Fort Riley, KS

“Fort Riley is an Installation of Excellence and proud home to the 1st Infantry Division”, according to the Fort Riley MilitaryINSTALLATIONS page, home of “The Big Red One” in the Central Flint Hills region of Kansas. The Fort Riley overview lists the division’s 1st and 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Teams, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade and the 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, and traces the post to an 1852-1853 survey that selected the junction of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers. The main number is 785-239-3911.

Signing in at Victory Reception Company

Soldiers report to the Victory Reception Company Staff Duty Desk in Building 210 on Custer Avenue (785-239-2119), per the check-in page, and in-processing takes 5 to 8 working days. If you fly into Manhattan Regional Airport on PCS orders, call the same desk when you land to request government transportation; if you take a taxi, bus or rideshare instead, keep every itemized receipt for your travel voucher.

Bring one hard copy of your IPPS-A absence request showing your signed departure, a minimum of 3 printed copies of your PCS orders with all amendments, and your CAC, and report in the Army Combat Uniform with full PT gear ready. “All Soldiers, regardless of rank, must complete the centralized installation in-processing cycle before reporting to their permanent unit.” The 1ID Victory Welcome orientation is mandatory and held every Wednesday.

House-hunting PTDY: the order matters

“CRITICAL WARNING: PTDY cannot be backdated.” If you have pre-approved PTDY on your absence request, do not sign into the installation first: visit the Housing Office in Building 210 the business day prior to or on the exact start date of your PTDY to get your official arrival stamp, complete the PTDY, and then report to the VRC Staff Duty desk to sign in. Without pre-approved PTDY, sign in and request house-hunting leave after you report to your permanent unit.

Housing: Corvias Military Living

“On-post family housing is privatized housing and managed by Corvias Military Living”, per the housing page, with five neighborhoods on post. Family housing is assigned by rank and bedroom qualification, and “Placement on the wait list does not guarantee availability upon arrival at Fort Riley.” You can apply as soon as you know you are coming to Fort Riley, and you must apply for quarters within 30 days of signing in to qualify for a backdated effective date. Accepting on-post housing is not justification to break a lease or rental agreement.

A maximum of 2 pets (dogs or cats) in any combination is authorized per household, with a refundable pet deposit per pet, and the government housing page lists the breeds not allowed on Fort Riley.

Off post, the overview, as read in October 2026, compares the two main towns: “The median property value in Manhattan ($375,258) is more than triple that of Junction City ($122,900)”.

Temporary lodging

Temporary lodging is run by IHG’s Candlewood Suites; PCS families can reserve once orders are received at 877-711-8326 or 785-560-3080, per the temporary housing page. “Ensure you have confirmed lodging reservations before traveling to the post.” Under the 1 April 2025 JTR message cited there, Soldiers on a PCS move use the Government Travel Card for reservations that require a credit card guarantee. The Candlewood Suites has pet-friendly family suites, subject to availability, and the page notes that the government only reimburses 21 days for extended hotel stays during a PCS move.

Medical care: Irwin Army Community Hospital

Irwin Army Community Hospital, a 44-bed facility, serves Fort Riley, per the health care page; the appointment line is 785-239-3627. Active duty personnel use the appropriate Troop Medical Clinic for medical care, except emergencies. “Call 911 immediately to get emergency care if you have a life-threatening health issue or visit Irwin Army Community Hospital if it’s your nearest hospital.” IACH Emergency Care: 785-239-7777.

Schools: Geary County USD 475

“Four elementary schools and a middle school on post are run by Geary County Unified School District 475”, the education page says. The School Liaison helps with registration, transitions and questions about the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

Emergency help during the move

Army Emergency Relief, in the Army Community Services facility, can provide interest-free loans or grants for an unexpected financial crisis during your PCS (785-239-9435), per the emergency assistance page. After hours, on weekends or holidays, call the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Line at 877-272-7337 to start emergency AER assistance.

Before you arrive

Decide on PTDY before you report and follow its sign-in order, print three copies of your orders, apply to Corvias as soon as you have orders, and confirm Candlewood Suites reservations before you travel.