Fort Irwin  In-depth Overview

As a part of the U.S. Army FORSCOM, Fort Irwin provides realistic joint and combined arms training focused on developing soldiers, leaders, and units of America's Army for success on the 21st century battlefield. Additionally, the NTC provides a vital source of experience based information and data essential to doctrine, equipment, training and force development in order to improve the force. The NTC conducts 10 training rotations per year. Soldiers assigned to the 11th ACR and Operations Group can expect to spend several days per month in the field.

On August 8, 1940, a Presidential order withdrew from public use almost 1,000 square miles of public land in the High Desert of Southern California. The land was established as the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Range and later named Camp Irwin in memory of Major General George Irwin, a World War I battle commander. In 1951, the post became the home of the United States Army Armor and Desert Training Center and was designated Fort Irwin in 1961. In 1981, the installation was re-designated as the National Training Center (NTC) and since then its development as the premier training site of the U.S. Army has been nonstop. For more information, go to the Fort Irwin homepage.

• Active Duty - 4,040
• Rotational Soldiers - 6,365
• Family Members - 6604
• Civilian Workforce - 4,043
• Reserve/National Guard - 88
• Number of Organizations - 86

22,357

Because Fort Irwin is a fairly small community, people living here get to know their neighbors. After a short period, visits to the commissary and Post Exchange (PX) are usually accompanied by a series of friendly "hellos." Children often live next door to their schoolmates, play on the same sports teams, or go to daycare together. Fort Irwin maintains a small town atmosphere with town hall meetings and other community forums, even though 4,000-5,000 soldiers from other installations rotate through the NTC each month.

Fort Irwin is located approximately 37 miles northeast of Barstow, California midway between Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California. The High Mojave Desert's hills and mountains surround the installation. Natural vegetation is sparse and mainly consists of mesquite, creosote, yuccas, and other low growing plants. Beautiful sunsets, blue skies, sunny days and wide-open vistas are some of the pleasures of the desert that give many a sense of freedom. However, expect the primary colors to be tan and brown. For those needing to see green, Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are two hours away providing tall trees and lakes. The base operator's phone number is 760-380-3369, DSN 312-470-3369.

Arriving by Air - The nearest airports are located in Ontario, CA (120 miles), Los Angeles, CA (175 miles) and Las Vegas, NV (180 miles). If you arrive at one of the above airports, you will need to make arrangements for transportation from the airport to the installation. 

Fort Irwin is located approximately 37 miles northeast of Barstow, California in the High Mojave Desert midway between Las Vegas, Nevada and San Bernardino, California.  

You can call the Replacement Detachment prior to your arrival to obtain detailed information about the best mode of transportation. If arriving at McCarran International Airport (LAS), you can take a Greyhound Bus to Barstow.   If other transportation is not available, the Replacement Detachment will dispatch a van (if available) to pick you up.in Barstow.  They can be reached at t 760-380-4747/3006 or DSN 312-470-4747/ 9095 Open 24 Hours.   DSN 312-470-4747/9095.

Driving Directions

Arriving by Car - Fort Irwin is accessible via Interstate Highways 40 and 15, State Highways 58 and 247.  All highways will lead into I-15.  If traveling North (towards Las Vegas) on I-15 get off at the Fort Irwin Road exit. At the stop sign make a left and drive approximately 37 miles until you reach the front gate.  If traveling South (towards San Bernardino) on I-15 get off at the Fort Irwin Road exit. At the stop sign make a right and drive approximately 37 miles until you reach the front gate.  Make sure you have a valid drivers license, Military ID, current vehicle registration and proof of insurance or you will be delayed at the gate.  If possible, you should plan your arrival during daylight hours especially if you have reservations at the Landmark Inn on post. The desert can be very dark at night and roads are not well lit. There are no gas stations between Barstow and Fort Irwin, so make sure you have enough gas in your car before exiting on Fort Irwin Road. Map websites do not have pinpoint directions to Fort Irwin. 

The closest a mapping website can get is Barstow and you might need an address or zip code. The zip code for Ft. Irwin is 92310. The zip code for Barstow is 92311. To create and print a map click here and click on the state view of the map. Otherwise buy a map of California and become familiar with the highway system, you will be glad you did!