Fort Carson, Colorado: Complete Military Family Guide
Fort Carson — nicknamed "The Mountain Post" — is one of the largest Army installations in the United States, covering approximately 137,000 acres on the southern edge of Colorado Springs. Home to over 40,000 active duty soldiers and their families, Fort Carson is the largest employer in the Pikes Peak region. This guide covers everything you need to know about life on and around the post.
Major Units at Fort Carson
4th Infantry Division (4th ID) — "Ivy Division"
The 4th Infantry Division is the primary tenant unit at Fort Carson and one of the most deployed divisions in the U.S. Army. The 4th ID includes multiple Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) and is known for high operational tempo. Soldiers assigned to Fort Carson should plan for frequent field time at Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (about 90 miles south near Trinidad, CO) and possible deployments. Key subordinate units include 1st BCT (Raider Brigade), 2nd BCT (Strike Brigade), 3rd BCT (Spartan Brigade), and 4th BCT (Dragon Brigade).
10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) — 10th SFG(A)
The 10th Special Forces Group is an Army Special Forces unit with a primary focus on Europe and Africa. Soldiers in 10th SFG face frequent TDY and deployment cycles. Family readiness is critical — the SFG has a robust FRG network and access to all Special Operations specific support programs. Housing for SFG soldiers is available throughout the post and surrounding communities.
Other Tenant Organizations
- 4th Combat Aviation Brigade (4th CAB) — Apache and Chinook aviation
- 43rd Sustainment Brigade
- 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Stryker)
- Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) — for wounded warriors
- Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) — full-service military hospital
On-Post Facilities
| Facility | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Evans Army Community Hospital | Bldg 1000, Rouse Ave | (719) 526-7200 |
| Post Exchange (PX / AAFES) | Main PX, Sheridan Ave | (719) 576-6440 |
| Commissary (DeCA) | Sheridan Ave | (719) 526-4012 |
| Iron Horse Sports Complex (gym) | Iron Horse Rd | (719) 526-5234 |
| Magrath Pool | Magrath Ave | (719) 526-3623 |
| Outdoor Recreation | Bldg 1118 | (719) 526-4180 |
| Bowling Center | Bldg 4130 | (719) 526-5700 |
| Auto Skills Center | Bldg 2324 | (719) 526-3649 |
| Child Development Center (CDC) | Multiple locations | (719) 526-4590 |
| Pikes Peak Library (on post) | Bldg 6137 | (719) 526-0789 |
| Legal Assistance (JAG) | Bldg 1129 | (719) 526-4320 |
| Army Community Service (ACS) | Bldg 2104 | (719) 526-4590 |
On-Post Housing (Corvias Communities)
All on-post housing at Fort Carson is managed by Corvias Military Living. Housing is divided into neighborhoods by grade band:
- Chestnut Commons: E-1 through E-4. 2–3 bedrooms. Older stock, but well-maintained. Close to the main gate.
- Iron Horse Park: E-5 through E-6. 3 bedrooms with garages. Playgrounds, community centers.
- Pershing Heights: E-7 through O-3. 3–4 bedrooms. Near Evans Hospital and PX.
- Legacy Village: O-4 and above / Senior NCOs. 4–5 bedrooms. Larger lots, quieter streets.
Waitlists vary from 60 days to over 12 months depending on grade and bedroom count. Apply at corviascommunitiesco.com as soon as orders are issued. For off-post options, see our BAH and housing guide and neighborhoods overview.
Schools Near Fort Carson
Fort Carson falls primarily within Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, which serves the Fountain, Security-Widefield, and on-post population. District 8 schools are military-friendly and have a high percentage of military-connected students.
- Fountain-Fort Carson High School: The primary high school for on-post families. Strong JROTC program.
- Janitell Junior High: Grades 7–9, strong arts and sports programs.
- Multiple elementary schools on and near post with excellent military liaison support.
Families living further from the installation in Security-Widefield or Pueblo West may fall under different feeder patterns. See our full school districts guide for details.