Welcome to US Army - Life of a Soldier

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Welcome trail

Welcome

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to a United States Army Virtual Post! In this tour, you'll experience a first-person glimpse into life on a military installation. Along the way, you'll get an idea of where U.S. Army Soldiers live, work, shop, relax and have fun. Army posts provide Soldiers with all of the amenities found in the civilian world. You'll find post offices, movie theaters, hospitals and medical clinics, recreation centers, schools, parks, museums, shopping centers and more. As you'll discover, the Army takes great pride in making sure Soldiers and their families are happy and comfortable. So, come along and find out what it means to live and work on an Army post. Before we get started, let me explain the many ways in which you can explore our Virtual Post: - You can click on the front facing arrow to start Walking around our post - You can also jump to the Next Stop by clicking on the Next Stop button - Now, if you already know where you want to go, you can select any location by using the list OR by clicking directly on the map - Lastly, remember that you can explore any particular location in more detail by clicking on the 360, Photos, or Video icons.

You are now on the 3rd point on the Welcome trail coming from Welcome on your way to In Processing - Day 0.

You are now on the 5th point on the Welcome trail coming from Welcome on your way to In Processing - Day 0.

You are now on the In Processing - Day 0 stop of the Welcome trail.

Tour stop audio transcript

Before Basic Combat Training, every recruit must visit an In-Processing station, where he or she fills out important documents, sets up a health care and life insurance plan, records emergency data and more. Current Soldiers who are changing duty stations must also go through in-processing.

Tour stop audio transcript

In Processing - Day 0

Tour stop audio transcript

In Processing trail

In Processing - Day 1-5

Tour stop audio transcript

Army posts generally have one building designated for In-Processing, but sometimes In-Processing stations can be set up in several different buildings around base. Your recruiter will be able to answer your in-processing questions prior to you making the step into Army life.

Barracks trail

Barracks

Tour stop audio transcript

A barracks is a building or group of buildings that houses recruits and lower-ranked enlisted Soldiers. After you complete basic training, this is where you'll live if you are unaccompanied. You'll be provided with modern appliances, a kitchen, a bathroom and your own bedroom with walk-in closets. Your living quarters may also have a general-purpose washroom so you and your roommate don't have to clean your muddy equipment in the shared bathroom.

Housing trail

Housing

Tour stop audio transcript

Army posts provide many different housing options for Soldiers and their families. Housing units are provided for all ranks. Explore the housing mini-tour to find out more about where you will live on post. If you are interesting in learning more about the housing options on post make sure to check out our Housing Tour.

Community trail

Community

Tour stop audio transcript

Army posts have all the amenities of your town or community. You will have access to shopping centers, movie theaters, bowling, fitness centers, parks and other outdoor recreation. Posts have hospitals, medical clinics, fire stations, police stations and more. There's no limit to what you'll be able to experience on an Army post. If you are interesting in learning more about the community on post make sure to check out our Community Tour.

Division Headquarters trail

Division Headquarters

Tour stop audio transcript

Most posts have a Garrison Headquarters, which are administrative offices essential for the day-to-day operations of the post. Some of the offices you'll find in a Garrison Headquarters include Legal – Staff Judge Advocate (SJA), Public Affairs Office (PAO), Plans, Analysis and Integrations Office (PAIO), Religious Support, Inspector General (IG), and Safety. A Battalion Headquarters is the main headquarters for a certain Army unit. For example, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, known as the "Raiders" are headquartered in Fort Carson. Carson also holds a Training Support Center (TSC), which houses simulators for a variety of combat situations, like HMMWV rollover simulators, an M-16 simulated firing range and a Call for Fire trainer.

Obstacle Course trail

Obstacle Course

Tour stop audio transcript

As part of your Basic Combat Training (BCT) and physical fitness training, you'll be required to navigate several obstacle courses. These courses consist of tunnels, hurdles, tires, rope swings, rope-climbs, slides and more.

Parade Grounds trail

Parade Grounds

Tour stop audio transcript

Every Army post has one or several areas designated as parade grounds. These areas are used for Change of Command ceremonies, promotion ceremonies, and parades and marches

Dining Facility trail

Dining Facility

Tour stop audio transcript

Army posts are equipped with modern dining facilities, which usually feature a hot meal line, a grill station, a salad bar, pasta and pizza station, and a deli station. Some facilities even provide a drive-thru.

Hospital trail

Hospital

Tour stop audio transcript

Every Army installation provides a state-of-the art general hospital, along with medical clinics, dental offices, childcare centers and vision centers. As a member of the military, you will have access to a reduced-rate health insurance plan called TRICARE.

Education Center trail

Continuing Education Center

Tour stop audio transcript

Army Education Centers provide quality education programs to service members, families, civilians, retirees and veterans of the on post community. Services include basic skills, college programs, testing, advising services, financial aid, scholarships and other post-secondary support. The centers include computer labs where users can complete online training, access online classes, and perform a variety of personal business/learning activities. Army Education Counselors are available to provide support in the management of Soldiers' education initiatives, including college courses, testing, and classes. Soldiers can access GoArmyEd, which is the virtual gateway for all eligible active duty, National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers to request tuition assistance for classroom and long-distance learning. Many posts have a static display that features the vehicles that make up the U.S. Army's fleet. These vehicles include the M1 Abrams Tank, and the HMMWV (Humvee).

Military Vehicle Display trail

Military Vehicle Display

Tour stop audio transcript

Many posts have a static display that features the vehicles that make up the U.S. Army's fleet. These vehicles include the M1 Abrams Tank, and the HMMWV (Humvee).

You are now on the 3rd point on the Military Vehicle Display trail coming from Military Vehicle Display.

Museums trail

Museums

Tour stop audio transcript

Most large Army posts have one or several museums that feature prominent military figures, units, weapons, equipment and more. The 4th Infantry Division Museum in Fort Carson details the history of the unit, starting with World War II. The General George Patton Museum and Center of Leadership in Fort Knox offers a glimpse into the legacy of the famous general. The Patton gallery contains many personal effects and icons from the general himself, including his famous jacket and boots. The gallery also contains his office van, which was the site of his strategic decision-making.

Memorials trail

Memorials

Tour stop audio transcript

Army posts contain several memorials to honor veterans and fallen Soldiers. This memorial consists of five marble pillars, signifying the contributions and achievements Soldiers made during World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, Operation Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Many posts also designate an area known as Heritage Row, which holds various exhibits that pay homage to the military units that call that post home. It is a living history of the post. Finally, all posts have a Fallen Heroes Center, which serves as a community center and a place to reflect and honor the sacrifices Soldiers have made to our country.

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