I hear the clarion bugle calls at Fort Carson when conditions are just right, / Sounding "Reveille" at break of dawn to the mournful sound of "Taps" at night! / "Reveille" 'wakes soldiers from their well-deserved rest to begin another day / Of training to protect our freedoms, though they do it for very meager pay! -- Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
If you're a member of a U
I hear the clarion bugle calls at Fort Carson when conditions are just right, / Sounding "Reveille" at break of dawn to the mournful sound of "Taps" at night! / "Reveille" 'wakes soldiers from their well-deserved rest to begin another day / Of training to protect our freedoms, though they do it for very meager pay! -- Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
If you're a member of a U.S. Army family, then you're in luck, because that's the only way you're finding places to live in Fort Carson, an Armed Forces installation. Strictly speaking, you won't find apartments or house rentals in the civilian sense. (Those who want to live off-base typically head for nearby Colorado Springs.) But physically speaking, the residences on base have the same kitchens, porches, garages, and backyard sprinkler systems of the houses in the rest of Colorado. Plus you get access to such perks as parks, recreational areas, and fitness centers, all courtesy of the U.S. government.
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Because the Army is one big happy family, you're not bound by the credit reports and other financial rules that burden potential tenants in the civilian world. Instead, your month-to-month rental payments directly equal your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) with dependents. That means your rental application must include a Copy of Orders, LES Statement, and DD1172 DEERS Enrollment.
On the downside, housing availability is limited. You may not find any rental homes until your new-born baby turns two. The actual timing depends on your unit, rank and number of family members. You must also sign agreements covering cleanliness and mold removal, surge protectors, backyard snow removal, backyard mowing, and temporary guests, like if Mom decides to visit and stay awhile. The Army generally provides Renter's Insurance, which covers about $20,000 of your personal property minus a deductible.
You can bring up to two dogs and / or cats. Apparently, you can also own a whole flock of birds, guinea pigs, or fish because they don't count against the allowance. Certain breeds are too tough for these Army communities, including Dobermans, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, and Chows.
At Fort Carson, BBC doesn't just stand for the UK broadcaster. It means Balfour Beatty Communities, Inc, which operates housing options on-base. Living spaces contain from 2-4 bedrooms and normally come with a refrigerator, stove, and hookups for a washer and dryer. The following are just some of 20 neighborhoods you can choose from. And they're all named after Native American tribes.
Apache Village: Service members ranked E1 to E6 can find 3-bedroom ranch-style homes. Highway 115 is close by offering quick commutes to downtown Colorado Springs.
Arapahoe Village: If you're into recreation for any age, this community is within walking distance of the Boys and Girls Club, softball fields, and the bowling alley. You have to be ranked E1 to E6 and like to live in 2-3 bedroom multiplexes.
Blackfoot Hill: If mountains are your thing, you can't get any better than this, because you can't get any closer to the foothills of Cheyenne Mountain than you are here. The community is also within easy reach of the Evans Army Hospital and the golf course. This hood is for E8-E9 ranks only.
Cherokee Village East and West: You'll find Youth Activities and shopping at the the Base Exchange (PX). It's reserved for ranks E1 to E6.
Cheyenne Village: The duplexes and four-plexes are reserved for E5-E6 ranks and contain fenced-in backyards, ceiling fans, and fully-equipped kitchens.
Dakota Ridge: The 4-bedroom residences comply with the Americans for Disabilities Act and are also near the hospital and the Joel Hefley Community Center. They're reserved for ranks E5-E6.
Iroquois Village: Members ranked E8-E9, O1-O3, and W1-W3 can find 3-4 bedroom duplexes here. This neighborhood is a short walk to the hospital and community center, but requires a drive to the PX, Commissary, or Post Youth Center.
Ute Hill - Upper: Located in the southern part of the housing area, the 4-bedroom homes are reserved for field grade officers or key and essential personal. The hood is close to the golf course and the hospital but about four miles from PX.
As everyone in the Army knows, MWR Fort Collins is the department responsible for keeping you happy while you're in the service. Aside from giving you free calls home and wireless Internet, they provide for on-post recreation and amenities like the following:
Freedom Performing Arts Center
You can laugh or cry at comedies, plays, and other performances. If you're into acting, join the Fort Carson Community Theater.
Special Events Center
Whether its a goodbye for the base commander, boxing matches, job fairs, or concerts, this locale will hold it in its nearly 8,000 square feet of space.
Iron Horse Park
Your standard community green with two ball fields, a basketball court, a volleyball court, three playgrounds, and five pavilions.
Thunder Bowling Center
All-automatic scoring and pin setters highlight the 36 fully-upgraded lanes.
Auto Craft Center
So your rental doesn't have the room for you to fix your jalopy. Take it here where you'll find repair bays, paint booths and motorcycle lifts. You also have access to tools like chop saws, steam cleaners, and straightening equipment, and can learn to use them in on-site classes.
Physical Fitness Centers
Four gyms make sure you're ready for physical challenges with weights, cardiovascular equipment, and fitness courses.
A.P.E.
If you're going a bit stir-crazy on-base, Adventure Programs and Education can get you off it. Programs and trips involving skiing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting take you to such locales as the Arkansas River and the Monarch Ski Area.
