Fort Carson

The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson builds and maintains combat ready expeditionary forces necessary to fight and win in complex environments as members of a Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) team or as a Mission Command Element (MCE); provides first class support to Soldiers, Airmen, Civilians, and Families; and enable unified action with community, state, and interagency partners to accomplish all assigned missions. Are you READY

The history of Fort Carson began with Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Less than one month later on January 6, 1942, it was announced that Colorado Springs had been selected as the site for an army camp. On February 22, 1942, the Colorado Springs newspapers reported that the installation would be named Camp Carson in honor of Brigadier General Christopher "Kit" Carson, the famous frontiersman. Camp Carson continued to grow and on August 27, 1954, it became what we know today, Fort Carson. And then, in September 1983, Fort Carson expanded by acquiring Pinon Canyon. To learn more about Fort Carson, visit the 4th Infantry Division Museum located outside of the main gate on highway 115 or call 719.524.0915.

Fort Carson Population Data - 57% of the Soldiers and Family Members live off post (Black Forest, Colorado Springs, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Monument, Pueblo, Security, Widefield)

• 26,530 Total Military assigned to post
• 39,222 Family Members
• 1,492 Reserve Component Military
• 6,619 Civilians (AAFES, DA, DECA, DoD)
• 951 Contractors

El Paso County has the 3^rd largest Military Veteran (68,901*) and Retiree (29,457**) Population.  More than 57% of Soldiers and Families reside off post.

Military installations in El Paso County include Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, United States Air Force Academy, and NORAD. Buckley Space Force Base is located in Denver.

El Paso County has a total population of 738,939 and Fort Carson is the 3rd largest employer in Colorado (State of Colorado has 39Kemployees, Denver International Airport has 35K and FCCO has 33.5K).

Fort Carson is home to the 4^th Infantry Division. Population served includes:

• 4^th Infantry Division
• 1^st Space Brigade
• 1^st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4ID
• 2^nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4ID
• 3^rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4ID
• 4^th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4ID
• 4^th Division Artillery, 4ID
• 4^th Engineer Battalion
• 4^th Sustainment Brigade, 4ID
• 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade
• 10^th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
• 13^th Air Support Operations Squadron
• 71^st Ordnance Group
• 627^th Hospital Center
• 759^th Military Police Battalion
• Army Field Support Battalion Carson
• Dental Health Activity
• Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4ID
• U.S Army Garrison Fort Carson
• Medical Department Activity
• World Class Athlete Program

One of the Army's youngest installations, Fort Carson, also known as the Mountain Post, is a proud Army post located on the southwest side of Colorado Springs, Colorado, between Interstate 25 and Highway 115 in El Paso county. Fort Carson is a premier location to lead, train and maintain while preparing Soldiers to win in the battlefield. The area provides some of the most beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities in America. For post information, call 719-526-5811 or DSN 312-691-5811.

Located in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Carson is 60 miles South of Denver on I-25, off of exit 135 (to the main gate) or exit 132B (Gate 20). It's nestled in the extreme southwest corner of Colorado Springs, at the base of Cheyenne Mountain. Government ID cardholders have numerous options when accessing Fort Carson. Non-ID cardholders are required to enter through the main gate, located off of Highway 115, and require a visitor's pass prior to entry. To access the post, drivers need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and valid photo ID. For details, call 719-524-1896.

Air Transportation: The Colorado Springs Airport is located about 10 miles from post. For guidance on military transportation; call 800-279-1151 or 719-526-6961.

Commercial Bus Transportation: The Greyhound bus terminal is located on 120 S. Weber Street. For details, call 719-635-1505.

Taxi Service: Various local taxi companies offer pickup and drop off to post. An example of a fare cost from Fort Carson to the downtown area is $35 to $45.

Driving from the Colorado Springs Airport: Follow the Airport road exit until you arrive to Powers Blvd; you'll left (South). This road will turn into Mesa Ridge Parkway which will take you directly to Gate 20 to access Fort Carson.

Driving from Denver International Airport: Follow the Airport road exit onto Pena Blvd until you arrive at I-70; go west to Colorado Springs. Follow I-70 until you arrive at I-225; go south to Colorado Springs. I-225 will take you to I-25; go south to Colorado Springs, about 60 miles. Take exit 132B, which will bring you to Gate 20 to access Fort Carson.

Main gate access is off of Highway 115 which can be reached off of Academy Blvd. You'll find the Visitors Center on the right side of the main gate. If you are traveling from Pueblo, take I-25 North to Colorado Springs and you'll use exit 132 to access Gate 20.

Post shuttle routes include service to Banana Belt, Cantonment, Soldier Support, Butts, and Butts Express. Shuttles run daily and are similar to a city bus, passengers stand at the designated shuttle stops for pick up. Shuttles do not operate on federal holidays. Services available to Soldiers, DOD personnel and Family Members. If you need assistance or have been waiting for more than 15 minutes for a shuttle, contact the shuttle dispatch at 719-524-RIDE (7433).

Up-to-date post information and unit contact is available by calling 719-526-5811.