PCSing to JBLM (General) Lewis-McChord

2013-10-26T17:52:43-04:00

Advice for those coming to JBLM (Fort Lewis)? Please share them here!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2013 6:00 PM

2013-10-26T18:00:31-04:00

SFC Pate,I am currently stationed at JBLM. On my way to Korea. My wife and kids will be staying while I go do my short tour. I have been here at JBLM for the past 6 years. I don't know what kind of information you are looking for so any questions you have I will be happy to answer. I can tell you that there is a lot to do here. City, mountains, water; just lots of stuff to do. Where to live is something of a personal preference. They have some places with very cheap living in less then great areas. Could live in the hustle of downtown. Or even out in the country. Almost anyway you live it will take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes to get home at night. I really enjoy it here some people hate it. It is very grey and dark a lot and tends to rain quite a bit. I like it because it hardly ever snows. Last year it snowed once and when it does this area goes stupid and you get off work no matter how much snow it is. The summers are amazing and I think it makes it worth the grey all year round. Either respond or message me with any specific questions you have.

Response by SSG Luis Ortiz Rodriguez made Nov 4 at 2013 4:05 AM

2013-11-04T04:05:43-05:00

I was there for two years. In my opinion is a great area,
traffic on I-5 can be a nightmare to the point that getting off base can take
20 minutes, base housing was good, Seattle is about 45 minutes with good
traffic or an hour+ if jam. You will never get tire of MT Rainier.
Weather....yeah it can be a pain in my opinion is more the gray or overcast skies
for days at the time than the rain. Summers are awesome and very enjoyable.

Hope this helps and good luck

Luis

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 4 at 2013 7:14 AM

2013-11-04T07:14:09-05:00

SFC Pate, great question. We actually have a duty station page for JBLM, and it lists all the RallyPoint members who are assigned there now, have been there in the past, and will be there in the future! I would recommend visiting this page via the link below, and then connecting with people who are there now -- send them messages through RallyPoint, and let them get in your foxhole to help with your planning process! Please don't hesitate to ask any further questions if you have them. Best of luck!

https://www.rallypoint.com/duty_stations/52331-joint-base-lewis-mcchord-jblm-wa

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), WA | RallyPoint

Join members of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), WA on RallyPoint, home of I Corps, WADS, 104th TD, 446 AW, 62 AW

Response by SFC Josh Watson made Nov 4 at 2013 11:09 AM

2013-11-04T11:09:47-05:00

JBLM is a great place. If the Army would let me, I'd finish my time here and retire. The biggest complaint you will here (in my opinion) is traffic. Heading north on I5 around 1600-1700 is anightmare, but I think the issue is being worked somehow. The weather is another thing I hear on a daily basis. "It always rains". It rains a lot, but it's something you get used to. The surrounding towns/cities are very supportive of the military. On post housing is pretty nice (if you like duplexes and multiplexes). If you are lucky you can get a single family unit. I live off post and love it. If you want to live off post, I recommend south Olympia. It's about a 25 minute commute in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. The school district is great and so are the small rural communities. You're a lucky guy to be able to get this place as a duty station and wish you the best of luck. If you want more specific details on anything drop me a line and ask.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2013 4:58 PM

2013-11-04T16:58:09-05:00

I spent a few years there and loved it. I'll be heading back when I retire. That said, traffic on I-5 sucks during peak hours. Personally I would look at Lacey, Olympia, Yelm, Dupont areas to live. The schools are mostly good, and normally traffic south of post is better than north. If you have specific questions we may be able to help you more.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 24 at 2013 11:28 PM

2013-12-24T23:28:00-05:00

Pretty much the same as what has been stated, if you like rain you will see a lot, traffic pretty much sucks no matter what direction you are coming or going. Housing is probably the best as far as price, quality, and safety in Olympia. Plenty of family activities and places to go and explore while there, have fun and take in the environment while stationed there.

Good lucks and enjoy.

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Jan 5 at 2014 10:43 PM

2014-01-05T22:43:30-05:00

Hey thanks to everyone for your answers! I didn't know that I was getting responses to my question. I'm new to Rally point questions! Thanks everyone, and good luck with your future assignments as well. As me anything about Ft Carson, CO/Ft Lee, VA. or Ft Polk, LA and I will do my best to answer.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2014 10:08 PM

2014-05-30T22:08:00-04:00

PV1 Pince
Is this Washington...as in Washington State or Washington D.C.?

