Often Asked: Fort Hood Facts and Information You Need to Know

Why Fort Hood? It is one of the two major military bases in Texas, after Lackland Air Force Base. In 2013, Fort Hood (officially named Joint Base San Antonio) had 54,405 military members. This makes it the largest military base in the state of Texas—per capita. The Army has its headquarters at Fort Hood and is responsible for all training at the base. The installation also has nearly 12,000 civilian employees and 13,000 to 14,000 family members.

Fort Hood Zip Code

Fort hood zip code is 76544

Where is Fort Hood?

Fort Hood is located in Texas. It is the largest military base in the state of Texas and ranks as one of the largest in the United States.

Where is Fort Hood’s military base?

The Fort Hood military base is located in Killeen, Texas, near the Texas Hill Country. It is around 120 miles away from Austin and about 20 miles from downtown Dallas.

What state is fort hood in?

Fort Hood is in the state of Texas, which is located in the south-central part of the United States of America. Its capital city is Austin, which has a population greater than 68,000. The Fort Hood area is within McLennan County.

How Is Fort Hood Named?

Fort Hood’s official name during its early days was Camp Bowie, named after William C. “Buck” Bowie, a Texas Ranger and an officer during the American Civil War. The city of Fort Hood was changed to honor General John J.

How Did Fort Hood Start?

Fort Hood was started as a training facility used for cavalry in 1917 and was officially named Camp Bowie shortly afterwards. In 1921, the installation was transferred to the United States Department of War, where it became known as a medical camp for troops returning from World War I.

In 1941, the army incorporated Fort Hood into a permanent installation and renamed it to support the war effort in World War II. In 1942, Camp Bowie was permanently closed. It was then that the installation became known as Fort Hood. After World War II, Fort Hood was designated as Headquarters for the Eighth United States Army.

What is Fort Hood Famous For

The Treaty of Paris ended World War I on November 11, 1918 and gave its former colonies their independence from Britain. All over the world, celebrations were happening. However, nowhere in Texas was the event as grand as Fort Hood. The army base was celebrating the first anniversary of its founding and declaring themselves the “Birthday Boys”. Fort Hood had officially joined the ranks of American military bases celebrating their anniversaries on November 11th.

What Are the Fort Hood Population Statistics?

The Fort Hood population is estimated to be more than 43,000 people based on the 2010 census. This figure includes military and non-military personnel, including civilian employees and dependents. The installation is around 190 square miles in size.

How Big Is the Fort Hood Area?

The Fort Hood area is very large—almost 190 square miles or 466 square kilometers in size.

Why Is Fort Hood Such a Large Army Installation?

The base is so large because it has a lot of terrain for training purposes.

Who Owns the Land for Fort Hood?

The land used by Fort Hood is owned by the U.S. government, while the Army owns the buildings. The surrounding area is predominantly rural and ranching land, with some suburban and residential areas nearby.

The Fort Hood area has an average of 300 days of sunshine every year. The summer months are usually very hot with temperatures averaging near 100ºF. Winter weather is not as extreme as it can be in other areas.

History Timeline of Fort Hood

1858 – Fort Hood was built.
1876 – It became a permanent military post.
1898 – It was named Camp Hood after Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood who was a Confederate war hero and a veteran of the Mexican War and Civil War, who had died in Austin earlier that year (1879). It became Fort Hood in 1909 and is named after General John Bell Hood.

1903 – It became known as Fort Sam Houston when the War Department named its different forts after famous United States Army leaders. The base is named after General John Bell Hood, who served in the Mexican–American War, Civil War and Texas Revolution. The growing city of Austin moved to steal the land from the Army base but was unsuccessful.

World War I – Fort Hood was used to help train soldiers for the war.

World War II – It was used for the same reasons as in WWI. The most famous training took place at “Rucker’s Sands,” a part of the base that is known today as Rucker Lake. This training helped prepare soldiers for battle on the beaches of Normandy, France. In total, some 70,000 men trained at Fort Hood before the war ended.

Korean War – Fort Hood was used to train soldiers for the Korean War.

Vietnam War – The base was activated in 1967 and soldiers were sent to Vietnam within a year of activation. The base’s mission during that time was to train soldiers for Vietnam.

The base remained active for many years after the end of hostilities in Vietnam. It is one of the Armed Forces largest and most important combat training locations. Major General Walter E. Piatt took command of Fort Hood in March 2000. The base is currently led by Major General John Uberti, who took command in May 2015.

2016 – A month before, U.S. troops in a convoy from Fort Hood, Texas, had been involved in a deadly shooting spree that killed more than a dozen people and injured nearly two dozen others, including some civilian contractors.

On November 5, 2016 an Army major and senior enlisted soldier shot and killed four soldiers at the base’s Soldier Readiness Center at Fort Hood leading to an active shooter situation on the base. The shooter was killed by civilian police after a 10-hour standoff during which he exchanged fire with authorities.

2017 – The suspect was identified as Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan who was born in Virginia. He got his doctorate in the 1970s from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (formerly the National Health Service Corps School) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Hasan had retired from the army in 2009 and had been working for 13 years as an Office of Naval Intelligence psychiatrist at Joint Base San Antonio.

