01-04-2025
The complete guide to Fort Cavazos
Welcome to Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, which is still one of the biggest, most operationally busy Army posts in the country. If you're heading here, buckle up because you're about to experience a mix of hardcore training, Texas heat, and some surprisingly good local BBQ. Home to the legendary 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos is a hub for armored warfare, logistics and enough tactical action to keep things interesting. Whether you're here for a short stint or settling in for the long haul, we've got the inside scoop to help you navigate the Great Place.
Fort Cavazos is one of the Army's largest and most active duty stations. Established during World War II, the post has grown into a key location for force projection, armored training, and some of the most high-speed units in the military. The surrounding area—Killeen, Copperas Cove, and Harker Heights—lives and breathes Army life, so you'll find plenty of support (and an ungodly amount of military discounts). Austin is just an hour away, making weekend trips a no-brainer.
Smack dab in the middle of Texas, Fort Cavazos is spread across Bell and Coryell counties, covering over 214,000 acres. That's a lot of space for tanks to roam and artillery to shake the ground. It sits about 60 miles north of Austin and 150 miles south of Dallas, giving you decent access to city life and backcountry escapes.
From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): Take TX-71 West to I-35 North. Follow I-35 North to US-190 West in Belton. Take US-190 to Fort Cavazos.
From Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): Take TX-183 West to I-35 South. Follow I-35 South to US-190 West in Belton and proceed to Fort Cavazos.
Flying into Austin or Dallas gives you the best options, but Killeen-Fort Cavazos Regional Airport (GRK) is your closest bet if you want to land right near post.
Post Shuttle: Free for Soldiers, DoD personnel, and families. Just know the schedule can be unpredictable.
Public Transit: The HOP (yes, that's its real name) provides limited bus routes, but don't count on it for everyday needs.
Main Gate (T.J. Mills Blvd): 24/7
Clear Creek Gate: 24/7
Warrior Way Gate: Open daily, limited hours
Clarke Road Gate: Commercial vehicles only
East Range Road Gate: Open weekdays, limited hours
Abrams Physical Fitness Center (254) 287-9430
ACS (Army Community Service) (254) 287-4227
Apache Arts & Crafts Center (254) 287-0343
Applied Functional Fitness Center (254) 287-8219
Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) Control Office (254) 737-2892
BOSS (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers) (254) 737-6116
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (254) 288-8888
Casey Memorial Library (254) 288-3121
Chaplain (254) 288-6545
Child and Youth Services (Admin) (254) 287-8029
Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (254)288-2070
Class Six (254) 532-5962
Clear Creek Commissary (254) 493-3905
Community Events and Bingo Center (254) 532-9253
Copeland Soldier Service Center (254) 287-4549
DENTAC Headquarters (254) 287-3105
DoD Safe Helpline – Sexual Assault 877-995-5247
Duty Officers (254) 286-6823
Educational Services Division (254) 287-4824
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) (254) 287-6070
FAP (Family Advocacy Program) (254) 287-2273
Financial Readiness (254) 288-2862
FMRC (Family Medicine Residency Clinic) (254) 288-8280
HIRED! Apprentice Program (254) 287-6573
Housing Office (254) 220-4799
ID Card Section/DEERS (254) 287-5670
In Processing (254) 287-3832
Information and Referral 737-3663
Laundry/Dry Cleaner/Alterations (254) 532-2551
Legal Assistance (254) 287-7901
Leisure Travel (254) 287-7310
Military Clothing Store (254) 532-3920
Mobilization, Deployment, & Support Stability Operations (254) 288-5156
Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR), Director (254) 287-4916
Name Tag Shop (254) 532-6363
New Parent Support Program 737-2286
Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) (254) 288-2093
Police (254) 287-4001
Post Office (254) 287-2728
Recreation Equipment Checkout (254) 287-4126
Relocation Readiness Program (254) 287-4471
School Liaison Officer (SLO) (254) 738-7946
Sexual Harassment / Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) (254) 319-4671
Single Service Member Housing (254) 286-7705
SKIES Unlimited-Instructional Programs (254) 287-4592
Survivor Outreach Services (254) 738-3655
Temporary Lodging (254) 532-5157
Transition Assistance (254) 288-5627
Transportation Office (254) 287-4515
Veterinary Treatment Facility Fort Hood (254) 287-6719
Victim Advocacy Program (254) 287-2273
Visitor Welcome Center (254) 287-9909
Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) (254) 532-8680
Fort Cavazos is one of the Army's largest training and deployment hubs, designed to keep combat-ready forces sharp and capable. If it's armored, mechanized, or involves sending Soldiers downrange, chances are it happens here.
