Branch: U.S. Army
Location: Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (Oahu, near Wahiawa)
Installation Type: Army Garrison / Barracks
Status: Active

Overview

Schofield Barracks is one of the oldest and most storied U.S. Army installations in the Pacific, established in 1908 and named after General John Schofield. Located in the central plateau of Oahu, Hawaii, near Wahiawa, Schofield Barracks serves as the home of the 25th Infantry Division (“Tropic Lightning”) and is the largest Army installation in Hawaii. The installation played a significant role in World War II, having been attacked during the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Schofield Barracks is the headquarters for U.S. Army Hawaii (USARHAW) and serves as a key power-projection platform for the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Organize, train, equip, and deploy combat-ready forces of the 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Hawaii in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command operations throughout the Pacific region.
• Major Units:
• 25th Infantry Division (“Tropic Lightning”) — Division Headquarters
• 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (Infantry Brigade Combat Team)
• 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (Infantry Brigade Combat Team)
• 25th Combat Aviation Brigade
• 25th Division Sustainment Brigade
• 25th Infantry Division Artillery (DIVARTY)
• U.S. Army Hawaii (USARHAW) — Headquarters
• 8th Theater Sustainment Command (8th TSC)
• 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command
• Tenant Units: U.S. Army Reserve units; Hawaii Army National Guard elements; defense agencies; 500th Military Intelligence Brigade (elements)

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Honolulu (approximately 20 miles southeast via H-2 and H-1 highways); Wahiawa (adjacent community, less than 2 miles)
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Honolulu, approximately 25 miles southeast
• Gate Access: Multiple access gates; Lyman Gate and Foote Gate are primary entry points. Valid CAC, Uniformed Services ID, or visitor pass required. Visitor Control Center issues day passes. Real ID-compliant identification required for unescorted civilian visitors.

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 15,000–17,000
• Family Members: Approximately 20,000–25,000
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 4,000–6,000
• Total Installation Population: Approximately 40,000–45,000 (including family members)

Key Facilities

• Medical: Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) — a major military hospital located approximately 20 miles southeast in Honolulu; provides Level II trauma care, full specialty services, behavioral health, oncology, obstetrics, and dental; Schofield Barracks has the Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center providing primary care, sick call, pharmacy, and preventive medicine on post.
• Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on post; one of the highest-volume commissaries in the Army given Hawaii’s very high grocery costs; shopping at the commissary provides substantial savings.
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — large Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) main exchange; includes clothing, electronics, auto sales, food court, and specialty stores. The exchange is a critical resource given Hawaii’s elevated retail costs.
• Fitness & Recreation: Multiple Physical Fitness Centers; outdoor pools; Helemano Community Recreation Area (mountain retreat facility); Richardson Pool; Sullivan Community Center; youth sports programs; MWR outdoor recreation (surfing, snorkeling, camping equipment rental); golf (Wheeler Army Airfield golf course nearby).
• Schools: DoDEA Hawaii District operates schools on and near Schofield Barracks including Hale Kula Elementary, Shafter Elementary, Aliamanu Middle School (near Tripler), Leilehua High School area served. Local Hawaii Department of Education schools in Wahiawa also serve military families.
• Childcare: Multiple Child Development Centers (CDC) across the installation; demand is very high — waitlists are common; early enrollment contact upon receipt of orders is critical; Family Child Care homes also available.
• Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on post providing preventive care, vaccinations, annual exams, dental cleanings, and health certificates; important for families PCSing to or from Hawaii, as Hawaii has strict animal quarantine requirements — begin the USDA-approved quarantine process 120+ days before arrival.
• Legal Assistance / JAG: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at Schofield Barracks provides legal assistance to active duty personnel and dependents; appointments required for most services; walk-in hours available for certain matters.

Housing

• On-Post Housing: Managed by Ohana Military Communities (a partnership with various housing entities — verify current management with housing office); extensive on-post housing across multiple neighborhoods; includes older World War II-era buildings and newer construction.
• Average Wait Time: On-post housing is in very high demand; wait times can be 3-18 months depending on rank and unit; given Hawaii’s exceptionally high off-post housing costs, on-post housing is strongly preferred.
• Off-Post Housing: Communities near Schofield include Wahiawa, Mililani, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Pearl City, and Aiea. Average rent in the central Oahu area ranges from approximately $2,400–$3,500/month for 2-3 bedroom homes; Ewa Beach and Kapolei run $2,500–$3,800/month. Hawaii consistently ranks among the most expensive housing markets in the nation.
• BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website. Hawaii BAH rates are among the highest in the nation but may still fall short of actual market costs in premium areas.

PCS & Newcomer Info

• Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through the gaining unit S1; Army Community Service (ACS) Welcome Center assists with newcomer orientation, sponsor matching, and Welcome Packets.
• In-Processing: Report to the Schofield Barracks Installation In-Processing Center, Soldier Support Center; plan for 3-5 business days; includes medical, finance, housing, and family support appointments. Note: Hawaii has unique PCS requirements including vehicle and pet quarantine coordination.
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): EFMP managed through Army Community Service at Schofield Barracks; medical screening and enrollment through Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center or Tripler Army Medical Center; Hawaii has special education resources through the Hawaii Department of Education. Contact ACS at (808) 655-4227 (verify current number).

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Tropical; warm and pleasant year-round; temperatures typically range from 70 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit; trade winds provide cooling; rainy season is November through March; the central plateau (where Schofield is located) is slightly cooler and rainier than Honolulu.
• Cost of Living: Very High — Hawaii is consistently one of the two most expensive states in the nation (alongside Alaska). Groceries, fuel, dining, and housing are all significantly above national averages. The commissary and exchange are critical for budget management.
• Nearby Attractions: North Shore surf beaches (Waimea Bay, Pipeline, Sunset Beach) approximately 15 miles north; Pearl Harbor National Memorial approximately 15 miles south; Dole Plantation (adjacent to Wahiawa); Diamond Head crater and Waikiki Beach approximately 25 miles southeast; hiking on the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges.
• Spouse Employment: Hawaii’s job market is limited relative to its population; primary sectors include tourism and hospitality, healthcare, government, and military support. Remote work is valuable. Hawaii has military spouse licensing reciprocity provisions. Cost of living pressures make dual income essentially necessary for most families.

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://home.army.mil/schofield
• Main Installation Phone: (808) 655-1110
• MWR Website: https://schofield.armymwr.com
• ACS / Army Community Service: Schofield Barracks Army Community Service, Building 750, Wright Avenue; (808) 655-4227 (verify current number)

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: U.S. Army official installation page (home.army.mil/schofield); 25th Infantry Division; Tripler Army Medical Center; DoDEA Hawaii District; Ohana Military Communities; general knowledge of installation as of August 2025, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law