Fort Indiantown Gap
Fort Indiantown Gap PCS Guide
Military Base History
U.S. Army Spc. Robert F. Ruiz-Rhoades, an intelligence analyst assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, Pennsylvania National Guard, poses for a portrait for the 2025 Region II Best Warrior Competition held at Fort Indiantown Gap,...
Fort Indiantown Gap sits in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and began as a National Guard training site in 1931. Its original mission was to provide a centralized location for military exercises and maneuvers for the Pennsylvania National Guard.
The site was selected for its strategic location and ample space, which allowed for large-scale training operations. These features made it ideal for accommodating the needs of military units.
During World War II, the installation expanded rapidly as the U.S. Army constructed hundreds of buildings. This transformation turned the site into a major training and staging area for troops.
Fort Indiantown Gap served as an induction and separation center, processing over 150,000 troops. It also hosted a prisoner-of-war camp and a hospital for wounded soldiers, with infrastructure growing to meet these critical wartime roles.
In the postwar era, Fort Indiantown Gap continued to evolve as a key mobilization center during the Cold War. The base supported training for both active-duty and reserve units, including the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.
In the 1970s, the base played a humanitarian role as a processing center for Southeast Asian refugees. This expanded its mission beyond military training to include support for international relief efforts.
Today, Fort Indiantown Gap is a premier training site for the Pennsylvania National Guard and Air National Guard. It supports joint military exercises, disaster response training, and community outreach.
The installation has retained its original name since its establishment, with no significant official name changes. Its ongoing mission reflects a commitment to readiness and service at both the state and national levels.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Army Spc. Robert F. Ruiz-Rhoades, an intelligence analyst assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, Pennsylvania National Guard, poses for a portrait for the 2025 Region II Best Warrior Competition held at Fort Indiantown Gap,...
Major Units
28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade
Provides aviation support and air operations, including air assault, medevac, and reconnaissance missions for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and joint operations.
Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (EAATS)
Delivers advanced aviation training for Army National Guard pilots and aircrews, specializing in rotary-wing aircraft and air operations.
Training Schools
Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (EAATS) Courses
Overview
Offers a variety of courses for rotary-wing aviators, including UH-60 Black Hawk qualification, instructor pilot courses, and maintenance training.
Course Length
Varies by course (typically 2-6 weeks)
Who Attends
Army National Guard aviators and maintenance personnel from across the U.S.
Arrival & In-Processing
U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard move an M60A3 – Main Battle Tank onto a recently-constructed concrete platform near the main gate at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania September 11, 2024. The Soldiers used a Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) M1070A1 and a Heavy Expanded...
Welcome to Fort Indiantown Gap! Arriving at a new installation can be overwhelming, but careful preparation ensures a smooth transition for you and your family. Review these steps before your arrival to streamline your check-in and access to the installation. For more detailed information, visit the official Fort Indiantown Gap website.
Fort Indiantown Gap’s primary entrance is the Main Gate, located off Fisher Avenue. The Main Gate is open 24/7 for authorized personnel. All adults must present a valid Military ID, Common Access Card (CAC), or a state driver’s license compliant with the REAL ID Act. Non-compliant IDs require a secondary form of identification. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base’s heightened security posture. Family members and visitors without DoD credentials must obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center before entry. Sponsors must accompany guests during the pass process.
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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/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (lease or assignment)
Fort Indiantown Gap offers a sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. Contact your gaining unit’s administrative office to request a sponsor before your move. Your sponsor will provide guidance, answer questions, and assist with in-processing.
Report to the Welcome Center, Building 11-9, located near the Main Gate. In-processing operates Monday through Friday, 0800–1600. Key steps include Personnel check-in, Finance, Housing, Medical/Dental, and Unit orientation. Most personnel complete in-processing within 2–3 business days, depending on documentation and appointment availability.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate on Fisher Avenue. The VCC operates Monday through Friday, 0700–1700. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and assisting with guest sponsorship. All visitors must check in here before entering the installation.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Senior Airman Brandie Benoit, with the 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, watches as a moving truck is re-weighed at a local weigh station. Inspectors with the Personal Property and Passenger Movement Section have saved over $800,000 by having moving companies re-weigh their vehicles and cargo and comparing it to the initial recorded weight. (Air Force photo by Kelly White)
Take advantage of key entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset your relocation costs. TLE helps cover hotel costs while you search for housing near the installation, while DLA assists with miscellaneous moving expenses. All moves must be managed through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil. DPS helps you track shipments, schedule pickups, and access support throughout your move.
Fort Indiantown Gap serves as a major National Guard Training Center in Pennsylvania, so arrival procedures may differ slightly from active-duty Army posts. Be sure to check with your unit or sponsor for any installation-specific requirements and local resources. Early communication with the Transportation Office and your gaining unit will help you navigate any unique aspects of your move.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor from your gaining unit early for local guidance.
- Keep all orders, IDs, and important paperwork with you during travel.
- Use DPS to track your HHG shipment and confirm delivery dates.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid extra charges.
- Label boxes clearly and take photos of valuable items before packing.
- Check local lodging availability near Fort Indiantown Gap before arrival.
- Plan for pet accommodations in advance, as some local hotels have restrictions.
Important Forms & Links
Start, manage, and track your move online.
Current rates for TLE, DLA, and other entitlements.
Guidance and checklists for every step of your PCS.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance before you move.