Fort McCoy
Fort McCoy PCS Guide
Base History & Name
More than 20 educators from Onalaska High School visited Fort McCoy, Wis. Medical Simulation Training Center during their professional development day, May 2, 2025. During the tour educators were shown some medical training U.S. Army Reserve soldiers experience.
Fort McCoy began as the Sparta Maneuver Tract in 1909, providing a dedicated training ground for the U.S. Army in the Midwest. Its original mission focused on preparing Army units for field operations, using the area's varied terrain.
The installation was officially named Camp McCoy in 1910, honoring a local war veteran. Rapid expansion during World War I supported mobilization and training needs for the growing Army.
During World War II, Camp McCoy expanded significantly, adding new barracks, ranges, and support facilities. The base trained over 100,000 soldiers and also served as a prisoner-of-war camp.
After the war, the installation's role shifted to support Reserve and National Guard training. This change reflected evolving defense priorities during the Cold War era.
In 1974, the site was redesignated as Fort McCoy, marking its status as a permanent Army installation. Since then, it has hosted major training exercises for Army Reserve, National Guard, and active-duty units.
The base played a key role in mobilizing and demobilizing troops for operations in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Its ongoing mission highlights its importance to Army operations worldwide.
Today, Fort McCoy remains a vital training and support hub for the Army Reserve and National Guard. It supports joint exercises, pre-deployment training, and community partnerships, making it a cornerstone of Army readiness in the Upper Midwest.
The installation continues to adapt to evolving military needs while maintaining strong ties to the local community. Its flexibility ensures it remains a critical asset for national defense.
Namesake
He played a crucial role in advocating for a permanent Army training site in Wisconsin, which led to the establishment of the installation that now bears his name. His legacy endures through Fort McCoy's ongoing mission to prepare soldiers for service.
Major Units & Training Programs
More than 20 educators from Onalaska High School visited Fort McCoy, Wis. Medical Simulation Training Center during their professional development day, May 2, 2025. During the tour educators were shown some medical training U.S. Army Reserve soldiers experience.
Major Units
Fort McCoy Garrison Command
Responsible for base operations, support, and infrastructure, ensuring Fort McCoy can effectively serve as a major training and mobilization center for Army Reserve and National Guard units.
86th Training Division
Conducts collective training exercises and provides observer/controller support to Army Reserve and National Guard units, focusing on preparing units for deployment and operational readiness.
88th Readiness Division
Provides base operations support, logistics, and readiness assistance to Army Reserve units across a multi-state region, with a significant presence at Fort McCoy.
Training Schools
Combat Support Training Program (CSTP)
Overview
A series of annual large-scale exercises designed to train and evaluate Army Reserve and National Guard units in combat support and combat service support operations.
Course Length
2-3 weeks (exercise duration)
Who Attends
Army Reserve and National Guard units preparing for deployment or validation
Regional Training Site – Maintenance (RTS-M)
Overview
Provides advanced technical training for Army mechanics and maintenance personnel on a variety of military vehicles and equipment.
Course Length
Varies by course (typically 2-8 weeks)
Who Attends
Army Reserve, National Guard, and active duty maintenance personnel
Arrival & In-Processing
A banner with the National Fire Protection Agency's 2024 National Fire Prevention Week Theme, "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You," is shown on the Fort McCoy Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department on Oct. 9, 2024, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Firefighters with Fort McCoy were leading the...
Welcome to Fort McCoy! Arriving at a new installation can be a busy time, but being well-prepared will make your check-in process much smoother. Review the steps below to ensure you and your family have a seamless start at Fort McCoy. For more details, visit the official Fort McCoy website.
Fort McCoy's primary access point is the Main Gate, located at the front entrance of the installation. The Main Gate operates 24/7 for authorized personnel. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or other approved identification at entry. State-issued driver's licenses must be REAL ID Act compliant. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's robust security posture. If you have family members or visitors arriving with you, they will need to obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center before entering. Always allow extra time for security procedures, especially during peak hours or heightened security alerts.
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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 arranged in advance)
Fort McCoy offers a robust sponsor program to help incoming personnel and families settle in. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit directly or submit a request through your unit's administrative office. Your sponsor will provide guidance on in-processing, housing, and local resources.
Formal in-processing at Fort McCoy takes place at the Welcome Center, Building 35, conveniently located near the Main Gate. The Welcome Center operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During in-processing, you will check in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical offices. Plan to complete the process within 2-3 business days, depending on your specific requirements and arrival time.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate at Fort McCoy. The VCC is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorship requests. All visitors must check in at the VCC before entering the installation.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
During the summer surge of Permanent-Change-of-Station moves for Army families, installations like Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, offer PCS Open House events where Soldiers and families can obtain information on programs and services. Army leadership is committed to improving Quality of Life for Soldiers in the areas of Housing, PCS Moves, Child and Youth Programs, and Spouse Employment. (U.S. Army Photo)
Arriving at Fort McCoy starts with receiving official PCS orders. Next, contact the Base Transportation Office to set up your move. You can choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where movers pack and ship your items, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM, also called DITY), where you handle the move yourself and may be reimbursed. Each option has different requirements and benefits—review them carefully to decide what works best for your family. The Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil is your main tool to schedule, track, and manage your move. Register and start your move in DPS as soon as you have orders. This system keeps your move organized and helps you communicate with your transportation office and moving company. Service members are entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimbursement for up to 10 days in CONUS locations while you secure housing. You may also qualify for a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to help offset relocation expenses. Check the latest rates and requirements before you move. Fort McCoy’s rural setting means housing and temporary lodging can fill up fast, especially during summer PCS season. Plan ahead, and reach out to the Fort McCoy Relocation Office for local support and resources.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a Fort McCoy sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book temporary lodging early—on-base options fill quickly in summer.
- Keep PCS orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Use DPS to track your HHG shipment status and communicate with movers.
- Photograph high-value items before packing for claims purposes.
- Review Fort McCoy gate hours and access procedures before arrival.
- Plan for rural weather—prepare for snow or rain depending on season.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Check current rates for TLE, DLA, and other travel entitlements.
Get guidance, checklists, and support for your PCS.
Find local arrival info, housing, and family support at Fort McCoy.