Fort Rucker, AL

Branch: U.S. Army
Location: Daleville, Alabama (Dale County)
Installation Type: Fort
Status: Active
Former Name: Fort Novosel (2023-2025)

Overview

Fort Rucker was established in 1942 as a pilot training base during World War II and is located in the wiregrass region of southeastern Alabama near Daleville and Enterprise. Covering approximately 63,000 acres, it is the home of Army Aviation and hosts the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE). Fort Rucker is the sole fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight training center for Army aviators and is central to the Army’s aviation branch identity.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Train, educate, and develop Army aviators and aviation professionals to support Army and joint force requirements worldwide.
Major Units: U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE), 1st Aviation Brigade (primary flight training brigade), 110th Aviation Brigade
Tenant Units: Army Aviation Warfighting Center, Army Safe Aviation Foundation, National Guard and Reserve aviation training elements, contractor-operated aviation support units

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Dothan, AL (approximately 20 miles southeast); Enterprise, AL (approximately 5 miles west)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Dothan Regional Airport (DHN) — approximately 25 miles; Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) — approximately 80 miles; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — approximately 200 miles
Gate Access: Main Gate (Andrews Avenue) is the primary access point; 24-hour access for authorized personnel; visitor passes issued at the Visitor Control Center at the Main Gate; valid government-issued photo ID required; vehicle registration and proof of insurance required for all vehicles

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 4,500-6,000
Family Members: Approximately 8,000-10,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 6,000-8,000 (including large contractor workforce supporting aviation training)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 20,000-25,000

Key Facilities

Medical: U.S. Army Aeromedical Center and Lyster Army Health Clinic — outpatient facility offering primary care, flight medicine, aeromedical evaluations, and specialty clinics; no inpatient capability; emergencies referred to Southeast Health Medical Center in Dothan
Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on post
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Army & Air Force Exchange Service main store with retail, food options, and specialty shops
Fitness & Recreation: Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Center; Cairns Army Airfield recreation areas; Lake Tholocco Water Park and recreation complex; Whispering Pines Golf Course; bowling center; fishing and boating on Lake Tholocco
Schools: Dale County School System and Coffee County School System serve on-post families; no DoDEA schools at this location; Enterprise City Schools well regarded in the region
Childcare: Child Development Center on post; high demand due to small community size — apply immediately upon receipt of orders; School Age Services (SAS) also available
Veterinary Services: Fort Rucker Veterinary Treatment Facility — offers routine wellness, vaccinations, and preventive care for military-owned pets; appointment required; limited to active duty military-owned animals
Legal Assistance / JAG: USAACE Office of the Staff Judge Advocate — located on Main Post; legal assistance by appointment; walk-in powers of attorney available during set hours

Housing

On-Post Housing: Managed by Lendlease (previously Pinnacle); multiple neighborhoods; approximately 1,500+ family housing units; condition generally good with ongoing updates
Average Wait Time: Typically shorter than larger installations; can be 1-3 months for some bedroom configurations
Off-Post Housing: Daleville, Enterprise, Ozark, and Dothan offer off-post options; rent for a 3-bedroom home averages approximately $850-$1,200/month; cost of living is low in this region
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining unit or training brigade S1 upon receipt of orders; aviation students are typically assigned sponsors through their training battalion
In-Processing: Report to the Soldier Support Center on Main Post; in-processing for flight students includes aeromedical clearance at Lyster Army Health Clinic and typically takes 3-5 days
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Enrollment through Lyster Army Health Clinic EFMP coordinator; Army Community Service provides EFMP family support; families with special needs members must enroll before PCS move

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical — hot and humid summers, mild winters with rare frost; pleasant spring and fall; occasional severe weather including tornadoes in spring
Cost of Living: Low — southeastern Alabama is among the more affordable regions in the country; housing, food, and services are well below the national average
Nearby Attractions: Enterprise, AL (Boll Weevil Monument, local dining); Dothan, AL (Wiregrass Museum of Art, shopping, dining, Adventureland Theme Park); Gulf Coast beaches (Destin, FL and Gulf Shores, AL) approximately 90-100 miles south
Spouse Employment: Limited local job market — the wiregrass region is rural; Dothan provides more opportunities in healthcare, retail, and education; remote work and federal government positions are popular options for military spouses

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://home.army.mil/rucker/
Main Installation Phone: (334) 255-1110
MWR Website: https://rucker.armymwr.com/
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Army Community Service (ACS) — located in Building 5700; contact (334) 255-3735 for relocation assistance, financial counseling, and newcomer support

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: home.army.mil/rucker, rucker.armymwr.com, Lyster Army Health Clinic public affairs, Dale County and Coffee County school district information, DoD installation population estimates, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law