How is The Fort Hood barracks and living conditions for a single soldier, on a scale of one to ten?

SPC Cameron Hale — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 10:58:27 -0400

I don't mean to sound entitled by this question, very recently the needs of the Army changed I'm headed to Fort Hood rather than Leavenworth now. I'm just wondering how close to everything the barracks are I.e. The gym and various d-facs. I have no real problem with what I'm given. It's free living.

That's a given.

Response by MSG Bobby Ewing made Mar 21 at 2017 11:02 AM

MSG Bobby Ewing — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:02:50 -0400

I haven't been to Fort Hood since 2001-2005. While there, there were multiple style barracks: star ships, doors inside and doors outside. depends on the unit assigned. There are multiple DFACS and Gyms through Hood so no issues there. The PX(s) and commissaries are on the opposite ends of the installation, so look to walk, bike, or get rides from friends.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Mar 21 at 2017 11:04 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:04:38 -0400

SPC Cameron Hale I can't answer this question based on experience, but there are many other RP Members that Hope with respond to your question Cameron! I call upon my Connections and Members to help you with some solid feedback.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 21 at 2017 11:09 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:09:21 -0400

While I was never stationed there, I heard mixed reviews on Fort Hood. Some people told me they loved it while others said they hated it. I would just say make the best of what you got, knowing the CAV guys I know, I doubt you'll see much of the barracks anyways.

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made Mar 21 at 2017 11:27 AM

SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:27:59 -0400

I lived in the old and new barracks reserved for 13sce soldiers. If you are a single soldier SPC and below it can be rather cramped as you are likely sharing a room. If you are an NCO the rooms are spacious and differ you a cooking area. On the other side of post the ACR and 1 1CD have mottled barracks new and old. There are many things to do if you are an outdoor person. Hiking at Dana Peak, Blora, or other locations known throughout hill country. Austin is a short drive away about sixty miles with plenty to do and explore. One way to advocate for barracks initiatives is to volunteer as the boss rep. You are you are your company, battalion, and brigades advocate for leisure and quality of life initiatives. On post and in the surrounding community.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 12:03 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:03:37 -0400

A solid 9

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 21 at 2017 12:46 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:46:03 -0400

It will be what you make it out to be, go with an open mind, and make your decision after a month or so.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Mar 21 at 2017 2:16 PM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:16:32 -0400

I think you're ok, PV2. There's nothing entitled about wanting to know your upcoming living conditions. I know RP can be direct sometimes, but you're ok with this one.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 6:20 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 18:20:10 -0400

Don't know much about the base itself Cause I'm just there every once in a while for drill, but Killeen is kind of a butthole. However if you have a POV its not too far from Austin which you can always have a good time there. Feel free to contact me. I'll be back stateside in October and I'll show you why Texas is freakin sweet.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 7:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:22:04 -0400

If you come to 1st CAV 1BDE and dont end up in 2-12 or 2-5 CAV your barracks are gonna look like shit.
Everyone else you are good..lol

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Mar 22 at 2017 7:36 AM

1SG Mike Case — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 07:36:20 -0400

The quality of the barracks honestly depends on where you live. I will say that they have increased in quality through the years. There is the Warrior Way PX one side of post and the main PX which just re-opened on the other side. Both are quite large and have everything you need. The are numerous gyms on post (I think like five) and there is a shuttle that runs around post for Soldiers that don't have a vehicle. People will say Killeen sucks but don't be a barracks rat. Get out and see the surrounding areas. You are 45 min from Austin and 2 1/2 from Dallas/Ft. Worth. Get with your BOSS rep when you get there and when you get the chance and sign up for the trips that they offer.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Mar 22 at 2017 10:04 AM

SFC Andrew Miller — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 10:04:35 -0400

I was never stationed there, but have been TDY numerous times and was there about two years ago as a vendor for their annual education fair. I won't echo much of the other responses, but like some have said it is what you make of it. Nearly every post still has an array of old and new billeting and sometimes it is the luck of the draw or luck of the unit if you are in a newer one.

While staying within the command guidance, make your personal space reflect you and then get out and about. People will talk about Killeen saying it is all strip clubs and pawn shops, but there are a lot of great restaurants, some decent shopping, and a few movie theaters. If you have a vehicle you can make day trips to quite a few larger cities.

On post you have multiple MWR and gym facilities, a great education center, and numerous chapels. I encourage you to work on your education, taking as much advantage of Tuition Assistance and CLEP/DSST exams as you can. You can sit down and discuss goals in that regard with one of the multiple education counselors.