2018 – The Army has released a report that indicates the gunman at Fort Hood was upset over being disciplined after his 2009 using a government credit card for $4,000 in unauthorized charges.

2019 – The Pentagon announced that it will lay off most of the roughly 800 civilians who support Fort Hood.

2020 – The new commander of Fort Hood, Maj. Gen. Stephen Blum, said that the bases primary mission will remain to train soldiers for combat but the military will have to adapt as it prepares for a future conflict with Russia and China.

2021 – Fort Hood begins the transition from an active posting to a training base. The base’s drill sergeant school and armor school will close and be moved to other locations, while its combat engineer school will remain open until 2022. The Texas National Guard will take control of Army Reserve units based at the base that are slated to be deactivated as part of a realignment plan called BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure).

Who is fort hood named after?

General John Bell Hood (1831–1879) was born in Matthews County, Virginia. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Infantry on July 1, 1852 at the age of 21. He served at various posts around the country before resigning from the Army to pursue work as a civil engineer in 1857. During this time, he helped survey and build several railroads including Texas’ first railroad, “The Houston & Texas Central Railway”.

Fort Hood Events

Fort Hood hosts many events throughout the year. These events are mostly centered on the city of Killeen, since Fort Hood is located in the middle of a big city. Some of the major annual festivals include:

• Killeen’s Fourth of July Celebration
• The Texas African American History Festival
• The Iron Horse Rally and Motorcycle Run
• Texas Independence Day Celebration
• Blues and Jazz Festival
With over 200,000 people living in Killeen, there are many food options for off-base residents.

Fort Hood Weather

The climate at Fort Hood is subtropical and has mild winters and hot summers. The hottest month of the year is July, with a daily average high of around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a daily average low around 45.

Fort Hood News

In 2014, Fort Hood was granted top honors for its work to end sexual assault within the ranks. While many other military bases around the country are working hard to do the same, Fort Hood is ahead of them all. The base has a three-year plan to make sure all soldiers know what sexual assault is, and if they see it happening, they will know how to stop it.

Fort Hood Accidents

In 2013, Fort Hood experienced its deadliest incident in years when a soldier went on a shooting spree and killed 13 people before dying in a shootout later that day. In 2007, there was an accident at Fort Hood where more than 30 people were injured.

What are the Family Services at Fort Hood?

Family services at Fort Hood are all about the soldiers and their families. The base has many resources for kids, teens, spouses, and parents. For example, there is a child development center at Fort Hood where parents can take their children for counseling and other activities.

There is also an on-base preschool that provides care for kids and a summer camp. The daycare is located in the post exchange of the post office building. This location is also used for other things like military conferences, family assistance programs and coin collection boxes for charity.

What is the Army Community Service (ACS)?

The Army Community Service (ACS) is a division of the United States army charged with providing a wide array of volunteer support to the military community. ACS operates more than 400 facilities at various domestic military installations that help to promote the Army’s esprit de corps and national security objectives.

Where can I obtain information on housing for soldiers and their families at Fort Hood, TX?
The Army Community Service provides comprehensive housing information to soldiers at Fort Hood. The ACS website has a section geared specifically towards Texas soldiers that is located here: http://www.michigan.army.mil/site/cstlns/shelters/tx/

Who are the soldiers who work at Fort Hood?

Fort Hood soldiers are from the United States Army and include both active duty and reserve soldiers. The army is also home to many National Guard units from all over the country, including the Texas Air National Guard.

Is there a pet shelter at Fort Hood?

Fort Hood has an animal shelter operated by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The ASPCA has an office and volunteer employees located in Killeen. If you have a lost or injured animal call 254-972-2456. The ASPCA also operates a petition website to help stop the killing of stray cats and dogs on U.S.

Where can I find out about the Post Office on Fort Hood, TX?

There is an on-post U.S. Post Office facility located in the Post Exchange of the main building. The facility process mail and packages for Fort Hood soldiers and their families.

What are the movie theaters located near Fort Hood?

The base has several movie theaters located throughout the area, mostly at nearby malls and shopping centers. There’s a movie theater located in the post exchange of the main building, as well as on-post theaters at the mall and shopping centers in Killeen.

Where can I get a haircut at Fort Hood?

Fort Hood has its own barbershop where soldiers can get their hair cut. The barbershop is located in the Post Exchange of the main building. There are also other barbershops located in local mall and shopping center.

Are there any golf courses located near Fort Hood?

There are two golf courses located near Ft. Hood. The first is a nine-hole course, Golf Park of Fort Hood which is open only to military personnel and their guests. The second is the larger Trophy Club Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course with an adjacent sports bar and grill, The General’s Lounge; the club is open to all.

How can I find out about upcoming events/activities at Ft. Hood, Texas?

Fort Hood has a bulletin board located in the main building of the post. The bulletin board lists upcoming club meetings, concerts, and other events.

What are the sports at Fort Hood?

Fort Hood has a wide variety of recreational activities. Families, soldiers, and the community can participate in various sports and recreational activities. On-base recreation centers include swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, weight rooms and aerobic exercise equipment. On-base golf courses include courses for the windsurfers, members can purchase golf passes with their military ID card at PXs and clubs on post. Sports newspapers are available at both on-base print shops.

