Rock Island Arsenal
Updated: August 25, 2023
Written by Veteran.com Team
The Rock Island Arsenal, located on a 946-acre island in the Mississippi River, bridges Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Illinois. Established in 1816, it’s the U.S.’s largest government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal. Besides crafting military equipment and ordnance, the arsenal hosts the First Army headquarters and the U.S. Army’s Center of Excellence for Additive Manufacturing.
Base Operator:
309-782-6001
Address:
390 Rodman Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61299
What Kind of Base is Rock Island Arsenal?
In addition to manufacturing, the Rock Island Arsenal offers logistics and base support to all Armed Forces branches, National Guard, and Army Reserve Troops. Notably, the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, the second-oldest U.S. Army Museum, showcases the site’s military-industrial history.
Rock Island Arsenal History
The Rock Island Arsenal has marked its presence in every major U.S. conflict since the Black Hawk War of 1832. During the Civil War, it imprisoned over 12,400 Confederate soldiers. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, it preserves its storied past while serving the military’s modern needs.
Rock Island Arsenal Housing
Rock Island Arsenal offers 80 family housing units. To inquire about availability and potential wait times, reach out to the RIA Housing Office at 309-782-2376.
Rock Island Arsenal doesn’t provide barracks for single soldiers. However, the Housing Office can recommend approved local apartment complexes.
While the base doesn’t have a mobile home park, several options exist in nearby communities. Note: Most are stationary and aren’t designed for drive-up recreational vehicles.
PCS and TDY Lodging
There is no temporary lodging at Rock Island Arsenal.
What is the BAH for Rock Island Arsenal?
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Rock Island Arsenal varies depending on rank, years of service and dependency status. Visit the Illinois state BAH page or see the chart below for more information.
ROCK ISLAND, IL BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: IL089
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,404 | $1,131 |
| E02 | $1,404 | $1,131 |
| E03 | $1,404 | $1,131 |
| E04 | $1,404 | $1,131 |
| E05 | $1,641 | $1,230 |
| E06 | $1,824 | $1,365 |
| E07 | $1,845 | $1,410 |
| E08 | $1,854 | $1,683 |
| E09 | $1,890 | $1,725 |
| W01 | $1,842 | $1,383 |
| W02 | $1,851 | $1,680 |
| W03 | $1,863 | $1,731 |
| W04 | $1,917 | $1,821 |
| W05 | $2,016 | $1,827 |
| O01E | $1,848 | $1,635 |
| O02E | $1,857 | $1,719 |
| O03E | $1,926 | $1,815 |
| O01 | $1,671 | $1,254 |
| O02 | $1,821 | $1,563 |
| O03 | $1,860 | $1,755 |
| O04 | $2,046 | $1,824 |
| O05 | $2,199 | $1,830 |
| O06 | $2,217 | $1,833 |
| O07 | $2,229 | $1,842 |
For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.
Rock Island Arsenal Surrounding Area
The Rock Island Arsenal boasts a rich backdrop. Historically a Sauk Native Americans’ summer campsite, the ‘Quad Cities region now offers a mix of urban energy and hometown charm. Attractions include award-winning museums, festivals, and a lively nightlife. Nature lovers can enjoy the picturesque riverfront, while history enthusiasts can visit the Confederate Cemetery, Rock Island National Cemetery, and historic stone workshops. The on-base museum highlights an impressive small arms weapons collection.
Healthcare
Woodson Health Clinic, situated in the basement of Building 110, caters to the health needs of the active-duty military at Rock Island Arsenal. While their primary focus is on active-duty personnel, the clinic also serves dependents and retirees when time and space permit. To schedule an appointment, dial 1-866-524-4677. Blanchfield Army Community Hospital at Ft. Campbell oversees the clinic and its appointment line.
Rock Island Arsenal does not offer dental services. Seek dental care at off-post facilities.
Childcare
There is one Child Development Center on-post. The base offers full day care for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children. There is also a school year care and a summer camp program for students.
Schooling
Rock Island Arsenal offers a variety of school choices to fit each family’s unique needs. Children living on post can attend schools in the Moline or Rock Island Illinois districts or the Davenport, Bettendorf, or Pleasant Valley districts in Iowa. For more information, call 309-782-6515, the Rock Island Arsenal School Liaison Office.
