Posted on Jan 20, 2021
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I'm an E-5 11B and have been stationed at Fort Drum and Fort Carson. I am trying to get orders to Wainwright if it is possible. Wondering how the units are, the possibility of deploying, and general experiences ovrerall. Thank you for your time.
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CSM G3/5/7 Sergeant Major
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Like everywhere it is what you make it. I was at Wainwright 13-15, at JBER or Fort Richardson 17-19, and I am back at Wainwright now 19-Present. I also was at Drum 2000-2009.

There is a lot to do if you are outdoorsy, adventurous, and willing to try new things. If you are hoping it’s like NYC, Dallas, etc, with night clubs and such you will be sadly disappointed.

This place is called the Last Frontier for a reason. The town of Fairbanks is small, but I love it. It will be a great place to retire for sure. Very pro-military.

The hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing, 4wheeling, snow machining, and camping make it a great place to be stationed.

Come up with an open mind, try it out. Worst case you leave in 3 years.

Personally the best place I have been stationed.
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SFC Senior Human Resources Nco (S1)
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I just wanted to add to the CSM here because everything he said is spot on. get outside get the sunlight enjoy what there is to offer here this is my second time at Fort Wainwright Alaska. I was here from 2002 to 2007 and arrived here in October of 2020. The units are all different, barracks are improved, housing is significantly better but almost nothing else has changed. And with that said try things. get out of the barracks/house, makes the experience 100x better. Eat some Caribou steaks, go to Valdez, Seward, Homer and get on a charter, the MWR still sponsors a free charter in Seward to fish Halibut, Cod, Rock Fish. Go to Barrow (the top of the world). I hear they changed the name of the city, but I'm sure its still the same. I was at Carson from 2015-2019 the tempo is not as high here in Wainwright and the Arctic Family Days/Arctic Readiness Days and one more that is new to me specially from the last time I was here ensures we get plenty of time with our families. COVID has definitely took some of the things I wanted to do this time around and put a hold on them, but I will be knocking them out as I can.
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Thank you CSM. I’m hoping I am hoping that I can get orders there soon!
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SFC (Join to see) Thank you SFC!
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CSM G3/5/7 Sergeant Major
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Good luck as we hope to see ya make it up this way. SSG (Join to see)
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SSG Byron Howard Sr
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Heard if your a sportsmen it's great. Fishing and hunting awesome.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
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Lived in AK for 4 years. Flew C130 in and out of Wainwright many times. Staged air drops from there.

Wainwright Is next toFairbanks AK. It’s warmer than Anchorage in summer with highs in the upper 80s. Colder in winter with some Lowes near -40. Army in AK goes to field in all seasons. Soldiers appear well equipped.

Recreation in Fairbanks area includes fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Cost of living is up to 20% higher than lower 48. You get cost of living allowance and extra housing allowance if you live off post.
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