Where can I get a map or list of restaurants on Fort Hood, Texas?

There is a list of restaurants on Fort Hood at the website: http://www.killeen.com/restaurants_list.html

Fort Hood Recreational Facilities

Fort Hood has a wide variety of recreation facilities. They include swimming pools, fitness centers, recreational courts, and gymnasiums. Fort Hood also has a branch of the Killeen Library that is run by the Killeen Public Library System.

What are some recreational activities available for soldiers and their families on Fort Hood?
Fort Hood has a number of recreational facilities for people to use. Some of the most popular include swimming pools, fitness centers, exercise equipment and racquetball courts. Fort Hood has a branch of the Killeen Library with books, magazines, DVDs, and CD-ROMs.

Fort Hood Hunting and Shooting

Fort Hood has a large number of hunting and shooting facilities on the base. Fort Hood is one of the few Army bases in Texas to have its own Long Range Shooting Facility. The range is used by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit to conduct annual training for long-range shooting competitions, including tri-service U.S. Army/U.S Air Force/U..S Navy matches, at distances up to 2,000 yards (1,830 m).

What are the MWR (Morale, Welfare, & Recreation) Programs at Fort Hood, TX?

This is a list of MWR programs at Fort Hood: https://www.killeen.army.mil/mwr/

Horseback Riding Fort Hood

Riders Must: Be 21 or older. Present valid Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration. Wear a helmet with chin strap and goggles if required by the horseback riding club (mandatory when horseback riding). Sign a waiver prior to participating in horseback riding. Riders may be asked to show proof of insurance if participating in competitive events.

Mountain Biking Fort Hood

Mountain Biking is allowed on Fort Hood, but the mountain biking trail system is not yet paved. Cyclists should wear protective equipment (helmet, gloves, etc.) and obey all traffic laws.

Archery Fort Hood

The Ben S. Davis Archery Range is located on the east side of the main post, behind Blackjack and is open 24-hours a day. The range accommodates up to 36 archers at one time. No firearms or ammunition are allowed at the archery range. Use of compound bows or crossbows is permitted, but recurve bows are not authorized. See range announcers for rules and regulations. Target faces are provided by the post and must be used when firing a bow at the facility.

Equestrian Fort Hood

Riders Must: Be over 21. Present valid Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration. Wear a helmet with chin strap and goggles if required by riding club. Sign a waiver prior to participating in horseback riding or pony club activities. Riders may be asked to show proof of insurance if participating in competitive events.

What are the Transportation Services near Fort Hood, Texas?

Transportation Services in the Killeen / Ft. Hood area includes shuttle buses and taxi service. Shuttle buses service all major attractions and shopping centers in the area of Killeen and Fort Hood including nearby cities like Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, and Temple plus Austin, Dallas, Houston airports, etc.

How far is fort hood from Houston?

Fort Hood is located approximately 84 kilometers (52 miles) from the city of Houston.

How do I get one of the military dog tags at Fort Hood?

The information about the Military Base Fort Hood is given on the official website of this military base: http://www.hood.army.mil/. There you can also find out how to get a military dog tag: contact the Army staff of Fort Hood located at 1660th Transportation Company, 1660th Transportation Battalion, US Army Texas 35K (Modular).

What are the Member Services and Activities (MSAs) at Ft. Hood, TX?

MSAs have contracted organizations that offer services and programs to the military and their families living in Fort Hood, Texas. MSAs are located at several locations around the Fort Hood Area.

What is Emergency Services at Fort Hood, TX?

Fort Hood Emergency Services, located at the Fort Hood Medical Center, provides emergency medical services for the bases and surrounding communities.

How do I get a Military Discount on military goods/products at Fort Hood?

Military personnel, and their immediate family members receive a 15 percent discount at the Exchange, a department store located at Fort Hood. For active duty service members, the exchange is open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The hours of operation for military dependents vary depending on the branch of service and when they are on leave or stationed at Fort Hood.

What is the front gate of Ft. Hood’s main phone number?

The front gate of Fort Hood’s main phone number is (254) 766-6543.

How can I find out about upcoming events/activities at Ft. Hood, Texas?

Active Duty Services at Fort Hood, Texas are responsible for providing information and news about events at the base. The link to the active duty website is as follows: http://www.hood.army.mil/

What is the current level of Military Personnel at Fort Hood, TX?

As of 2017 the deployment level has risen to 42,000 personnel. In addition to the active and reserve personnel, there are approximately 7,500 military dependents residing in Fort Hood.

Where can I get a military ID Card at Fort Hood?

If you are deployed with your unit or already have a personal ID card, you can apply for one by visiting: http://www.forchtpwd.com/. Placing your order online is the quickest and simplest way to go.

What is the Military library at Fort Hood, TX?

The military library is located on Fort Hood Post. The library accepts an array of card formats: credit cards, debit cards, pre-paid Visa cards, and Cash cards. The public library also accepts all forms of identification (driver’s license, state or government issued photo identification card).