Every duty assignment is what you make of it. I don't care where you are, there will be barracks rats and naysayers that hate the location. I won't say that I didn't have days or even weeks that I didn't have to "Embrace the Suck", but I loved something about everyone of my 8 duty stations and my two TCS locations.

Here is a link to the Fort Hood MWR facilities for you take a look at. The Leisure Travel Service (listed on that page) has a lot of great resources and links as well.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Mar 22 at 2017 5:34 PM

SGM Joel Cook — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 17:34:55 -0400

Lots of different types of barracks, the newer ones have a room on each side of a shared bathroom.
SPC and below two per room. The older ones have a central common area with four rooms on its perimeter SPC and below were two per room in that scenario also. I have heard but never seen that the newest ones are self contained two soldiers per room with tiny bathroom on side. When many of the soldiers are married and live off post you might not have a roommate. It is Commander's prerogative to have empty rooms or one person per room to keep them lived in. Each Battalion has its own DFAC in its own local area, every one I know of very close. No more than 300 yards usually closer. Gyms are spread out but just about every unit is within about two miles of one or much closer luck of the draw. Shuttle buses run on post. I had a bicycle for use most of the year except Dec, Jan, Feb too cold then for a bike. Your unit is supposed to assign you a sponsor to answer all these questions Specifically. Unfortunately you could show up on post and get a change in units depending who is more short handed in your MOS. I still live in Killeen, it is a spread out place, as is Fort Hood, biggest military post in the free world; so without a car things can take time to get around to. I always liked Fort Hood but others have always hated it. It is what you make of it. If you like to go fishing after 30 days you qualify for residents hunting and fishing licenses. I don't have a boat any more but I can show you a few places to bank fish. I still have my motorboat license so I can rent one at BLORA.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 10:55 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 22:55:38 -0400

Currently in a hood myself. Barracks are pretty bad. I share one room and a latrine with another guy. Gyms are pretty good, as are the DFACs. From where I am, there is a gym and DFAC within 400m of my barracks.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 7:03 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 07:03:00 -0400

get married you will thank me later

Response by SFC Gabe Loftin made Mar 23 at 2017 12:43 PM

SFC Gabe Loftin — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 12:43:01 -0400

Get a car!

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Mar 23 at 2017 12:47 PM

SGT Tim Fridley — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 12:47:18 -0400

I have no idea about Ft. Hood but I do know all the barracks are alot closer and nicer then when I was in

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 1:16 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 13:16:09 -0400

Even if i do not live in the barracks my fellow coworkers say they are so and so. Most barracks have a dfac next to them and a shoppette. Gyms it depends. It also depends what unit you are going in to. Hope it helps

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 6:52 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 18:52:50 -0400

I've been the barracks at both Leavenworth, and Hood. Although never stayed in them. I think they are alright, although for both places, it will just depend on the barracks you will be staying in. I know the two in Leavenworth.. they were pretty nice, but haven't been able to see all of them on Hood.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 2:15 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 14:15:27 -0400

If you get 3cr you're fucked with sharing a tiny ass room full of mold. 0/10

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 10:15 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 22:15:27 -0400

Well when I was stationed there 34 for years ago lol. Everything was cool. The gym, the px and even NCO clubs were close by. Fort Hood is HUGE! So if you don't have a car then you'll be waiting for military taxies to get you to those personal places. Good luck buddy! And take some pictures if they allow it and post them here. I would love to see it again.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2017 10:18 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 22:18:21 -0400

It's fine you got a room inspection 3-4 times a week either in the morning before PT or sometime after duty hour and the bad news is we lost all of our room door last month . Csm said its a move to keep soldier more social and sucide prevention.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 2:33 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:33:22 -0400

If you're going to an esb the living conditions ain't bad you will like it. Everything is walking distance from the esb barracks

Response by PFC Scott O'Connor made Apr 8 at 2017 11:45 PM

PFC Scott O'Connor — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 23:45:27 -0400

I ETSed in 1989. Most likely better than our best was. ;-)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2017 8:12 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 08:12:20 -0400

If you are 3cr, in 1/3, 2/3, or even 3/3 you going to be living in a room that's barely a half a step from reception

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2017 8:14 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 08:14:22 -0400

Give it a 4 though lol if you are 1st cav a 9 or 10

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 3:56 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 15:56:46 -0400

I feel like anyone who lives at any base will have 2 different ways of seeing it: it either sucks and everything is terrible or that it's really nice with lots of things to do. I honestly feel, no matter which base you're in, its all on how you make it. Things will go a lot better if you see things for their opportunities and keep an open mind.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 12:34 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 12:34:38 -0400

