North.
3. Turn right onto SC-12E/Percival Rd.
4. Turn right on Boyden Arbor Rd.
5. Sharp left onto Dixie Rd
6. Continue onto Artillery Rd.

From the Columbia Airport (CAE)

1. Get on I-26 East from SC-602 Columbia Airport Expressway.
2. Take I-77N to SC-12 E/Percival Rd.
3. Take exit 13 from I-77 North.
4. Take Dixie Rd to Artillery Road.

If Driving Hwy 54 East

1. Take exit 24 toward Fred Wilson Blvd/Railroad Dr.
2. Use the left lane to merge onto Gateway N Blvd.
3. Follow the signs for Fred Wilson Rd and use the left 2 lanes to take the ramp to Fort Jackson, passing through the Fred Wilson Gate.

Fort Jackson Transportation Office

Getting ready for a PCS move and in need of some help? Call the Fort Jackson Transportation Office to get started.

Fort Jackson Transportation Office

Strom Thurmond Bldg 5450 Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Personnel Movements Phone:

1 (803) 751-6053

Personal Property Moves Phone:

1 (803) 751-7198

Fort Jackson Transportation Office Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday -

  0730 - 1600

• Thursday -

  0730 - 1200

Entering Fort Jackson and Post Amenities

To enter the post, you will need to show your military ID and all of-age passengers must present a valid ID (driver’s license, passport, etc). If you don’t have your military ID, you will need your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Your vehicle will likely be searched if entering the post for the first time or without military ID. So you may want to include some extra time in your travel plans to allow for such a delay. All non-DOD persons can expect to obtain a visitors pass at certain gates with Visitor Control Centers (VCC).

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Once you arrive at Fort Jackson, report to Room 200, 5450 Strom Thurmond Blvd between 0730-1700, Monday through Friday. The in-processing office will be closed on weekends and holidays as well as the first and third Thursday of every month from 1330-1700. Report in the ACU/OCP uniform. If reporting outside the above hours, report to the IHG Army Hotel/Welcome Center. Upon check-in, you will be provided with a schedule and further instructions for completing your in-processing.

IHG Army Hotel/Welcome Center

Bldg 7550 Benning Road Columbia, SC 29207

Phone:

1 (803) 782-9802 Bring a copy of your orders and your leave form and your orders including all amendments.

Fort Jackson Visitor Center

Family members, visitors, and others without proper ID will need to stop by the visitor control center when coming on post for the first time. Located right by the main gate (Gate 2), it’s open every day from 0500 to 2000.

Fort Jackson Visitors Center

Columbia, SC 29207

Phone:

1 (803) 751-5483 For questions regarding access to the installation contact:

Physical Security:

1 (803) 751-6019

Fort Jackson DEERS Office

Need to make some changes to your admin paperwork or get a new ID card? Stop by the post DEERS office between 0730 - 1630. Or, for convenience’s sake, set up an appointment online and avoid the wait.

Fort Jackson DEERS Office

5450 Strom Thurmond Blvd Room 109 ID Card Section Ft. Jackson, SC 29207

Phone:

1 (803) 751-6024

Fort Jackson Gate Hours

With COVID-19 still present, call 1 (803) 751-6019 for questions regarding installation access; click here to verify hours of operation for Fort Jackson gates.

• Gate 1 -

  Open Monday - Friday 0500 to 1800

• Gate 2 -

  Open 24/7 (For personnel with DOD ID or Fort Jackson Installation Access Badge)

• Gate 4 -

  Monday - Friday, 0500 to 1800 (All commercial vehicles must use this gate)

• Gate 5 -

  Monday - Friday 0500 to 2200, 1600 to 1800 OUTBOUND ONLY, Saturday & Sunday 0500 to 1800

• Visitor Control Center -

  Open 0500 to 2000

Fort Jackson Commissary

In need of groceries, home goods, or any other odds and ends you might need? The Fort Jackson Commissary, like all military commissaries, is a great stop for all those things.

