Fort McCoy

Updated: September 22, 2023
In this Article

    Situated between Sparta and Tomah, Wisconsin, Fort McCoy operates as a comprehensive training center on over 60,000 acres, providing crucial readiness support to active and reserve military personnel across all branches. Additionally, Fort McCoy is the home of the 181st Infantry Brigade.

    Base Operator:
    608-388-3545

    Address:
    1654 S 11th Avenue
    Fort McCoy, WI 54656

    What Kind of Base is Fort McCoy?

    Addressing both individual and collective training needs, Fort McCoy offers diverse terrain, state-of-the-art ranges, and ample support infrastructure, establishing it as an ideal environment for skill development and sustenance for military personnel. It plays a multifunctional role in the military.

    Fort McCoy History

    Fort McCoy, initially known as the “Sparta Maneuver Tract,” underwent several transformations and expansions over the years, once serving as a camp for “enemy aliens” during World War II and training over 100,000 military members annually in contemporary times. It was re-designated as Fort McCoy in 1974, functioning as a permanent training center.

    Following the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2021, Fort McCoy hosted one of the largest populations of Afghan evacuees.

    Fort McCoy Housing

    Military housing options at Fort McCoy lie south of the post. There are roughly 120 homes available in the area. There are options including three and four bedroom housing options.

    There is also off-post housing in the local communities. There are no mobile home parks on-post.  To learn more about the available housing options, call the Housing Office at 608-388-3704.

    PCS and TDY Lodging

    Temporary lodging is available on-post. For those are either on Temporary Duty (TDY) or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) personnel, you can stay at the IHG Army Hotels at Fort McCoy to make reservations, call 608-388-2107. It’s important to note that there may be restrictions in place, so it’s advisable to inquire about these when making a reservation.

    What is the BAH for Fort Mccoy?

    Check to see what the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is in Wisconsin.

    SPARTA/FORT MCCOY, WI BAH Rates

    Military Housing Area: WI318

    Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
    E01 $1,125 $963
    E02 $1,125 $963
    E03 $1,125 $963
    E04 $1,125 $963
    E05 $1,161 $1,032
    E06 $1,635 $1,227
    E07 $1,659 $1,248
    E08 $1,668 $1,260
    E09 $1,686 $1,398
    W01 $1,656 $1,245
    W02 $1,665 $1,257
    W03 $1,677 $1,413
    W04 $1,707 $1,635
    W05 $1,776 $1,641
    O01E $1,662 $1,254
    O02E $1,671 $1,368
    O03E $1,713 $1,629
    O01 $1,224 $1,080
    O02 $1,632 $1,251
    O03 $1,674 $1,464
    O04 $1,797 $1,638
    O05 $1,902 $1,644
    O06 $1,917 $1,647
    O07 $1,929 $1,653

    For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.

    Fort Mccoy Surrounding Area

    Fort McCoy is surrounded by the picturesque Coulee Region of West Central Wisconsin, known for its unique geological features and outdoor recreational opportunities. The nearby towns of Sparta, dubbed the “Bicycling Capital of America,” and Tomah, the “Gateway to Cranberry Country,” are each about eight miles from the installation, offering a blend of small-town charm and cultural attractions. Fort McCoy is about a three-hour drive from both Minneapolis and Milwaukee metropolitan areas.

    Healthcare

    The Occupational Health Clinic on-post offers care to active-duty service members, but only on rare occurrence. For any other medical services, get care at an off-post facility in any nearby communities.

    Childcare

    Fort McCoy offers childcare options at its two Child Development Centers (CDCs) on-post. One center offers full day care for children as young as infants to as old as preschoolers. The second center is a school age center, with care services for students during the school year.

    Schooling

    There are no elementary or secondary schools on-post. Children living in the South Post housing area are bused to the Sparta Area School District. There are seven other school districts in the surrounding area.

    For anymore questions regarding education options, call the School Liaison Office at 608-388-6814.

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    Written by Veteran.com Team