Like I said in my tip, don't come in with any expectations. I'm one of those people who truly believe that your mindset will determine your experience. Yes, the base is extremely isolated, if you don't already know that then now you know. You either deal with what you have on post or you drive down the Fort Irwin Road speedway to get to where you need to go. We always opt for the latter. The schools on base are great! I can tell how much my children's teachers love teaching, especially if they're willing to make the drive out here. I've felt welcomed in their classrooms and on their campuses. The middle school sports program at Fort Irwin Middle school has been surprisingly competitive. My 6th grade daughter has played for both their volleyball and basketball team and we've loved making the drive out to watch them play at away games. The housing isn't the best we've lived in, but we've lucked out again with being placed in newer housing with less issues. I recommend for anyone PCSing over to make sure you video tape and photograph any discrepancies with your home and submit that with your list to housing. Also, invest in a ring doorbell. I haven't really had any issues with our food establishments, but then again we do more cooking at home and my kids are easy to please with the selection here. If I had to choose to eat out I'd go to Smoothie n Things and the bowling alley before anywhere else. Getting visitors on base is easy if you follow procedures. You can send in the visitor pass request early and your guests can do all the waiting at the gate without needing you to drive up to accompany them on. From what I understand they cannot clear backgrounds until they arrive, so they should expect a wait for their clearance. Want to not be a "lack for better and appropriate word" at the gate? Then dim your lights, roll down all driver's side windows, have your identification ready and be prepared to open your trunk if requested when entering the gate. Don't fight security procedures. Don't play Pokémon go? Well now's the time to start. You're either a gym rat or a Pokémon go geek. Join the darkside! read more

Wow ! Talk about the greatest time of my life. One month of excellent training. I was here in beautiful 114 degree weather and had delicious food in a bag . My favorite is the chicken chunks ! Yummmmm. I sun bathed so much and slept in rain it was an amazing experience. Join the army and come to this wonderful place. If you want a camping experience with no showers for a month , this is the place to be. read more

I had the honor of working for the US Military a number of years ago - as a writer for a documentary about the 11th Cavalry Blackhorse - which at the time was stationed at Fort Irwin. I drove here from LA many times for research and interviews. My contact was General Starry. I drove to him for the meetings - he arrived to me by helicopter with an armed escort. It was awesome. The base itself is like a little city, with streets and shops and a residential area. My experience with the food here was eating with the soldiers at the mess-hall. But we also had BBQs and then ate in an outside area of many benches, weather permitting - and it was always permitting. I loved this - because the soldiers, although always in uniform, were just regular men and women doing a really cool job. There were moments when I thought - "this is the best part of my life". But the real awesomeness was in the desert surrounding the fort, where war-games took place. That was my focus: the war-games. The desert is divided into two areas - one blue - one red ---- and the forces/teams that control these areas try to protect them while they also try to conquer the opponents' area. These practice battles took place using mostly tanks and choppers. And one of the coolest things was that military forces from around the world were invited to sign up to play one of the teams. Sometimes the team would be the Indian Army - sometimes Canadian or British - and there were many more that I do not even know about. Entire battalions of South Korean soldiers, or Swedes, or anyone else you can imagine - here - in California - collaborating and training side by side with Americans. Again - it was awesome. I never served in the military myself - but I am sure glad that I got to serve right next to people who were actually serving. And I am sure glad that it was here - at Fort Irwin. read more

National Training Center - General Starry - 11th Cavalry Blackhorse - stationed at Fort Irwin for War-Games - Public Services & Government Near Me - Fort Irwin, California

Hot as hell in summer cold as hell in winter px is the worst ive been to in my 6 years in the military ur unlucky if you get this place

I have the privilege of living at NTC, and I love it! There are drawbacks of living on such a small and remote post, but it is a contrast from the city life that I was living. Everything is much smaller and slower here, and that's ok. The desert has its own profound beauty. The first thing I suggest to folks who are going to be stationed here is to get Amazon Prime. That will be your savior! The nearest town is about 40 minutes away, and it's not really a town but more like a big truckstop! Imagine my surprise when I could no longer walk to Trader Joe's or Whole Foods ( whomp whomp). There's a boutique inside of the PX called Kaleidoscope, which sells hand crafted paper goods, personal care items, knitted items, jewelry, wood items, personalized glass items, baked goods, treats, and more! All items are made locally by spouses/ artisans at Fort Irwin. Think- Etsy or Pinterest pop up shop! The museum is a fun outing, and the NASA Goldstone center hosts tours as well. There are not a lot of food options but there are a ton of Home vendors here that you can purchase different types of cuisine from. German, Filipino, Vietnamese, Mexican, just to name a few. The food trucks are a small luxury as well! I love the community events such as Octoberfest, zombie walks, paintball, fun runs, concerts, and more. There really is something for everyone! My middle schooler loves it here! We are fortunate enough to live within walking distance from a nice pool, and there are parks in each neighborhood. He's able to relax and enjoy being a kid here. Walking or riding bikes to school here is safe. Everyone looks out for one another. I appreciate our small, safe community. Box tours are a must, especially if you are a spouse! Outdoor recreation is another great resource if you are looking for a fun outing. In spite of what people say this place is not terrible. Fort Irwin is what you make of it. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude, and you're golden! read more