I'm living in said barracks right now, depending on where you go it's pretty nice by be warned if you're an MP, ada, or infantry , chances are you're gonna be in some pretty bad living quarters, my advice right now is to start looking up how to get rid of black mold because the barracks managers won't assign you a new room unless the black mold completely covers a wall.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 11:25 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 11:25:16 -0400

Depends on he unit

Response by PFC Joshua Berens made Apr 15 at 2017 12:19 PM

PFC Joshua Berens — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 12:19:15 -0400

Is 0 a good answer, they blow like a bunch of gay sailors out on the sea

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2017 6:58 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 18:58:28 -0400

It's not that bad there are a couple of good dfacs as well as some great gyms

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 7:07 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 07:07:14 -0400

I'm in the East side aviation barracks, it's one room shaped like a "V" with your own bed, desk and drawer. you share a bathroom kitchen fridge and a big walk in closet. the newer barracks have personal rooms

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 2:36 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 14:36:25 -0400

I can confirm for you that the barracks here on fort hood are not the greatest places to live there are a few different types of the barracks each slightly better then the previous so to give you some quick info on them you have the reception barracks they are the absolute shittiest of them all you share one small common area with three other soldiers with nothing but your bunks closets microwave and fridge but that should only last about two weeks when you get to your unit they could have the next better ones where I was put I had one large common area where the room was open with "cubbyholes" where your personal area is but it's still in the open but you do have an electric range top to cook on so that's a plus. One of my battles got put in the next step up in the barracks where he still had the common area as the kitchen area but they had their own private rooms that your room mate didn't have access to. One of my other battles got lucky for a brief spell and was put in the blc barracks where he had the same set up as the previous but he also had a washer and dryer in the common area so to give them all a 1-10 I'd say the first would get about a 2 next probably a 4 the third I'd probably give a 7 or 8 and the blc ones a 9 none get a ten in my option because no matter what you have the common area where your room mate could potentially get into your stuff that you might not want them to get into in case you forget to lock it up

Response by PFC Anthony Cotrell made May 16 at 2017 5:37 AM

PFC Anthony Cotrell — Tue, 16 May 2017 05:37:15 -0400

When i was stationed there i loved it i had my own personnal room walk in closet and sink but i did have to share the kitchen and latrine and some of my buddys had a similar setup and others had to share everything with someone else its just based off of what unit your at but before i got out 3 years ago they was starting to rebuild all the barricks so if you get in a old one just wait and soon enough they will put you in a new one or a better one

Response by SGT John Hamby made Jun 3 at 2017 5:57 PM

SGT John Hamby — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 17:57:23 -0400

to answer your question, i personally would rate them about an 8 overall

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 9:24 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 09:24:48 -0400

Currently just stopped living in the barracks, however, the DFACs are quality DFACs. You are not too far from any gym depending what unit you go to. We have literally 7-9 gyms on post. Also depending on what unit you're going to, you will have the newer barracks which are really freaking nice .

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2017 8:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 08:46:00 -0400

You'll see other responses are all over the place, and that's due to the fact Fort Hood has a huge cantonment stretching 5 miles. Barracks are in various states of age and renovation, so you may be lucky, or not in the room you stay in. I've stayed in the black moldy ones, and I've stayed in okay ones. There are gyms and dining facilities every 5-10 blocks so most things are walkable. Even the PXes, shopettes, and commissaries are if you walk a bit further. A car, or at least a bicycle, or a good buddy with a vehicle, are useful.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2017 3:11 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 15:11:35 -0400

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 11:16 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 23:16:27 -0500

Depends on what unit youre in

Response by PFC Jared Noe made Mar 18 at 2018 11:05 AM

PFC Jared Noe — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 11:05:35 -0400

-10000000

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 12:13 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 00:13:19 -0400

Really depends on the unit you go to. My unit left old barracks when we did a rotation to Kuwait and got new barracks when we got back

Response by B. Burke made Apr 20 at 2018 9:51 PM

B. Burke — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 21:51:07 -0400

One of best friend's brothers was stationed at Hood back in 2012 and he said the barracks were terrible. The worst he's ever seen, in fact. And that was his 3rd duty station. This was 6 years ago however so maybe they've changed since then, but I doubt it.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2018 12:45 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 12:45:20 -0400

-3

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 3:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 03:04:56 -0400

Every NCO I've spoken to that's been at Hood has had one thing to say. They call it "hood" for a reason.