Fort Eustis
Fort Eustis PCS Guide
Base History & Name
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va.— A woman grooms her horse, named Pixie, at the horse stables at Fort Eustis, Va. Dec 12, 2024. Pixie is a show jumper who’s registered name is Sweet like Sugar and she is a quarter horse cross. The U.S. Army Air Corps recognized the strategic importance of...
Fort Eustis opened in 1918 on Mulberry Island, Virginia, as a key training and logistics hub for the U.S. Army. Its first mission focused on artillery training and coastal defense during World War I.
The base expanded quickly, adding new facilities and ranges to meet the Army’s growing needs. Artillery training and coastal defense remained central, but the installation adapted to support more troops and equipment.
During World War II, Fort Eustis became the Army’s main transportation training center. The post hosted the Transportation Corps and played a crucial role in moving troops and materiel.
Through the Cold War, the base continued to grow, adapting to new technologies and missions. Aviation maintenance and logistics became important, and significant units like the Transportation Corps and aviation brigades were stationed there.
In 2010, the installation merged with Langley Air Force Base under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. This merger created Joint Base Langley-Eustis and combined Army and Air Force missions.
The realignment made the base a unique joint installation. Today, Joint Base Langley-Eustis remains a vital center for logistics, transportation, and aviation training, supporting both Army and Air Force operations.
Important name changes include its original designation as Camp Abraham Eustis in 1918, its renaming to Fort Eustis in 1923, and its 2010 transition to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, reflecting its expanded mission and joint-service structure.
Namesake
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Army Soldiers from the Aviation Center of Excellence participating in a board appearance at Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Best Squad competition at Fort Langley-Eustis, VA, May 1, 2025. On Day 4 of the TRADOC Best Squad Competition the competitors go through a thorough uniform...
Major Units
128th Aviation Brigade
Responsible for training and developing Army Aviation maintainers, the 128th Aviation Brigade ensures soldiers are prepared to support and sustain Army rotary-wing and unmanned aircraft operations worldwide.
597th Transportation Brigade (Surface Deployment and Distribution Command)
Provides deployment, distribution, and transportation solutions for the movement of personnel and cargo, supporting both peacetime and contingency operations.
Joint Task Force - Civil Support (JTF-CS)
Plans and integrates Department of Defense support to civil authorities for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incident response operations within the United States.
Training Schools
Aviation Maintenance Training Department (AMTD)
Overview
Delivers advanced technical training on maintenance and repair for Army helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, focusing on both theory and hands-on skills for aviation maintainers.
Course Length
Varies by specialty, typically 12-24 weeks
Who Attends
Army aviation maintainers, including enlisted soldiers and warrant officers assigned to aviation maintenance MOSs
Arrival & In-Processing
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – U.S. Army Sgt. Alexis Hopson 733d Security Forces military police officer scans I.D. cards at the gate at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, August 13, 2024. Scanning I.D. cards is essential to ensuring base safety by allowing only those cleared to enter....
Welcome to Fort Eustis! Arriving at a new installation can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth transition for you and your family. Understanding the check-in process and base access requirements will help you get settled faster. For more information, visit the official Fort Eustis website.
Fort Eustis’ main entrance is the Lee Boulevard Gate, which is open 24/7 for all personnel and visitors. Secondary gates may have limited hours—check the official website for updates. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or a state driver’s license compliant with the REAL ID Act. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections at all gates. Security is a top priority, so allow extra time for potential delays. To bring visitors or family members without DoD credentials, stop at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) outside the main gate. You’ll need to sponsor your guests and provide valid identification for all adults.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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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 and Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (lease or on-post assignment)
Fort Eustis offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals. Contact your gaining unit’s administrative office or use the Army’s online sponsorship request system to be assigned a sponsor. Your sponsor can answer questions, arrange transportation, and help you navigate in-processing.
Report to the Welcome Center, Building 650, located near the main gate. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In-processing includes stops at Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Most newcomers complete the process in 2–3 business days, but plan for extra time if you have dependents or special requirements.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) sits just outside the Lee Boulevard Main Gate. It’s open Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The VCC issues visitor passes, handles DBIDS registration, and processes guest sponsorship requests. All adult visitors must present valid identification and may be subject to background checks.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
A moving truck sits at the ready to move a family from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, June, 16, 2021 to their new home and base. There has been a shortage and complications with organizing PCS moves due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David Phaff)
Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule, track, and manage your move. This online platform is essential for submitting move requests, tracking shipments, and communicating with your transportation office. You are eligible for entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for hotel costs and the Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to help cover relocation expenses. Make sure you understand these benefits and keep receipts for reimbursement.
Fort Eustis is located near Newport News, VA, with easy access to local amenities and military support services. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your arrival and in-processing accordingly. Reach out to your sponsor for local insights and in-processing guidance.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early for local guidance and support.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Schedule your move in DPS as soon as you receive orders.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess costs.
- Take photos of high-value items before packing.
- Book temporary lodging early—Fort Eustis fills up fast in summer.
- Plan for pet accommodations ahead of time if traveling with animals.
Important Forms & Links
Manage your PCS move, schedule shipments, and track progress.
Official source for per diem rates and relocation allowances.
Guidance and support for every step of your PCS.
Local base info, in-processing steps, and support contacts.
Schools & Childcare
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Families stationed at Fort Eustis rely on local public schools in Newport News for K-12 education, as there are no DoDEA schools on post. School-aged children typically attend schools within the Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) district, known for its diverse programs and community support. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is your go-to resource for navigating enrollment, understanding local policies, and connecting with special education or gifted services. Contact the SLO early to get personalized guidance and smooth your transition into the area.