Carlisle Barracks

Branch: U.S. Army
Location: Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Installation Type: Barracks
Status: Active

Overview

Carlisle Barracks, established in 1757, is one of the oldest continuously operated military posts in the United States, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in the Cumberland Valley approximately 18 miles west of Harrisburg. The installation is home to the U.S. Army War College (USAWC), the Army’s senior professional military education institution, which educates strategic leaders from the U.S. and allied nations. The post has a rich history that includes service as a training depot during multiple American conflicts and is a designated National Historic Landmark district.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide senior-level professional military education through the U.S. Army War College, developing strategic leaders for the Army, joint force, and interagency partners.
Major Units:
U.S. Army War College (USAWC)
Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC)
U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI)
Center for Strategic Leadership (CSL)
Tenant Units:
Defense Information School (DINFOS) — relocated to Fort Meade; no longer at Carlisle as of recent years
Various Army staff elements supporting the War College

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Harrisburg, PA — approximately 18 miles east
Nearest Commercial Airport: Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) — approximately 20 miles east
Gate Access: The installation has a main gate accessible during standard hours; visitor access requires a valid government-issued photo ID; visitor passes are issued at the Visitor Control Center; CAC holders use standard access lanes; the post operates with generally relaxed access procedures relative to larger combat installations

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 800-1,200 (primarily senior officers — O-6 and above — attending or assigned to the War College)
Family Members: Approximately 1,500-2,500
Civilian Employees: Approximately 500-800
Total Installation Population: Approximately 3,000-4,500

Key Facilities

Medical: Dunham U.S. Army Health Clinic — provides primary care for active duty students, permanent party personnel, retirees, and their families; referrals to civilian network or Hershey Medical Center for specialty care
Commissary: Yes — Carlisle Barracks Commissary; smaller facility serving the post population
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — AAFES shoppette and PX on post; limited selection given smaller installation size
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness center; indoor swimming pool; tennis courts; Ridgeline Golf Course; picnic areas; MWR recreational programs tailored to the senior officer student population
Schools: No DoDEA schools on post — students attend Carlisle Area School District; Carlisle High School is the primary secondary school for on-post families
Childcare: Child Development Center on post; given the relatively small and transient student population, wait times vary; families should contact CDC upon receipt of orders
Veterinary Services: Limited veterinary services on post; the nearest full-service Military Veterinary Treatment Facility is at Fort Detrick (approximately 50 miles away); civilian veterinary practices in Carlisle are readily available
Legal Assistance / JAG: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate — provides legal assistance by appointment for active duty personnel and eligible family members; contact the installation for current hours and walk-in availability

Housing

On-Post Housing: Government-owned quarters for War College students (primarily field-grade and general officers); on-post housing is generally prioritized for USAWC students and their families; managed by the installation housing office
Average Wait Time: Generally low wait times given the structured class rotation; most USAWC students receive on-post housing
Off-Post Housing: Carlisle and surrounding communities including Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill offer suburban housing; average monthly rent ranges from approximately $1,100 for a 2-bedroom apartment to $1,800 for a 3-4 bedroom home; the area is notably more affordable than many military communities
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: USAWC students are typically contacted by the school’s Student Activities office and assigned a peer sponsor from the current class; permanent party Soldiers should contact their gaining unit S1
In-Processing: Report to the Soldier Support Center and USAWC student in-processing office; the process is typically streamlined for the War College student rotation and takes 1-3 business days
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): EFMP enrollment is managed through the Dunham Health Clinic; contact Army Community Service for EFMP Family Support; families with special needs members are encouraged to contact ACS and the EFMP coordinator prior to arrival

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Four-season Mid-Atlantic/Appalachian climate; summers are warm and humid (average highs in the mid-80s F); winters are cold with moderate snowfall; spring and fall are pleasant
Cost of Living: Low to moderate relative to national average; Cumberland Valley is significantly more affordable than many East Coast metro areas; housing, groceries, and services are reasonably priced
Nearby Attractions:
Appalachian Trail — accessible within minutes of post for hiking and outdoor recreation
Gettysburg National Military Park — approximately 35 miles east; a frequent destination for War College students and families
Hersheypark and Hershey, PA — approximately 25 miles east; major tourist and family entertainment destination
Spouse Employment: Moderate job market; Harrisburg metro offers government, healthcare, and education employment; Dickinson College and Penn State Dickinson Law are in Carlisle and occasionally employ military spouses; telework options are popular among the transient student population

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://home.army.mil/carlisle
Main Installation Phone: (717) 245-3131
MWR Website: https://carlislemwr.com
ACS / Army Community Service: Army Community Service, Carlisle Barracks — contact the installation operator for current ACS office location and phone number

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: U.S. Army War College (armywarcollege.edu), U.S. Army IMCOM, home.army.mil/carlisle, Carlisle Area School District, AAFES, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law