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Rock Island's cost of living is 10.5%. Lower than the U.S. average.
The Midwest has four distinct seasons. There is usually some minor flooding in the spring along the Mississippi River and Rock River. You should carefully consider the consequences before selecting housing along the riverbanks where it is prone to flood.
PCSing to Rock Island Arsenal is a little different in that we are small base with limited housing and various community options. Utilizing a sponsor is the ideal way to get accurate geographic and demographic specific details regarding area resources available based on individual and family need.
Incoming Soldier Sponsorship
No matter how many times you've PCSed or even if you've been assigned to U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal before, you need to make contact with your sponsor to make sure you're aware of the latest in-processing policies and requirements Before you arrive. Although sponsorship is not required for Tier III service members, it is still beneficial, so consider this option carefully before opting out of sponsorship when PCSing to RIA. Unit and individual readiness are hot items here in and sponsorship is an important aspect of readiness.
Your sponsor is the key to your successful PCS. They will save you valuable time and hassle before, during and after your arrival. To assist Soldiers sponsoring incoming families, we have established youth and spouse sponsorship programs. These programs work with your Soldier sponsor to provide a comprehensive sponsorship experience and ensure the entire family is welcomed appropriately. Talk to your Soldier sponsor about the youth and spouse sponsorship programs today!
Your gaining unit will appoint you a sponsor. You will need to log on to the Army Career Tracker (use this link https://actnow.army.mil/), Total Army Sponsorship Program Module from a government computer and complete required information in order to help your unit assign an appropriate sponsor.
If your sponsor hasn't contacted you within a week after your online request, please email or call the Sponsorship Liaison Office at usarmy.ria.usag.mbx.military-personnel-division@army.mil or 309-782-0453/5711
Youth Sponsorship
Use this link: https://rockisland.armymwr.com/programs/school-support-services
Defense Service Network Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial 719-567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
Rock Island Arsenal Garrison provides quality facilities and excellent base operations support and services to all installation tenants in the areas of law enforcement, crime prevention, security management, fire, safety, information management, facilities engineering, housing, maintenance of buildings and roads, and transportation. The Garrison maintains telecommunications facilities and common resources, as well as community amenities and necessary services for morale, welfare, and recreation. A high quality of living and working ensures equal opportunity for all civilian employees, war fighters, and family members.
The importance of the island was identified as early as 1809, when it was set aside as a federal military reservation by an Act of Congress. It has played key parts in every major US conflict dating back to the Black Hawk War of 1832. In 1969, the arsenal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, the original arsenal buildings were designated as National Historic Landmarks. A complete history of the installation, along with a mini virtual tour is available on the Rock Island Arsenal homepage.
The Quad Cities area consists of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Moline, East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. With a combined population of 474,019, the region brings you all the excitement of a big city with all the hospitality of a small town. Our award-winning museums and cultural centers, internationally-recognized festivals, beautiful riverfront, scrumptious dining and vibrant nightlife will ensure that you always have something to do when you come visit, whether it be with your family, business associates, or group tours. Each of the five main cities offers the region a unique twist on Quad Cities life, so we invite you to take a closer look at what each city has to offer. For more information on the region the visitor center and convention bureau website houses more details on our regional population footprint. http://www.visitquadcities.com/content/meet-our-cities
Rock Island Arsenal Garrison is an Army base that serves all branches of service, including our National Guard and Army Reserve Troops. RIA-G also hosts a handful of Active Duty Marines, Navy and Coast Guard in the Navy Marine Corps Reserve Center located on the West end of the installation. Major commands can be found in detail on the USAG Home Page under the Units and Tenants section.
Rock Island Arsenal Garrison (USAG-RIA) is an active U.S. Army facility located in Rock Island County on a 946-acre island in the Mississippi River, between Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois in an area known as the 'Quad Cities'. Once a thriving riverboat community, the Quad Cities have embraced their history in the form of many summer festivals and the home of Riverboat Gambling. Today, Rock Island Arsenal is our nation's largest government owned and operated arsenal. The base operator's phone number is 309-782-6001 or DSN 312-793-6001.
Rock Island Arsenal is serviced by Moline International Airport in Moline, Illinois. Several area hotels offer shuttle service to and from the airport. If you have hotel reservations, ask your hotel if they offer this service. Rental car and cab service is also available from the airport. A U.S. Customs office is located adjacent to the Airport terminal. No military shuttles are available.
