PWTM: Fort Rucker, AL
One of the most challenging aspects of the military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be almost overwhelming.
We here at Army Wife Network want to take the some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Post With the Most series. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Home of Army Aviation, Fort Rucker covers more than 63,100 acres of southeast Alabama countryside in an area known as the Wiregrass. It is the primary flight training installation for Army aviators, and there are both Army and Air Force pilots and crews at the location. The affectionate nickname “Mother Rucker” is apt as soldiers in the aviation branch will frequently return to Fort Rucker for schools and training, including pilot training and re-education.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Fort Rucker is home to the following units:
- 110th Aviation Brigade
- 1st Aviation Brigade
- 128th Aviation Brigade
- 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group
- Air Traffic Services Command
- Aviation Center Logistics Command
- Logistics Readiness Center
- Medical Evacuation Proponency Division
- Mission and Installation Contracting Command—Fort Rucker
- Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Support Center—Fort Rucker
- US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory
- US Army Combat Readiness Center
- US Army School of Aviation Medicine
- US Army Warrant Officer Career College
Surrounding Cities:
- Daleville (3 miles)
- Enterprise (9 miles)
- Ozark (10 miles)
- Dothan (25 miles)
Closest MAJOR City:
- Montgomery (94 miles)
Names of Area Colleges:
- Baker College on Fort Rucker
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Fort Rucker
- Enterprise State Community College on Fort Rucker
- Troy University in Dothan
- Wallace Community College in Dothan
Weather: You can expect hot and humid summers with temperatures in the 90s and mild winters with temperatures in the upper-50s and lower-60s. Snowfall is extremely rare, but tornadoes are a frequent risk in spring, summer, and fall.
Time Zone: Central Time Zone
SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION
To access the installation website, click here.
Historical Facts/Landmarks: Originally known as Camp Rucker, the installation was developed to train three main infantry divisions, one of which deployed to the European Theater in October 1944. It didn’t become the home of Army Aviation until 1954, when the aviation school moved from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to Camp Rucker. The following year, the installation became officially known as Fort Rucker. You can read the full history of the installation as well as the development of Army Aviation here. For more on the aviation side of history, visit the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.
HOUSING
On-post Housing is managed by Corvias Military Living.
Major realty/rental companies in the area:
- Becky Hancock Realty
- Team Linda Simmons
- Coldwell Banker Prestige Homes and Real Estate
- Century 21 Regency Realty
SCHOOLS
School Districts:
On-Post Schools
- Elementary: Fort Rucker Primary School (PreK-2) and Edmund W. Rucker Elementary (3-6).
Off-Post Schools: Click on the district lists above to view specific school in your district.
- Private/Charter: Wiregrass Christian Academy (Preschool-Grade 6), Refuge Christian Academy (K-12), and Providence Christian School (numerous education options available).
- Homeschool: There is an active group of homeschool families on Fort Rucker. Find more information about support options here.
ON-POST SERVICES
- Child and Youth Services
- Army Community Service
- PX
- Commissary
- Center Library
- Lyster Army Health Center
- MWR
- Fort Rucker Community Spouses’ Club
- Chaplain & Religious Services/Organizations
OFF-POST INFORMATION
Health Care:
- Hospitals: Medical Center Enterprise in Enterprise, Dale Medical Center in Ozark, and Flowers Hospital in Dothan.
- Urgent Care: American Family Care in Enterprise, Prime Med of Ozark in Ozark, and PrimeCare of Dothan in Dothan.
- OBGYN: Dothan OBGYN in Dothan and Aventa Specialized Women’s Care.
- Dentists: Aspen Dental in Enterprise, Wiregrass Dental in Enterprise, and Ozark Family Dental in Ozark.
- Vision: Daleville Optical Center in Daleville, Bender Eye Care in Enterprise, and Murray Vision Source in Dothan.
Best place for beauty services:
- The Best Little Hair House in Daleville
- Studio 84 Salon and Spa in Daleville
- New Look Hair Salon in Enterprise
- Hair-N-Motion Salon and Spa in Enterprise
- Cindy Nails in Enterprise
- Regal Nails in Enterprise
Shopping malls:
- Wiregrass Commons in Dothan
“Shopping in Dothan! Dothan would be the place to go for anything you wanted, especially if you didn’t want to go to Walmart again. You can find most things there: Barnes & Noble, Target, Publix, Five Guys, and more. There’s a lot there.” – Emily G.
RESTAURANTS
Daleville:
Enterprise:
- Mellow Mushroom
- Cutts Restaurant
- Milky Moo’s Homemade Ice Cream
- Mick’s Dauphin St. Cafe
- La Leyenda
- Milano’s Ristorante
- Taj
- Corks and Cattle
Dothan:
- La Parilla
- Cactus Flower Cafe
- Red Elephant Pizza and Grill
- Kinza Japanese Restaurant
- Bella’s Fine Dining
MUST DO
Fort Rucker:
Enterprise:
- Pea River Historical Society Depot Museum
- Boll Weevil Monument
Dothan:
- Water World
- AdventureLand
- Fun Zone Skate Center (also has laser tag and rock climbing)
- Escape Dothan
- Wiregrass Museum of Art
- Landmark Park
- Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
- Folklore Brewing and Meadery
SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS
Army Wife Network does not promote or endorse these groups; however, we know they can be helpful in learning about various duty stations, so they are provided for your convenience.
Installation Facebook page: USAACE and Fort Rucker
Military Spouse Groups:
Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:
Religious services:
SPOUSE TESTIMONIALS