Key units include:
1st Cavalry Division – The OG of armored warfare, specializing in fast, aggressive combat ops. Speaking of 1st Cav, did you know the last war horse of American cavalry served in WWII?
III Armored Corps – The brain trust overseeing multiple major combat commands.
13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command – Because wars don't win themselves without logistics.
3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) – The Army's go-to for training allied forces.
89th Military Police Brigade – Keeping the law and order in check.
504th Military Intelligence Brigade – The ones who actually know what's going on.
1st Medical Brigade – Keeping Soldiers patched up and mission-ready.
11th Signal Brigade – Making sure the Army can still communicate when the WiFi goes down.
Established in 1942 as Camp Hood, this post was built to train tank destroyers during World War II. Over the years, it became a major center for armored warfare, evolving into Fort Hood in 1950. Fast-forward to 2023, and the name changed again—this time to Fort Cavazos, in honor of General Richard Cavazos, the Army's first Hispanic four-star general. The renaming was part of a DoD initiative to remove Confederate-linked names from military installations.
General Cavazos was a Texas-born warrior who served in Korea and Vietnam, racking up multiple Silver Stars and Distinguished Service Crosses for heroism. He was a fierce leader who exemplified what it means to be an Army officer, making him a much better fit for the post's legacy.
Central Texas isn't just heat and humidity—there's actually a ton to do in Killeen, Texas and surrounding areas.
Outdoor Adventures
Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA): The go-to spot for boating, fishing, hiking, and off-duty relaxation.
Stillhouse Hollow Lake: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and cooling off after PT.
Dana Peak Park: If you like hiking, horseback riding, or pretending you're not in Texas for a day.
Hunting and Fishing: Available on post with the right permits—just make sure you know what you're shooting at.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Mayborn Science Theater: A planetarium with cool science exhibits.
Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive-Thru Safari: Feed a zebra, freak out when an emu stares at you.
Lions Club Park & Aquatics Center: Pools, splash pads, and a great place to take the kids when it's too hot to function.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Vive Les Arts Theatre: Local theater productions—because culture exists here, too.
Austin's Live Music Scene: One hour away, but worth the drive for a real night out.
Shopping & Dining
Killeen Mall: Your standard mall setup with all the usual suspects.
Downtown Belton Market Days: Monthly craft fairs and food trucks.
The Yard Food Truck Plaza: A rotating lineup of the best food trucks in Central Texas.
Housing is run by Lendlease, and like every Army post, there's a waitlist. Off-post, Harker Heights, Nolanville, and Temple are solid options. Single Soldiers E1-E5? You're in the barracks—hope you like roommates.
Whether you're fresh out of AIT or a seasoned NCO, Fort Cavazos has something for everyone. It's big, it's busy, and it's full of opportunity—just be ready for the Texas heat. Welcome to the Great Place!
There are no DoDEA schools on post, but Fort Cavazos is served by several school districts, including Killeen ISD and Copperas Cove ISD. School Liaison Services can provide enrollment guidance and transfer assistance.
What is Fort Cavazos known for? It is the home of the 1st Cavalry Division and one of the Army's largest installations.
How many Soldiers are stationed at Fort Cavazos? Approximately 36,000 Soldiers, with an additional 45,000 family members and civilians.
What kind of base is Fort Cavazos? It is a large Army installation focused on mechanized and armored warfare.
Does Fort Cavazos have Airborne units? While not primarily an Airborne installation, Fort Cavazos supports some airborne training through specific units.
Whether you're new to the Army or a seasoned Soldier, Fort Cavazos offers an unparalleled experience filled with opportunities for professional growth and adventure. Welcome to the Great Place!
