PCSing to JBLM (Ft. Lewis) 3rd BCT

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 14:42:27 -0400

I will receive my commission as a 2LT Engineer Officer in a week and will PCS to JBLM Ft. Lewis with the 2nd ID 3rd BCT this December.

Does anyone have any experience with Ft. Lewis that could give me suggestions on housing, recreation (aka off-post shooting range), and attractions?

Does anyone have any experience with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team they would like to share for an incoming Engineer Officer?

Response by SFC Rich Carey made May 1 at 2014 3:05 PM

SFC Rich Carey — Thu, 01 May 2014 15:05:09 -0400

Call Military One Source
Hiking, camping is great. You can find housing.
My family and I visit Ft Lewis area and stay with friends, we always have a great time.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2014 11:18 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 11:18:07 -0400

If you're not PCSing until December, I hope this answer finds you in time. I researched housing and neighborhoods extensively prior to PCS, and decided on North Tacoma. It gave me access to everything I needed and I could be on the compound in 20 minutes. University Place it great. Lakewood is hit or miss. Puyallup is the burbs, but if you're a single 2LT, I would recommend an apartment in downtown Tacoma. Tons of lofts, and easy commute. More traffic once you pass the WA-16 exit, but the recreation is top notch.

Outdoor recreation is amazing. Get good rain gear, but it's really not that bad. Free camping in National Forests, the Olympic Penninsula is outstanding, and the fly fishing in WA is incredible.

Response by SGT Corey Thomas made Apr 17 at 2015 12:38 AM

SGT Corey Thomas — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 00:38:20 -0400

Sportsman range outside Eastgate isn't to bad, great hunting and fishing all around jblm

Response by SPC Brian Carpenter made May 25 at 2015 10:00 PM

SPC Brian Carpenter — Mon, 25 May 2015 22:00:29 -0400

I spent 4 years there.. Best 4 Years of my life. Go to Scott Turner Cut Off Road in Eatonville.. Its a state road that leads through the mountains.. You are free to shoot anywhere. My advice is to stay out of Tacoma and Lakewood. Have fun and get used to the rain.