Relocating to Fort Hood, Texas

Relocating to Fort Hood, Texas can be a painless experience Army servicemembers and their families undergoing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. As one of the largest military installations in the United States, Fort Hood Texas offers a wide range of services and amenities to support incoming soldiers and their families during the transition.

A PCS move to Fort Hood requires thorough planning and coordination, as moving to a new home and settling into a new community can be both exciting and challenging for soldiers and their family members.

The key to a successful move lies in understanding the various aspects of the relocation process, such as housing options, transportation of household goods, and navigating the available resources for military families at Fort Hood.

Preparing for a PCS move to Fort Hood entails researching the installation’s facilities and services, which can be found on websites like U.S Army Fort Hood and MilitaryINSTALLATIONS. By staying informed and utilizing these resources, both soldiers and their families can experience a smoother transition to life at Fort Hood.

Overview of Fort Hood, Texas

Fort Hood, located in central Texas, is the largest military installation in the world by land area, covering more than 215,000 acres (source).

It is an important Army base, playing a crucial role in the country’s defense and military training activities. The base is home to a variety of units, including armored and cavalry forces, making it a central hub for military personnel and their families.

When planning a PCS move to Fort Hood, one essential factor to consider is the side of the base where your spouse will be working. Due to the size of the base, knowing this information can significantly impact your decision on where to live in town (source).

There are several surrounding communities, such as Killeen, Harker Heights, and Copperas Cove, which offer various housing options to accommodate the needs of military families.

Fort Hood offers numerous resources and amenities for military families, such as schools, medical facilities, and recreational activities. Additionally, the base provides essential services like transportation and household goods management when moving to or from the area (source).

It’s essential to research and prepare for your move to ensure a smooth transition to your new home in Fort Hood, Texas.

Preparing for Your PCS Move

Organizing Important Documents

As you prepare for relocating to Fort Hood, Texas, it’s essential to have all your important documents organized and readily accessible. Ensure that you have the following documents in a secure location:

• Orders and amendments
• Passports and identification cards
• Birth certificates and Social Security cards
• Marriage and divorce certificates
• Medical and dental records
• School records and transcripts
• Housing and rental agreements
• Vehicle registration and insurance information

Consider creating both digital and physical copies of these documents to have multiple backups in case of loss or damage during the move.

Setting up Your Transportation

When moving to Fort Hood, it’s crucial to plan your transportation ahead of time. This includes arranging for the shipment of your personal property and family vehicles, as well as planning your family’s travel to the new location. Military OneSource offers assistance with personal property shipment and provides valuable information on the process.

For a smooth PCS move, consider the following steps when setting up your transportation:

1. Contact your installation’s transportation office for guidance on moving your household goods and personal vehicles.
2. Create an inventory list for all items that will be shipped, and take photos for documentation purposes.
3. Check with the transportation office about any weight limitations or restrictions for your move.
4. Research travel arrangements for your family, including flights, hotels, and ground transportation at both the departure and arrival locations.
5. Coordinate with your sponsor or gaining unit at Fort Hood for assistance upon arrival.

Properly organizing important documents and setting up your transportation will make your PCS move to Fort Hood much smoother, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home and community.

Housing Options at Fort Hood

Moving to Fort Hood, Texas, for a PCS move involves a variety of housing options. This section discusses on-post and off-post housing opportunities for service members and their families.

On-Post Housing

Fort Hood provides on-post housing options for military personnel and their families. These communities offer a range of amenities, such as playgrounds, community centers, and recreational facilities. Depending on the service member’s needs and preferences, there are several options available.

If you need assistance with on-post housing, the Fort Hood Housing Services Office (HSO) located at the Copeland Center, Bldg. 18010, Room B209, can guide you through the process. They can help you understand the requirements and procedures involved in securing on-post housing. More information about HSO can be found on their official website.

Off-Post Housing

There are several off-post housing options available for military personnel and their families around Fort Hood, Texas. Off-post housing choices include apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes.

When searching for off-post housing, considering factors such as commute time to the base, school district quality, and neighborhood safety is essential. Additionally, the cost of living and the neighborhood’s general atmosphere also play a role in selecting the right off-post housing option to suit your needs.

Fort Hood’s HSO also provides assistance for off-post housing searches, offering resources such as the Military Value Program, which connects service members with affordable temporary living arrangements like hotels, Airbnb options, and fully-furnished corporate apartments in the Central Texas area just before settling in permanent housing. More information about the Military Value Program can be found here.

To explore more about off-post housing options, visit sites like MilitaryINSTALLATIONS and MyBaseGuide for resources and information that cater specifically to military families.

Education and Schools

Moving to Fort Hood, Texas, will expose military families to a variety of options when it comes to education and schools for their children. There are both on-post and off-post schools available.

On-Post Schools

Students living on Fort Hood are typically enrolled in schools within the Killeen Independent School District. These schools are located on the military installation, making them easily accessible for families residing on the base.