Fort Jackson Commissary

4716 Commissary Way Columbia, SC 29207

Phone:

1( 803) 751-4753

Fort Jackson Commissary Hours

• Sunday -

  1100 - 1800

• Monday -

  Closed

• Tuesday -

  0900 - 2000

• Wednesday -

  1000 - 2000

• Thursday -

  1000 - 2000

• Friday -

  1000 - 2000

• Saturday

  -

  0900 - 2000

Fort Jackson Barber Shops

When you’re in the military, having a nice, fresh haircut isn’t just a matter of personal grooming preference. It’s an essential part of your appearance in uniform. Luckily, there are plenty of barbershops on post where you can get a regular trim.

Barbershop Locations & Hours

Bldg. 4712 Lee Road

Phone:

1 (803) 787-1274

Hours:

Tuesday through Saturday 1000 - 1700

Bldg. 2420 Marion Street

Phone:

1 (803) 743-0402

Hours:

Temporarily Closed

Bldg. 5475 Johnson Street

Phone:

1 (803) 786-5495

Hours:

Temporarily Appointment Only

Bldg. 10440 Hampton Parkway

Phone:

1 (803) 782-2582

Hours:

Temporarily Appointment Only

Bldg. 4169 Sumter Street

Phone:

1 (803) 782-2052

Hours:

Temporarily Appointment Only

Bldg. 1865 Ewell Road

Phone:

1 (803) 790-9825

Hours:

Temporarily Closed

Ft Jackson Main Exchange

4110 Moseby St. Columbia, SC 29206

Phone:

1 (803) 743-9568

Hours:

• Monday through Friday -

  0900 - 1700

• Saturday through Sunday -

  1000 - 1700

Fort Jackson Post Office

Need to mail something? The United States Postal Service has a convenient location right here on post for all your shipping needs.

Fort Jackson Post Office

4350 Magruder Ave Columbia, SC 29207

Phone:

1 (803) 782-8709

Fort Jackson Finance Office

Need some help, assistance, or advice when it comes to financial matters? The post finance office is the place to go for any money matters you need help with.

Fort Jackson Finance Office

5450 Strom Thurmond Blvd Columbia, SC 29206

Phone:

1 (803) 751-4565

Hours:

Monday - Friday 0800 - 1600

Fort Jackson Legal Office

Need some legal advice, assistance, or the services of a notary? The on-post legal assistance office is open for appointments to help you with any and all legal issues or concerns.

Fort Jackson Legal Office

2600 Lee Road Columbia, SC 29207

Fort Jackson Jag Office Number:

1 (803) 751-4287

Hours:

Monday through Friday, 0830 to 1630.

Fort Jackson Library

From classic books to new video games, the Thomas Lee Hall Library has a wide selection of entertainment options to borrow. And their computer lab and study rooms make it a great place to learn and work in peace and quiet.

Fort Jackson Library

4679 Lee Rd, Bldg. 4679 Columbia, SC 29209

Phone:

1 (803) 751-4816

Hours:

• Monday - Thursday -

  1100 - 1900

• Friday - Saturday -

  1200 - 1700

• Sunday -

  Closed

• Federal Holidays -

  Closed

Fort Jackson Hotels

1. Holiday Inn Express at Fort Jackson

7550 Benning Rd, Columbia, SC 29207

Phone:

1 (803) 782-9802

2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbia-Fort Jackson

7329 Garners Ferry Rd Columbia, SC 29209 Phone: 1 (803) 695-1111

3. Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia/Southeast-Fort Jackson

201 Exchange Blvd Columbia, SC 29209

Phone:

1 (803) 217-3999

IHG Army Hotels Fort Jackson

The following are transient barracks/billeting/hotels that can all be reserved through either IHG at 1 (803) 782-9802 or Victory Travel at 1 (803) 787-6005 or use the IHG Army Hotels website here.

1. IHG Army Hotels Magruder Transient Area

Magruder Ave, Columbia, SC 29207

Phone:

1 (803) 782-9802

2. IHG Army Hotels Dozier Hall & Palmetto

10300 Hampton Pkwy Columbia, SC 29207

Phone:

1 (803) 782-9802

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Fort Jackson Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels near Fort Jackson.

Where Should I Live Near Fort Jackson?

If you’re considering living on post, check out the available on-post housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off post.

