Fort Carson  In-depth Overview

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, 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 Fort Carson. And then, in September of 1983, Fort Carson expanded by acquiring Pinon Canyon. To learn more about the history of Fort Carson, visit the 4th Infantry Division Museum, located outside of the main gate on highway 115.

Fort Carson Population Data - 70% of the Soldiers and Family Members live off post (Black Forest, Colorado Springs, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Monument, Pueblo, Security, Widefield)

• 23,542 Total Military assigned to post
• 12,200 Family Members living on post vs 33,000 living off post
• 3,000 DA & DoD Civilians
• 2,500 NAF Employees
• 450 Army/Air Force Exchange Employees
• 97 DECA Employees
• 1,000 Contractors

El Paso County has the 3^rd largest DoD Retiree Population in the U.S., more than 98,000 Veterans call El Paso County home.

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

More than 70% of the Fort Carson population live off the installation. El Paso County has a total population of 720,403.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 Population Estimates

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

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

One of the Army's youngest installations, Fort Carson, the Mountain Post, is a proud Army post located southwest of Colorado Springs, Colorado, between Interstate 25 and Highway 115 in El Paso county. This post is recognized as one of the world's premier locations to lead, train, and maintain while preparing soldiers to win on the battlefield. The southern Colorado Springs and Fountain areas are considered affordable to live in when compared to the national average cost of living. This geographical area provides some of the most beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities in America! For base information, call 719.526.5811 or DSN 312.691.5811.

Located on the front range of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Carson is 60 miles South of Denver on I-25, off of exit #135. It is nestled in the extreme southwest corner of Colorado Springs, beneath Cheyenne Mountain. Government ID cardholders have numerous options when accessing the post. Non-ID cardholders should enter through the main gate, located off of Highway 115. To access Fort Carson, drivers are required to have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and valid photographic identification. For details, call 719.524.1896 or 526.2333.

Air Transportation Assistance: The Colorado Springs Airport is located about 10 miles from Fort Carson. Military transportation is available 24/7 by calling 800.279.1151 or 719.526.6961.

Commercial Bus Transportation Assistance: The Greyhound bus terminal is located at 120 S. Weber Street. For details, call 719.635.1505.

Taxi Service Assistance: Civilian taxi services are available from a variety of local companies. Fares from Fort Carson to downtown Colorado Springs range from $20 to $30.

Directions to Fort Carson from Colorado Springs Airport:  Follow the Airport road exit until you arrive at Powers Blvd; make a left turn. This road will turn into Mesa Ridge Parkway.  Following this road will take you directly to Gate 20 to access Fort Carson.

Directions to Fort Carson 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.  Exit at 132 B; this will take you directly to Gate 20 to access Fort Carson.

From Denver:  Take I-25 South to Colorado Springs.  Exit onto 132 B; this will allow you to access Fort Carson via Gate 20.

From Pueblo:  Take I-25 North to Colorado Springs.  Exit onto 132; make a left over the bridge (west).  This will allow you to access Fort Carson via Gate 20.

Post shuttle has 4 lines that run throughout Fort Carson. Service is available seven days a week and is free to military, DOD personnel and Family Members. To contact dispatch, call 719.524.RIDE (7433).

For information on Fort Carson, call 719.526.5811. This is an up-to-date automated system.