Fort Polk  In-depth Overview

Mission

The U.S. Army Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk trains brigade combat teams to conduct large scale combat operations on the decisive action battlefield against a near-peer threat with multi-domain capabilities. Fort Polk enables assigned Forces Command units to build readiness in support of globally deployable missions; while facilitating a high quality of life for Soldiers and Army Families.

Vision

The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk maintains its core combat training center (CTC) capabilities, able to offer a realistic and rigorous training environment, supported by an experienced Operations Group (Ops Grp) which includes a highly trained, agile and adaptive opposing force (OPFOR). Further, it offers a sustainable North Fort Polk cantonment area which allows efficient execution of rotations. Future advancements, such as the expansion of Polk Army Airfield, allows Fort Polk to truly maximize its potential to support all CTC rotations while directly benefiting resident units and Fort Polk’s capacity. Simultaneously, JRTC and Fort Polk maintain programs to care for Soldiers, civilians, Families and retirees.

For the History of Fort Polk please go to, https://home.army.mil/polk/index.php/about/history

• Active Duty: 7,815  Army
• Other Military: 193  Air Force/TDY
• Transient and Rotational: 5,770
• Active duty dependents: 12,137
• Civilian employees: 5,703
• Retired military and family: 14,408
• Retired DoD Civilians: 3,291

Vernon Parish: 52,334

Beauregard Parish: 35,654

Fort Polk is located in Vernon Parish in West-Central Louisiana, better known as "The Crossroads", about 60 miles from Alexandria, 66 miles from Lake Charles, 121 miles from Shreveport, 146 miles from Baton Rouge, 224 miles from New Orleans, and 183 miles from Houston. Closer to our front gate is the nearby town of Leesville, located in Vernon Parish, DeRidder, LA, is approximately 15 miles south of Leesville and is located in Beauregard Parish. Louisiana is the only State that has Parishes not Counties. Fort Polk is approximately 3 miles east of U.S. Highway 171 and approximately 3 miles south of Highway 28.

Alexandria International Airport is located within England Industrial Airpark, off of La Hwy 28, on Frank Andrews Blvd. and is the nearest available airport.  

If you are on orders for Fort Polk and plan on flying to the area, book your flight to the Alexandria International Airport in Alexandria, Louisiana. There you will find a Fort Polk welcome desk.

If driving to Fort Polk from the Alexandria International Airport turn right leaving the airport terminal parking lot. Drive down Frank Andrews Blvd. and turn right onto Vandenburg Drive. Drive 2.2 miles and turn right onto LA Hwy. 28 West. Drive 45.5 miles at the traffic circle take the 2^nd exit onto US 171 South. Proceed 8 miles and turn left onto Fort Polk Entrance Road. Continue to Fort Polk Access Control Point #1 where you will need to provide a VALID PHOTO ID for individuals over the age of 16 (Driver’s license, state issued ID, Passport, etc.) and reason for entrance. If operating a motor vehicle the following additional information may be required; Vehicle Registration, Driver’s License and Proof of Insurance.

For more information on access control contact: Visitors Center, 337-531-4978; DSN 312-863-4978.  

Entering Post from U.S. Highway 171

Enter through the Main Gate (Louisiana Ave) to the fourth (4th) red light (Mississippi Ave); turn left on Mississippi Ave, go all the way to the end of the street and take a left. Bldg. 250, will be on your right.

Entering Post from U.S. Highway 28

Gate ACP 6 is only open Mon – Fri from 0500 to 2100: closed Saturday, Sunday and Federal Holidays

Turn left off of Hwy 28 onto Chaffee Road (approximately 2 miles to the Chaffee Road Checkpoint). Chaffee Road takes you through North Fort to South Fort. At South Fort, Chaffee Road turns into Alabama Avenue (One Way Street), turn right onto 3^rd street and the Consolidated in and out Processing, Building 250 will be slightly down the road on your right.

After Duty Hours

Report to the Warriors Keep, Bldg. 240 (337) 531-6947. Enter through the Main Check Point, Gate 1, on Louisiana Avenue, through 2 Red lights, 3^rd red light take a left. Turn right onto 3^rd street, go past the hospital on you right. Building 240 is behind the in and out processing center Bldg. 250 on your left at the top of the hill.

Reservations for the Holiday Inn Express in Magnolia &Cypress can be made by calling 337-531-9000; or call TOLL FREE: 1-877-711-8326.  Receipts for temporary lodging must be provided to the Finance Office for reimbursement. All incoming Service members MUST report to building 250 or Warrior Keep, Bldg. 240 for sign in purposes.

Taxi services are available on post. Information concerning fees may be obtained by calling 337-531-6246. Information may also be obtained by visiting Consolidated In and Out Processing, Bldg. 250 on 3^rd Street.

Uber is now available in the Leesville and Fort Polk area.

The base operator's phone number is 337-531-2911 or DSN 312-863-2911.