Fort Irwin
Fort Irwin PCS Guide
Base History & Name
A large group of new recruits and some currently serving members of the military take the Oath of Enlistment during halftime at the University of Oregon annual spring football game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. The recruits were sworn in by Brig. Gen. Brandon Anderson,...
Fort Irwin began as a desert training site in the early 1940s, supporting World War II maneuvers. The U.S. Army established the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Range in 1940, using the vast, remote terrain to prepare troops for combat in harsh environments.
Its original mission focused on anti-aircraft training and artillery practice, which proved vital for wartime readiness. The site’s isolation allowed for realistic exercises without civilian interference.
After World War II, the installation shifted roles several times. During the Korean War, it served as a training area for artillery and armored units.
In 1951, the Army officially designated the site as Camp Irwin, honoring Major General George LeRoy Irwin. The Army upgraded it to Fort Irwin in 1961, reflecting its expanded mission and permanent status.
Throughout the Cold War, Fort Irwin hosted a variety of units, including armored and mechanized infantry. Its remote location made it ideal for large-scale exercises.
- In 1981, the Army designated Fort Irwin as the home of the National Training Center (NTC).
- The NTC became the Army’s premier site for force-on-force training, using advanced simulation and live-fire exercises to prepare units for modern combat.
Today, Fort Irwin remains a critical training hub. The NTC hosts rotational training for brigade combat teams, supporting readiness for worldwide deployments.
The installation also plays a key role in the local economy and community, providing jobs and services in the High Desert region. Fort Irwin has not undergone significant name changes since its designation in 1961, maintaining its identity as a cornerstone of Army training.
Namesake
Irwin's career spanned several decades, and he played a key role in developing modern artillery tactics. The Army named Camp Irwin in his honor in 1951, recognizing his contributions to military training and artillery innovation.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division maneuver an Abrams main battle tank towards an objective during Rotation 25-06 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., March 31, 2025. Rotations at the National...
Major Units
National Training Center (NTC) Operations Group
The NTC Operations Group is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing large-scale force-on-force training exercises for Army Brigade Combat Teams, simulating realistic combat scenarios against a dedicated opposing force.
11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR)
The 11th ACR serves as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) at the National Training Center, providing realistic adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures to challenge training units during exercises.
916th Support Brigade
The 916th Support Brigade provides logistical, maintenance, and sustainment support to rotational training units and permanent party personnel at Fort Irwin.
Training Schools
National Training Center Rotation
Overview
This is an intensive, multi-week collective training exercise for Brigade Combat Teams, focusing on full-spectrum ground combat operations in a simulated, high-threat environment.
Course Length
2-4 weeks per rotation
Who Attends
Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard Brigade Combat Teams and supporting units
Arrival & In-Processing
Army Futures Command and Project Convergence logos painted at the Painted Rock display outside the gates of the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., March 20, 2024. The culmination of many preceding exercises and experiments, Project Convergence - Capstone 4 is a Joint and Multinational...
Welcome to Fort Irwin! Arriving at a new duty station can be exciting and challenging. Being prepared for check-in and access procedures will help you and your family settle in smoothly. For the latest updates and resources, visit the official Fort Irwin website.
Fort Irwin's main entrance is the Main Gate, located off Fort Irwin Road. The Main Gate operates 24/7 for authorized personnel. All adults must present a valid Military ID, Common Access Card (CAC), or approved visitor pass. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act; non-compliant IDs require a second form of identification. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections at all times. Security is a top priority, so follow all posted instructions and remain patient during peak hours. To sponsor visitors or family, stop at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) outside the Main Gate to request a pass. Your sponsor or unit can assist with pre-coordination for family arrivals.
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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 (if already arranged)
Fort Irwin offers a robust sponsor program for incoming personnel and families. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit's administration office or use the Army's Sponsorship Program portal. Your sponsor will provide guidance, answer questions, and help coordinate your arrival.
Formal in-processing is conducted at the Welcome Center, Building 109, near the Main Gate. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Key steps include Personnel check-in, Finance, Housing, Medical/Dental, and Unit Reception. Plan for in-processing to take 2–3 business days, depending on your schedule and required appointments.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate on Fort Irwin Road. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and federal holidays. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and assistance with sponsoring guests. All visitors must be vetted and registered before entry.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
U.S. Army Pfc. Fredrick Swingle, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, loads a moving truck with bags during the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks move out at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 28, 2022. Fort Bragg is in a process of moving Soldiers out of the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks and into more suitable barracks on the installation. (U.S. Army Photo By Pfc. Austin Robertson)
PCS to Fort Irwin starts with receiving your official orders. Next, contact the Transportation Office to set up your move and review your entitlements. Choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where movers pack and transport your items, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also called a DITY move, where you move your belongings and may be reimbursed for authorized expenses. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule and track your shipment. DPS is your hub for uploading documents, communicating with movers, and checking your move status. Entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) help cover lodging and relocation costs. TLE reimburses you for temporary lodging while you search for housing, and DLA helps offset miscellaneous moving expenses. Fort Irwin is remote, so coordinate early for travel, lodging, and delivery of your goods. Review base-specific info and reach out to your sponsor for local insights.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book temporary lodging early—options are limited on post and in Barstow.
- Keep important documents (orders, IDs, medical records) with you during travel.
- Plan for the desert climate—pack essentials for heat and limited services.
- Double-check your HHG delivery address and access instructions for Fort Irwin.
- Take photos of high-value items before pack-out.
- Coordinate pet travel early; pet boarding is limited in the area.
Important Forms & Links
Schedule and manage your move online.
Check current TLE, DLA, and per diem rates.
Guides, checklists, and support for your move.
Official base information and arrival instructions.
Schools & Childcare
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Childcare Options
Fort Irwin Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC offers full-day and part-day care, with accredited early childhood programs. Priority is given to military families. Hourly care is available based on space.
School Age Center (SAC)
The SAC provides before and after school care, homework help, and enrichment activities. The program is accredited and supports working military parents.
Fort Irwin Family Child Care (FCC) Program
FCC offers in-home care by certified providers on Fort Irwin. Flexible hours and small group settings are available. The program is inspected and approved by Army regulations.
Local Schools
Silver Valley Unified School District
Silver Valley Unified serves Fort Irwin and surrounding communities. The district receives praise for its support of military families and small class sizes. State test scores are average, but schools focus on personalized learning and social-emotional support. (Source: GreatSchools.org)
Lewis Elementary School
Lewis Elementary, part of Silver Valley USD, serves many Fort Irwin students. It is known for its dedicated staff and community focus. GreatSchools ratings are average, but families appreciate the welcoming environment and military-friendly programs.
Fort Irwin Middle School
Fort Irwin Middle School offers grades 6-8 and is located near the installation. It provides a supportive setting for transitioning students and includes programs for gifted learners and extracurriculars. School ratings are average, with strengths in student engagement.
Silver Valley High School
Silver Valley High School serves grades 9-12 with a focus on college and career readiness. The school offers AP courses, athletics, and leadership programs. Ratings are average, but the school is recognized for supporting military-connected students.