I had to stay in a tent in a desert! There was no showers or restroom while I was out there. They had a big infestation of snakes and coyote! If u ever visit here be ready to be treated like you're in the army! read more

Not a great duty assignment for those who are sent here for their first assignment. It's not because of the location, which is bleak since you're deep in the high desert. The location is tolerable because you're 2 hours away from Los Angeles and San Diego and Vegas and just a little farther away from other great cities. If you're into rock climbing and off roading, you're not too far from where you want to be. The OPTEMPO can be incredibly difficult with many hours and days spent from your families. The Installation does what it can to make it comfortable. There is a town center with a Bar and Grill, Starbucks other fast food restaurants. Other bars and restaurants are Shockwave. No matter how much they improve the garrison areas, you're in the middle of the high desert. The sun and heat are relentless and sandy high winds are frequent. It's a great post to save money as little is spent on gas for those who lice on post and you're too far away from nearby towns to get distracted and spend your money. The best part of this post is leaving it to see other parts of California or Nevada. Command climate overall is atrocious here. read more

National Training Center - Public Services & Government Near Me - Fort Irwin, California

If you want to better understand the debacle known as the Retrograde of Afghanistan, start with the last point of instruction received by deploying Soldiers. NTC failed to provide quality training to properly prepare Soldiers for the tasks that they were expected to perform. read more

10/10 would sit at this gate again Fantastic sitting in the car Wonderful service given By far the best night of my life ever read more

"Box Tour" today, really great! They do it twice per month, you email or call for reservations, and get on the list. Meet up at 9:30 am, and they bus you out to the Box, short for sandbox, where the do incredibly realistic training, and people on the box tour get to watch. There were maybe 10 of us on the tour today. We were briefed by a light colonel filling in for the commanding general, and squired around by a couple of captains, a command sgt major, an 11th ACR lt colonel, and other folks. They do a great job, no charge, and you get to see, close up, how our young men and women are prepared for deployment and combat. Not for the feint of heart.....lots of bombs and bullets. read more

See all

It is hot as hell. Definitely do not want to come back ! The bays are pretty cool so not to bad.

This review is for the NTC Box tour, nothing else. I am not in the military, although my spouse was in the Air Force Reserves for 27yrs. She's the reason I told her about the tour. We belong to a foodie meetup group on meetup.org and when I saw this outing organized, I signed us up. You send an email to the address with your CDL information. They confirm a month in advance. We spent the night in Barstow the night before so we wouldnt have to get up butt ass early. We arrived at 9:15am, boarded the bus at painted rocks and they took us onto the base. We went to a theater for a little movie, had a briefing from the commander of the post and then continued on a tour. The bus was fully airconditioned and it was nice to be able to leave your purse/bag on the bus. They took us to lunch around 11:30, the lunch was horrible, there is not sugar coating that. Very inexpensive, a really dry piece of cake was 45 cents. I had a chicken breast for 1.65, with a side of frozen mixed vegetables for 45 cents. They had a big salad bar too. After lunch, we were taken to the "box" and we watched training exercises and mingled with the role players. It was interesting and very loud( they give earplugs). We were also taken to the museum and gift shop. Skip the gift shop, lots of homemade items. Nothing worth the $$. We finished around 3pm, they took us back to our cars at painted rocks and we left. Very interesting to see an Army base( I'd only previously been on an Air Force Base) and observe the training. read more

There is a method to the madness. Sometimes it may not seem to come from Army doctrine but it is a very complex operating environment that NTC replicates for the rotational training units. I learned from my time here as an OC/T and I hope I shared my lessons learned with the Civil Affairs units I worked with. Be ready to embrace the suck. This is what it is like being in the Army. If you can endure the misery, you will emerge a better Person. read more

National Training Center - Bronco belt buckle awarded for finding points in the desert and doing service project. - Public Services & Government Near Me - Fort Irwin, California

