Camp Atterbury
Camp Atterbury PCS Guide
Military Base History
Guests of the 23rd Annual POW Chapel Reunion held Aug. 12, at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center enjoy a lunch provided by local catering service. The event honors the more than 12,000 Italian and German prisoners of war that were held at Camp Atterbury during World War II.
Camp Atterbury was established in 1942 as a key training and mobilization site for the U.S. Army during World War II. Its original mission focused on preparing infantry divisions for overseas combat.
The camp rapidly expanded, with construction crews building barracks, training ranges, and support facilities to accommodate tens of thousands of troops. During WWII, Camp Atterbury became a major staging area for units such as the 83rd, 92nd, and 106th Infantry Divisions.
The installation also served as a prisoner-of-war camp, housing thousands of German and Italian POWs. After the war, the camp was deactivated but later reopened for training during the Korean War and subsequent conflicts. Throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, Camp Atterbury adapted to changing military needs.
It hosted reserve and National Guard units, supported mobilization for Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, and provided vital training for deploying personnel. The facility also became a hub for homeland security exercises and disaster response training.
Today, Camp Atterbury remains a critical asset for the Indiana Army National Guard and the broader U.S. military. It supports joint training, mobilization, and demobilization operations, and plays a key role in community partnerships and emergency response.
The installation has retained its original name since its founding, with no significant official name changes recorded.
Major Units & Training Programs
Soldiers attending Operation Guardian Response receive their briefing April 27, 2025, at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Thousands of Reserve, National Guard, and Active Duty troops converged on south Indiana for the annual exercise this past week. The training they go through here helps Soldiers develop...
Major Units
157th Infantry Brigade
Provides training support to Army Reserve and National Guard units, focusing on readiness and mobilization for ground operations. The brigade conducts large-scale exercises and pre-deployment certification.
Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center (CAJMTC) Headquarters
Oversees all training operations and manages facilities for multi-component, joint, and multinational units conducting ground maneuver training at Camp Atterbury.
Training Schools
Mobilization Training Center (MTC)
Overview
Prepares Army Reserve and National Guard units for deployment with collective training, mission rehearsal exercises, and pre-mobilization tasks focused on ground combat operations.
Course Length
2-6 weeks (varies by mission)
Who Attends
Army Reserve and National Guard units preparing for deployment
Arrival & In-Processing
Supplying the warfighter with strategic deployment capabilities. 1st Sgt. Timothy Lawn, (left), of the 205th Press Camp Headquarters interviews Command Sgt. Maj. Herlon Stephens (center) and Col. Kenneth Fetzer of the 1190th Transportation Brigade. Fetzer is the commander of exercise TRANS...
Welcome to Camp Atterbury! Arriving at a new base is a big step, and being prepared will make your transition smoother. Review all arrival and access instructions to ensure a seamless check-in. For additional details, visit the official Camp Atterbury website.
Camp Atterbury's main entrance is the School House Road Gate, serving as the primary access point for all incoming personnel and families. This gate operates 24/7 to accommodate arrivals at any hour. Be ready to present a valid Military ID, Common Access Card (CAC), or DoD Dependent ID for all adults. Drivers using state-issued licenses must ensure their ID complies with the REAL ID Act; non-compliant licenses require a secondary form of identification. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's robust security posture. To obtain visitor or family member passes, report to the Visitor Control Center near the main gate with a valid photo ID and your sponsor's information. All guests must be vetted before entry.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Dependent ID Cards (if applicable)
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Marriage Certificate
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Birth Certificates for dependents
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
Camp Atterbury offers a sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. Contact your gaining unit or the Camp Atterbury Welcome Center to request a sponsor. They will connect you with a point of contact who can answer questions and provide local guidance before you arrive.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, located near the School House Road Gate. The center is open Monday through Friday, 0800–1600. Key steps include Personnel check-in, Finance, Housing, Medical, and Unit-specific briefings. Plan for in-processing to take 2–3 business days, depending on your schedule and required appointments.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is positioned just outside the School House Road Gate. Open Monday through Friday, 0700–1700, the VCC issues visitor passes, registers guests in DBIDS, and assists with sponsoring non-DoD visitors. Bring valid photo ID and sponsor information for all visitors.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
With a large portion of military moves requiring the involvement of packers and movers, it’s the Army Transportation Office’s job to ensure standards are being met.
Arriving at Camp Atterbury starts when you receive your official PCS orders. Your first step is to contact the base Transportation Office to schedule your move and discuss options. Most service members choose either a Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY move. Each option has different requirements and reimbursement rates, so review them carefully.
You are eligible for entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) to cover hotel costs and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset relocation expenses. It's important to use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to manage your move, track shipments, and upload required documents. Camp Atterbury’s rural setting can impact delivery times, so plan ahead and stay in touch with your moving company and the Transportation Office for updates.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Keep all orders and important documents in a carry-on bag.
- Label boxes with your name and room destination.
- Take photos of high-value items before packing.
- Check pet boarding and vaccination requirements early.
- Contact the Transportation Office if your HHG delivery is delayed.
- Review local lodging options near Camp Atterbury before arrival.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Find up-to-date allowances, per diem, and travel rates.
Guidance, checklists, and resources for every step of your PCS.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance for your move.