Cities Near Fort Jackson

Columbia

If you are looking for cities near Fort Jackson, SC, Columbia sits adjacent to the post and offers plenty of good schools, universities, and fine neighborhoods both metropolitan downtown and quiet suburbs. Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and the city is home to about 830,000 people. It is home to the University of South Carolina and it’s Williams-Brice Stadium. The city website provides excellent information about the city and links to various services, events, and more.

Best Places to Live Near Fort Jackson

Fort Jackson, in addition to being right next to Columbia, is at the intersection of Interstates 20 and 77. Soldiers who want to live off post will likely find housing in Columbia itself, however, the surrounding smaller communities or Irmo, Lexington, Lugoff, Cayce, and Dentsville are all within reasonable driving distance of the post. All these suburban communities are known for being safe and relatively affordable places to live. The area public schools all fall into the Richland School Districts One and Two, both of which offer quality education at all levels. And since traffic on I-77 and I-20 is usually smooth and rarely congested, the commute on and off post is relatively hassle free.

Hot Tip: Look for Fort Jackson homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Fort Jackson Schools

The schools on Fort Jackson are part of the Department of Defense Education Activity network. The post has two elementary schools.

Fort Jackson Elementary Schools

1. Pierce Terrace Elementary School, Pre-K-1

5705 Carter Rd Columbia, SC 29206

Phone:

1 (803) 782-1772

2. Pinckney Elementary School, 2-6

5900 Chestnut Rd Columbia, SC 29206

Phone:

1 (803) 787-6815

Fort Jackson Middle School

Students in grades 7-12 who live on post will attend public schools in Richland County School District Two.

1. Dent Middle School, 6-8

2721 Decker Blvd Columbia, SC 29206

Phone:

1 (803) 699-2750

Fort Jackson High School

2. Richland Northeast High School, 9-12

7500 Brookfield R Columbia, SC 29233

Phone:

1 (803) 699-2800 Find more local school information at The Best Fort Jackson Schools: Daycare – High School.

Fort Jackson Weather

According to WeatherSpark.com, Summers are hot and humid in central South Carolina while winters are cold. Average summer temperatures are in the 90’s with around 80-90 percent humidity with cooler nights that often bring summer heat lightning. Winter temperatures are rarely below freezing and range between 36 and 56 during the day. It is partly cloudy all year and summers are the rainy season with frequent afternoon showers throughout July and August. To find out more in-depth weather information visit our blog Fort Jackson South Carolina Weather: What To Expect When Moving Here.

Things to Do Near Fort Jackson

Outdoor Activities

As the capital of South Carolina, there is plenty to do in the Columbia area surrounding Fort Jackson. From the University of South Carolina football and the Riverbanks Zoo to the fun college town atmosphere of Five Points which offers lots of dining and beverages.

Shopping

There are several large malls, lots of local galleries and boutique shopping as well as lots of bookstores and sporting goods. You can check out some of the city’s shopping attractions on the Columbia city website here.

Music

While COVID has slowed things down, for now, the large arenas and venues of the University of South Carolina, as well as the convention center combined with lots of live music in bars and restaurants in Five Points, mean you can still find lots of live music and big concert events here.

Suggested Read:

22 Of the Best Things to Do in Fort Jackson

Restaurants Near Fort Jackson

Southern food is famous for being smoked, fried, decadent, and delicious. Here are the top three Yelp reviewed restaurants in Columbia, near Fort Jackson.

1. Midwood Smokehouse

702 Cross Hill Rd Ste 400D Columbia, SC 29205

Phone:

1 (803) 764-1231

2. Kairos Mediterranean

4600 Devine St Columbia, SC 29205

Phone:

1 (803) 851-4141

3. GOAT’s

2017 Devine St Columbia, SC 29205

Phone:

1 (803) 708-4495 Looking to really explore more food and drink options? Check out the 30 of the Best Fort Jackson Restaurants.

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Fort Jackson at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Welcome to the South and enjoy your new home in the Columbia area! Be sure to check out our other useful articles to get to know your new area and get your family settled. Be sure you check the post’s COVID updates for any new information regarding changes to policies or post use.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

 

Last Updated:

10/27/2021