I don't conduct Brigade Level, Combined Arms Training very often, but when I do, I prefer to go the NTC at Ft Irwin,CA. The Atropians are always warm hosts and the Donovian Army never fails to deliver a good workout. I recommend a stop at the Leader Training Program (LTP) about a month out, to refine your planning skills. Be sure to incorporate a live fire towards the end of your visit. read more

Beautiful desert... Other than that is a shi&hole. There is no way I can ever live here. read more

See all

Horrible place. Terrible cell service. And don't let me begin on the food. I wouldn't even give this to my dog. Overall disappointed with this. read more

Great time 10/10 would reccomend. Great views from mountain tops, there isn't any rules on staying on trails so it's a creative way to get to the top for the most part. I got to spend a lot of time with my friends. The Atripoians are pretty nice. The Danovians just seem to keep coming out of the wood works but you get used to it. The wildlife is super comfortable with people so if you bring a camera you're sure to get great shots. Bring enough food and water because it's hard to scavenge for it on your own. The weather is good for tanning 95% of the time if that's your thing. If you make it to any small cities there is always room available to stay. read more

It's what u make of it just like anything it's so beautiful the mountains the constant blue sky the donkeys are so cool to look at make great memories climb mountains stay busy I love it here read more

I was here TDY in 93, I doubt much has changed but I had a good time tagged Sergeant Schmidt in her sleeping bag that was a good time!

This is literally the worst training place in the army. The RUBA is trash. The tents are old and ran down. The PX is mediocre to say the best. read more

Sooo disappointed with all of my experiences here! So disappointed! The morale is so low, it doesn't exist. There is no pride in this base or community spirit. They say this is the make it or break it base because it is so depressing and plain sucky. There are so many racists, hypocrites, liars, etc.. here that it's sad and pathetic. Worst yet, is that the NCOs and officers are included in this when they are the ones that should be changing this fact. Yes, it is a fact. But, they don't want to get involved because it means taking responsibility and actually doing something about what is really happening here on base. Try interacting with any office or business on base and I guarantee you will be unimpressed. You'll either get sub-par service, wrong information, or no service. This is true from interacting with the "welcoming" departments to the HR office to AAFES to the civilian run businesses. Also drive around base and you'll see how much "pride" there is in this base with trails that are blocked with debris for over a year, missing or illegible road signs, trash everywhere, and cracked sidewalks/trails and roads. Again so disappointed with this base and apparently so are a lot of people as you can tell by talking to just about anyone who has ever been here. Too bad no one will take charge to fix things around here. read more

So so far away....from everything!! Ummm yeah, its in the middle of the dessert so all nondense applies. Not even sure this place requires a rating, It's more an expirience to say been there done tthat, dont wana go back. read more

Ft Irwin, not for the faint at hart. This place can make or break you. Destroy you or mold you. Located in the middle of nowhere but in the middle of everything. We have Disney Land, Knottsberry Farm and 6 Flags up north. SanDiego Zoo, Sea World, and the beautiful Pacific in the west and good ole Vegas in the east. read more

Second time around at this place and the training exercise just seems to get worse no thank you.

Not the best place for a duty station. In the spring and winters, the weather is perfect; however, avoid the summers here at all cost. Amenities are ok, pool, gym, bowling and lots of outdoor hiking, if you're into those sort of things. The theater is outdated, their driving range is poorly maintained and there is plenty of fine dust to go around. I do not recommend this place for families. Single soldiers or geo-bachelor is ideal. Wildlife consists of coyotes, desert tortoise, wild donkeys and lizards. So, if you make it out here, good luck and stay hydrated. read more

This is the worst training site the army has due to inefficient OC's. Slick-sleeves trying to emphasize important aspects of a deployment when they have no actual idea and then they talk about their separate NTC rotations as deployments. It's not a deployment bro, you have no real world capabilities. On top of that they don't actually care about real world casualties, that's just another day for them. On top of that, the post is shit with limited anything, cell service will be hit or miss every ten feet unless you're AT&T or a service provider piggybacking off of them, and this sand is worse than Iraqi sand (it's finer and gets in places Iraqi sand couldn't). If you ever are given the option of not coming here take it. read more

Had a good time. I've been attempting to lose weight recently, and being at NTC has helped me overcome the plateau that I had hit after I lost 20lbs. I sweated out another 10lbs in the 25 days I spent here. I had to deduct a star because the local population really detracts from the mood of the area. The Atropian people are spineless and need to learn to stand up for themselves. The Donovian people are huge jerks and should just find another place to be. Really looking forward to coming back next year so that we can continue to play the mediator in their childish conflict. read more

Give it a shot. Location is unfortunate however; The post try's hard with lots of events and family activities.