Fort Carson

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Overview

Fort Carson is a major U.S. Army installation located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Known as the “Mountain Post,” Fort Carson supports combat-ready units, large-scale training operations, and rapid deployment forces.

Established during World War II, the installation has grown into one of the Army’s most active posts, supporting soldiers, families, and a large veteran community in southern Colorado.

Fort Carson is home to several major units, including elements of the 4th Infantry Division, and plays a key role in preparing forces for operations around the world.

History

Fort Carson was established in 1942 as Camp Carson, named after frontiersman and soldier Christopher “Kit” Carson.

During World War II, the installation served as a training center for infantry divisions preparing for deployment overseas. After the war, the base continued to support training and operational readiness during the Cold War, expanding its role as a permanent Army installation.

Camp Carson was redesignated as Fort Carson in 1954, reflecting its long-term importance to the Army.

Over the decades, units stationed at Fort Carson have supported major operations including:

• World War II

• The Korean War

• The Vietnam War

• Operation Desert Storm

• Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan

Today, Fort Carson remains a critical training and deployment hub for the U.S. Army.

The Mountain Post

Fort Carson is widely known as the “Mountain Post” due to its location near the Rocky Mountains and its unique training environment.

The installation’s terrain includes:

• High-altitude conditions

• Mountainous training areas

• Open maneuver space for large-scale exercises

These conditions allow soldiers to train in environments that closely resemble real-world operational settings.

Units and Mission

Fort Carson supports several major units responsible for combat readiness and global deployment.

Key units include:

• 4th Infantry Division — A combat-ready division capable of rapid deployment worldwide

• 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team — Mechanized infantry and armored forces

• Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division — Provides aviation support and air mobility

• Sustainment and support units that enable operations across the force

These units support missions involving:

• Infantry and armored operations

• Aviation and air mobility

• Logistics and sustainment

• Rapid deployment and global response

Training and Operations

Fort Carson’s extensive training areas make it one of the Army’s most important locations for large-scale exercises.

Training activities include:

• Brigade-level maneuver exercises

• Live-fire training

• Aviation operations

• High-altitude and cold-weather training

The installation’s training capabilities allow units to maintain readiness for modern combat operations.

Community and Location

Fort Carson is located just south of Colorado Springs, one of the largest military communities in the United States.

The region supports a large population of:

• Active-duty service members

• Military families

• Veterans and retirees

Nearby military installations include:

• Peterson Space Force Base

• Schriever Space Force Base

• United States Air Force Academy

This concentration of military installations makes the Colorado Springs area a key hub for national defense.

Fort Carson Today

Today, Fort Carson continues to serve as a major center for Army operations and training.

The installation supports:

• Combat-ready Army units

• Aviation and support operations

• Large-scale training exercises

• Soldier and family support services

Its location and capabilities make it a critical part of the Army’s ability to deploy and sustain forces worldwide.

Did You Serve at Fort Carson?

Many soldiers remember their time at Fort Carson through:

• Assignments with the 4th Infantry Division

• Training in the Mountain Post environment

• Deployments from Colorado Springs

• Life in the local military community

If you served at Fort Carson, your experiences are part of the history of one of the Army’s most active and recognizable installations.