How is it being stationed at Fort Wainwright?

2021-01-20T14:54:27-05:00

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.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Jan 20 at 2021 3:07 PM

2021-01-20T15:07:05-05:00

Heard if your a sportsmen it's great. Fishing and hunting awesome.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2021 7:43 PM

2021-01-20T19:43:17-05:00

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.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 21 at 2021 12:55 PM

2021-01-21T12:55:45-05:00

My father was stationed at Eilson AFB just south of Fairbanks. I remember he tried like hell to stay and I was sad to leave. The bugs are mean, but if you are into the great outdoors it is a paradise. Soldiering is soldiering and everyplace has something about it that sucks. It's more a matter of your attitude an making the best of the situation. Personally, even when I was in Afghanistan at a forward deployed FOB, I found personal satisfaction in my work and I encourage you to find the things that give you satisfaction like taking pride in soldiering. It makes life much better.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 21 at 2021 2:28 PM

2021-01-21T14:28:23-05:00

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.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2021 5:29 AM

2021-02-23T05:29:27-05:00

It truly depends what you’re looking for.
Like everyone else has said, GREAT place for outdoorsmen/women . You will probably feel slightly more American in Alaska if you enjoy firearms and off-road toys, the limits to the good clean fun you can have are boundless. However, wainwright isn’t different from any other army base, it’s a literal 50/50 whether you land in decent housing if you are married. Wainwright’s units all seem to have their own struggles... (for the love of all that is holy don’t speed on-post). As far as work goes you’ll most likely be a VC for a Stryker or squad leader working with strykers. Whether it’s 75+ or -35 you’re going to be doing PMCS on an OLD Stryker/ LMTV or if you’re lucky an JLTV. Going to gunnery, live fires, ranges, misc training in 75+ or -35 you’ll be an “Arctic warrior” for a reason. Command tends to enjoy seeing their guys out there doing Arctic training. Mosquitoes can be a deterrent for some as they legally qualify as a state bird .... Winter is pretty neat cause the plows are zambonies for the highway, roads... if you’re lucky you’ll see a gravel (yes gravel) truck spreading (gravel) for traction, so prepare your insurance because previously mentioned traction services tend to kick up and shatter your windshields. Also if you do decide to come up. Invest in the friggin Costco card. It’s worth it’s weight in gold ! Hope this was enough!