Branch: U.S. Army
Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina
Installation Type: Fort
Status: Active
Former Name: Fort Liberty (2023-2025)

Overview

Fort Bragg was established in 1918 as a Field Artillery training center and is located near Fayetteville, North Carolina. It is one of the largest military installations in the world by population, covering approximately 251 square miles. The installation serves as home to the XVIII Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division, and is a centerpiece of U.S. Army airborne and special operations forces.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Train, deploy, and sustain airborne, special operations, and conventional forces in support of Army and joint force requirements worldwide.
• Major Units: XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), 1st Special Forces Command, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)
• Tenant Units: 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 4th Psychological Operations Group, 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve Command elements

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Fayetteville, NC (adjacent to installation)
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Fayetteville Regional Airport (approximately 10 miles); Raleigh-Durham International Airport (approximately 75 miles)
• Gate Access: Multiple gates operate 24/7 for authorized personnel; visitor passes are issued at the Visitor Control Center located at the All American Gate. CAC or valid government ID required for access; civilian visitors must provide a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration and may be subject to vehicle inspection.

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 52,000-57,000
• Family Members: Approximately 90,000
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 12,000-15,000
• Total Installation Population: Approximately 160,000+

Key Facilities

• Medical: Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC) — Level II trauma center providing full inpatient and outpatient services, specialty care, and emergency care
• Commissary: Yes — large commissary serving the installation; located in the main shopping area on post
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — main Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) store plus multiple smaller PX locations and specialty stores on post
• Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers including the Hercules Fitness Center and Main Post Fitness Center; Ryder Golf Course; Bastogne and Smoke Bomb Hill recreation areas; aquatic centers; bowling alleys
• Schools: Fort Bragg Unified School District operates on-post schools including elementary, middle, and high schools (grades K-12)
• Childcare: Multiple Child Development Centers (CDCs) on post; wait times can be significant — early enrollment recommended upon PCS orders receipt
• Veterinary Services: Fort Bragg Veterinary Treatment Facility — offers routine wellness exams, vaccinations, and preventive care for military-owned pets; appointment required
• Legal Assistance / JAG: XVIII Airborne Corps Office of the Staff Judge Advocate — located on Main Post; walk-in and appointment services available for legal assistance

Housing

• On-Post Housing: Managed by Corvias; approximately 8,800 family housing units in various neighborhoods including Ardennes, Bastogne, and Smoke Bomb Hill areas; housing is in various states of renovation
• Average Wait Time: Varies by unit and bedroom requirement; can range from immediate to several months; consult the Corvias housing office upon arrival
• Off-Post Housing: Fayetteville and surrounding communities (Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Raeford, Southern Pines) offer a wide range of rental options; average rent for a 3-bedroom home ranges approximately $1,200-$1,800/month
• BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

• Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through your gaining unit upon receipt of PCS orders; sponsors are assigned through the unit S1 shop
• In-Processing: Report to the Welcome Center at the Iron Mike Conference Center; in-processing typically takes 3-5 days and includes medical, finance, and administrative actions
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Enrollment through Womack Army Medical Center EFMP office; families with special needs members must enroll before PCS; contact the Army Community Service EFMP office for assistance and referrals

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Humid subtropical — mild winters with occasional ice/snow, hot and humid summers; moderate spring and fall seasons
• Cost of Living: Moderate — slightly below the national average; housing costs are reasonable compared to many major metro areas
• Nearby Attractions: Cape Fear River Trail (outdoor recreation); Pinehurst and Southern Pines golf courses (approximately 45 minutes); Raleigh and the Research Triangle (approximately 75 miles for shopping, culture, and dining)
• Spouse Employment: Fayetteville offers moderate opportunities in healthcare, retail, and government contracting; the Research Triangle region provides broader professional opportunities within a reasonable commute

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://home.army.mil/bragg/
• Main Installation Phone: (910) 396-0011
• MWR Website: https://bragg.armymwr.com/
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Army Community Service (ACS) — located on Main Post; contact (910) 396-4561 for programs including financial readiness, relocation assistance, and family advocacy

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: home.army.mil/bragg, bragg.armymwr.com, military installation guides, AHRN housing data, DoD installation population estimates; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law