Directions to Rock Island Arsenal from Moline International (Quad Cities) Airport
Follow the airport signs that take you out of the complex. You will come to a stop light, facing north. This is Route 150 and Interstate 74 intersection. Proceed straight ahead or north on Interstate 74. Take the 7th Avenue exit. (The last Illinois exit). When approaching the stoplight at the bottom of the ramp turn left on 7th Avenue. Follow 7th Avenue to 14th Street. Turn right on 14th Street. This will lead you to RIA's entrance ramp. From the ramp/bridge, either turn right just before the gate to get a visitor’s pass at Building 23 or present your government ID to the guard at the gate. Once on the Arsenal, proceed on Rodman Avenue past the cemeteries (on the left) and military housing (on the right). Office buildings start at East Avenue. Visitor parking is available throughout the Island, but watch for reserved parking indicated at the ends of the row. The entire row may be reserved. The speed limit on the Island is 25 MPH, or 10 MPH when passing troops unless posted otherwise. Illinois traffic laws and seat belt laws are enforced. Cell phones may not be used without a handsfree device.
Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) is located on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River. The “main” gate is located in Moline, Illinois. Your sponsor will provide you directions to your unit. Army Community Service can assist with an installation Map and directions to your unit facilities. Call ACS at 309-782-0829.
Driving from the East (Illinois)
To access from the east, take I-74 west to 7th Avenue exit in Moline (last Illinois exit). When approaching the stoplight at the bottom of the ramp turn left on 7th Avenue. Follow 7th Avenue to 14th Street. Turn right on 14th Street. This will lead you to RIA's entrance ramp. From the ramp/bridge, either turn right just before the gate to get a visitor’s pass at Building 23 or present your government ID to the guard at the gate. Once on the Arsenal, proceed on Rodman Avenue past the cemeteries (on the left) and military housing (on the right). Office buildings start at East Avenue. Visitor parking is available throughout the Island, but watch for reserved parking indicated at the ends of the row. The entire row may be reserved. The speed limit on the Island is 25 MPH, or 10 MPH when passing troops unless posted otherwise. Illinois traffic laws and seat belt laws are enforced. Cell phones may not be used without a handsfree device.
Driving from the West (Iowa) – from I-80
To access from the west from I-80, take I-74 east to 2nd Avenue exit in Moline (first exit as you leave the Mississippi River Bridge). When approaching the stoplight at the end of the exit ramp turn left. Follow 2nd Avenue to third stoplight/Rock Island Arsenal entrance ramp and turn right up the ramp. From the ramp/bridge, either turn right just before the gate to get a visitor’s pass at Building 23 or present your government ID to the guard at the gate. Once on the Arsenal, proceed on Rodman Avenue past the cemeteries (on the left) and military housing (on the right). Office buildings start at East Avenue. Visitor parking is available throughout the Island, but watch for reserved parking indicated at the ends of the row. The entire row may be reserved. The speed limit on the Island 25 MPH or 10 MPH when passing troops unless posted otherwise and the Illinois traffic laws and seat belt law is enforced. Cell phones may not be used without a handsfree device.
Driving from the West (Iowa) – from I-280
To access from the west from I-280, take HWY 92 east (second exit/under viaduct after Mississippi River Bridge), Follow highway through the edge of the Rock Island business district. Watch for sign pointing to the left for Arsenal entrance. If the sign indicates “Span Open,” ignore it and proceed left over the bridge. From the ramp/bridge, turn right at the stoplight and proceed under the railroad overpass to the gate. Present your government ID to the guard at the gate and request directions. Visitor parking is available throughout the Island, but watch for reserved parking indicated at the ends of the row. The entire row may be reserved. The speed limit on the Island 25 MPH or 10 MPH when passing troops unless posted otherwise and the Illinois traffic laws and seat belt law is enforced. Cell phones may not be used without a handsfree device.
Rock Island Arsenal does not operate any shuttle or taxi services, however, local taxi companies are allowed on post. Additionally, MetroLINK operates a busline that will drop off and pick up personnel at key installation locations including the commissary/PX area. Contact Army Community Service at 309-782-0829 to learn more about eligibility for the Army's mass transit subsidy. For easy access to route information and times go to MetroLINK.
309-782-6001 or DSN 312-793-6001.