Two different locations and two entirely different zone.....one being a nice area to be and the other....the twilight zone.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made May 30 at 2014 10:30 PM

2014-05-30T22:30:42-04:00

You'll report into Waller Hall http://www.lewis-mcchord.army.mil/dhr/ag/inprocessing.htm and they will keep you busy for several days, contact should also be made with your new unit during that time.

The website I linked has a URL to sign up for a sponsor, but since you are getting there tomorrow, I don't think that'll be super helpful.

Wish I could give you more, but I am Reserve Component, and have never had to do AC in processing.

JBLM | Inprocessing | Main

Inprocessing Mission: Perform 24 hour direct support for all incoming personnel to ensure they are in-processed IAW AR 600-8-101.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2014 10:47 PM

2014-05-30T22:47:57-04:00

You are a lucky duck! I loved my time at JBLM. LTC Stoneking is right: Waller Hall will be your place of duty for a few days. You will be totally confused; ask questions. If you are friendly, someone who has been through this a time or two before will probably take you under his/her wing. The worst thing you can do is let yourself get frustrated. Whatever you think the Army has put you through regarding a frustrating paper shuffle - double it! If something looks wrong, don't let it go. Allowing BCT reception to list me as entering the service from "Rammstein, Peurto Rico" eventually caused me problems.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 12:16 AM

2014-05-31T00:16:29-04:00

Ok PV1 Prince let me be the first to welcome you to jblm. Im currently station here on Fort Lewis. You couldnt have been arriving at a better time right now the weather is nice and will hopefully continue for next 2 months or so other than that it is always raining or just cold. CPT Ann Wolfer is right about be very attentive and double check everything before you sign any document to avoid any more added time and paperwork. Once you arrive have the shuttle drive you to waller hall which is the post reception building, so make sure you have all you orders and any other paperwork given to you from ait in your packet. Before you go in you want to make a good first impression so take a moment to fix yourself so you dont go in all ate-up. The inprocessing staff at waller hall are really proficient at what they do as long as you show up with all your documents at the ready. Once they inprocess you they will tell you whom your are getting attached to if you dont already know. Depending on what time you arrive The staff will either contact your battalion to send a nco to pick you up or they will call the after hours shuttle to take you to the new arrival/in processing barracks for the night. Over the next week you will be in reception filling out paper work, getting your permanent barracks room, finance class and other mandated on post classes all at waller hall, you will get all your initial issue items from cif, take a pt test. Once you are done with reception week they will call someone from your assigning unit to come pick you up and they will help you to in-process through brigade, battalion and company. Hope this gives you an idea of your first week or two. But as far as months ahead of time depends on what unit you go to. But we all do our 30 day rotations at the national training center in ft irwin, ca and at yakima training center in yakima, wa at least one a year.

Response by 1SG Henry Yates made May 31 at 2014 10:33 AM

2014-05-31T10:33:51-04:00

That was my first duty station in 87'. It's a great area. You'll get used to the drizzling rain that seems to never go away. Always have wet weather gear. The base has a credit union that is great and they have convenient banking options. America's Federal Credit Union.
Now concerning your unit, my hopes are that you have NCOs that will develop you and encourage you to live our past "Be all that you can be" concept. If you find that this isn't the case and you're having a hard time, you have us. We'll help you figure things out and find your way. It's nice to be in Washington state, but always remember, we're warfighters. Don't forget your training and when you train, train as if you were really in combat. Know you job like the back of your hand, read, research and know your stuff. Align yourself with responsibility. Before you go hanging out with anyone, lay low for a bit and see and hear the rumblings about your peers. Have fun, but you don't need trouble. I went out with some guys in my unit, fellow medics and thought it would be cool. I ended sleeping in the car in the cold while they went into a strip joint. They're intent was to initiate me or show me the ropes. They told me to freeze or come in. They forgot about me, but things were cool in the end. They really realized that my beliefs were pretty solid and began respecting them from that point on. Remember who you are. Be an influence versus getting into things that aren't you. Learn the areas of the surrounding cities to stay away from. Your Command should have a published off limits area and a black list. These are places that are known to be dangerous by violence or other means to military members and the blacklist publishes businesses that have taken advantage of military members. Some see us as a stream of income themselves and will take your money and give you junk. You'll do well. Have fun and learn what things are before you get into them.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 10:40 AM