Off-Post Schools

Families choosing to live off-post near Fort Hood have options of attending schools in a variety of districts. Some of these districts include:

• Killeen Independent School District
• Copperas Cove Independent School District
• Belton Independent School District
• Salado Independent School District

Each district has its own set of schools, which cater to various grade levels for students. Research each district and its schools to find the best fit for your child’s education and social needs.

Additional educational support and services can be found at the Fort Hood Education Center, which provides various programs and resources to enhance personal growth and development for military families.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Military Spouse Employment

For military spouses moving to Fort Hood, Texas, there are several employment opportunities available. The Fort Hood Army Community Service (ACS) provides resources to help with career planning and job search. Services offered include resume building, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.

Additionally, they offer a variety of workshops and job fairs for military spouses to explore potential career paths.

Civilian Employment

Fort Hood and the surrounding area also provide numerous civilian employment opportunities. Killeen, the closest city to Fort Hood, has a diverse job market, offering opportunities in industries such as retail, healthcare, and education.

For those looking to explore job openings in the area, popular job search websites like Indeed can be helpful in identifying potential positions. Additionally, the Career Skills Program at Fort Hood offers training for specific careers and focuses on connecting transitioning service members with local employers.

In summary, military spouses and civilians looking for employment opportunities at Fort Hood can benefit from various resources and job search tools to assist them in finding a suitable position in the area.

Services such as the Fort Hood Army Community Service and the Career Skills Program can help provide guidance and support in connecting individuals with potential employers in the region.

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

Families stationed at Fort Hood have access to various medical facilities and healthcare options. The primary medical facility at Fort Hood is the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC), which offers a comprehensive range of health services such as inpatient and outpatient care, behavioral health treatment, emergency services, and both pediatric and women’s health clinics.

Apart from CRDAMC, there are several tenant healthcare units that provide specialized services such as dental care, veterinary services, and preventive medicine. These units are staffed by professionals who ensure the well-being of service members and their families.

In addition to the on-post facilities, the area surrounding Fort Hood also provides several reputable healthcare options. Killeen, Texas, the neighboring city, is home to numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical offices that offer services ranging from general healthcare to specialized care for conditions such as diabetes and cardiology.

Families with special needs should explore the Fort Hood Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), which offers resources and assistance to those with medical, educational, or behavioral health needs.

The EFMP ensures that families receive continued access to healthcare professionals and support services throughout their stay at Fort Hood.

Recreational Activities and Entertainment

On-Post

Fort Hood offers a variety of recreational activities and entertainment options for service members and their families on-post. One of the main resources is the Fort Hood MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation), which provides programs and services to enable readiness and enhance well-being.

Some popular on-post activities and facilities include:

• Fitness centers and sports programs
• Swimming pools
• Bowling centers
• Golf courses
• Arts and crafts centers
• Outdoor recreation areas and trails

In addition to these activities, they also organize special events throughout the year such as Freedom Fest, which features entertainment, activities, and fireworks for the whole family.

Off-Post

Outside Fort Hood, there is no shortage of recreational activities and entertainment nearby. The surrounding area is known for its beautiful nature spots and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

A few recommended off-post activities include:

• Hiking in hill country, with its various trails and natural beauty
• Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) for biking, camping, fishing, and swimming
• Inner Space Cavern, a preserved cave with tours to suit different exploration levels

For those looking for cultural and entertainment options in the region, Killeen and surrounding cities host various festivals, museums, theaters, and more.

Community Resources and Support

Army Community Service

Fort Hood offers a variety of services and programs through their Army Community Service (ACS). ACS provides assistance to service members and their families in various areas such as financial readiness, employment, and family advocacy. Some of the key programs offered by ACS at Fort Hood include:

• Information and Referral
• Army Emergency Relief
• Family Advocacy Program
• New Parent Support Program
• Army Family Team Building

These programs are designed to support families with their unique challenges and help them navigate through the military lifestyle.

Spouse and Family Support

Fort Hood has a strong support system for spouses and families in place. The Military OneSource website offers valuable resources and information about services available at Fort Hood, aimed at helping families during the PCS move and throughout their stay. The following are some of the key resources for spouse and family support:

• Child and Youth Services
• Family Advocacy Program
• Parent and Outreach Services
• School Support Services

In addition to these resources, Fort Hood also offers various support groups, social clubs, and volunteer opportunities for spouses and families. These community-building initiatives provide a platform for families to connect with others and build a strong support network during their time at Fort Hood.

Conclusion

In summary, a PCS move to Fort Hood, Texas, can be a smooth experience with the right preparation and resources. This vast military installation offers numerous services and programs to support military families during their move, such as the Relocation Assistance Program.

When planning for your move, it is important to familiarize yourself with the details of Fort Hood, including its size, available services, and the surrounding area. One helpful resource for those preparing to move is the Personnel Actions Branch/Out-Processing section on the base’s official website.

Moreover, it can be beneficial to consult online resources such as MilitaryByOwner and Military Town Advisor for information on housing, schools, and other factors relevant to the move. These sources can give you insights into the local community, making it easier to settle in and become a part of the vibrant Fort Hood area.

By researching, planning, and utilizing available resources, military personnel and their families can experience a successful PCS move to Fort Hood, Texas, and make the most of their time at The Great Place.