2014-05-31T10:40:50-04:00

FT Lewis is one of my favorite posts in the US. It's amazing how much there is to do there - kayaking or biking up in the San Juans, snowboarding/hiking/biking up on Rainier or the the Olympic National Forest, fishing everywhere, short drive to either Portland or Seattle, not to mention Vancouver BC. You pay for the summers with a very long/wet winter, but there is no place I'd rather be come July-Sept than the Pacific Northwest.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made May 31 at 2014 11:34 AM

2014-05-31T11:34:36-04:00

Oye, which is it? DC or Washington state?
If DC, my prayers are with you, and by all means, concentrate on military protocal and keep your uniform straight!
If the state of Washington, then you have my envy. Lots of great places and great things to do on off-time there, especially if you're the out-doorsie type.
I believe you can get a shuttle at the airport, and get to "Reception" after that, they will steer you in the right direction.
Odds are, you will be teamed up with someone who can answer your questions better than we can though.
I haven't been there, but having been on my share of military bases, keep your head low until you have your 'recon' done, and don't be afraid to ask others questions when in doubt.
Hang in there PVT, you are going to do fine.

Response by SPC Kara Sport made Jun 1 at 2014 12:20 PM

2014-06-01T12:20:35-04:00

It has been a while but it was also my first duty station. Do you know if you are reporting with anyone else from your AIT unit? If so, try and stay together and help each other out. You couple of days inprocessing are going to be busy but you will also get the chance to explore that beautiful area. Don't forget your military bearing but don't be afraid to talk to the cadre at Waller Hall about the area.

I remember getting my orders to my permanent unit and thinking it was a mistake. I was a 71L (now 42A if I remember correctly) and being assigned to the 504th Military Police Battalion. I got to meet the NCO that was the unit liason and asking if it could of been an error because I wasn't an MP.

Good luck!

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 1:13 PM

2014-06-03T13:13:14-04:00

To all who responded and gave ideas and input I thank you all! My first few days are going good here at Waller hall and reception now it's just a waiting game and getting used to the surrounding area but the whether and nature here is amazing. Being from MN I love the out doors I can already tell living here won't be a problem. Thanks everyone again I'm happy to find the support needed here on rally point rather then searching for weeks on the internet!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Nov 18 at 2014 11:22 AM

2014-11-18T11:22:56-05:00

I grew up not far from there...if you like the outdoors, you'll love it...but invest in good rain gear.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2014 4:40 PM

2014-11-19T16:40:07-05:00

Never been there but I hear it rains a lot and there is a lot to do if you like the out doors

Response by SPC Aaron Donnelly made Jul 13 at 2015 9:00 PM

2015-07-13T21:00:08-04:00

I etsed from there last December. Prepare for rainy falls and winters. Gorgeous summers. If you like outdoorsy stuff, you'll love it. Seattle is about an hour and a half from JBLM. If you're going to live off post look in Lacey. Best school district in the state. Stay away from Lakewood for housing. Tacoma mall is ok.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 11:48 PM

2015-07-13T23:48:35-04:00

I am stationed at Lewis. Don't believe all the rain stories. Well, winter is like that I suppose , but it has been very dry this summer. You can't really find a better location to be stationed. You can drive an hour north and be in Seattle, 30 min to a beach, fresh and salt water fishing, hunting and there are National Parks all over the place. Use the MWR for organized trips and you won't have to plan much of anything and will see most everything.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 5:12 PM

2015-07-14T17:12:39-04:00

I served with 339 infantry C co bar none

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 5:37 AM

2015-08-21T05:37:02-04:00

If your in need of a Realtor who specializes in VA and relocation, then look no further. I can help you in your real estate needs. Even if you are PCSing from JBLM to another location. I can help you find a great Realtor at your next duty station, and of course I always try to use a Vet.

Response by MSG Steve Gipson made Dec 7 at 2020 4:33 PM

2020-12-07T16:33:10-05:00

My son is at JBLM for his 1st tour. He said you have to stay at JBLM the whole time of you enlistment and you can not PCS to another post after 18 or 24 months.