We are PCSing to Fort Wainwright in about two months. Is there any information that would be good to know?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 14:32:02 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2017 2:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 14:52:04 -0500

It's definitely going to be a change from AL, that's for sure.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2017 2:56 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 14:56:15 -0500

I'm jealous as that's one of the best places in the Army. Yes, it'll be cold in the winter but not unbearable, plus you dress for it and it's tolerable. The summers completely make up for any winter discomfort. If you like outside activities there is only one better place in the Army to be (and that's Ft Greely, AK -- 100 miles down the road).

Don't winterize your car until you're there, and then have the MWR Auto Craft shop on post do it and you'll save about $200 that way. Get a SAMs Club membership once you get there. Get an Amazon Prime subscription. AT&T works best, but Verizion is up there now also, forget T-Mobile or anyone else. GCI is the local internet/cable tv/cell phone provider. Yes they're expensive and your home internet is limited (similar to your cell phone plan). You'll get COLA up there. Also, I strongly suggest becoming an Alaska resident, as they don't have any state income taxes (yet). Additionally, there is no sales tax up there (except North Pole), so if you have any big purchases (car) wait until you're there to do it. If you buy a Chevrolet drive to Anchorage to do it as they participate in the GM Military discount, the dealership in Fairbanks doesn't.

Hopefully that helped. If you have specific questions let me know, as we just PCS'd from there about six months ago.

Response by LT Louis McKellar made Feb 16 at 2017 3:51 PM

LT Louis McKellar — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 15:51:50 -0500

Don't eat yellow snow.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2017 5:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 17:56:21 -0500

Fort Wainwright is a beautiful Duty station, while also small. The summer time is awesome as the sun doesn't go down. Buy eclipse shades as 0200 will look like 1800 when you look out the window. The mosquito's are brutal in the summer as well because of all the standing water. Winter is awesome.. The coldest I've seen it up there was about -70. You'll get use to it wearing the proper gear. If you love city shopping, popular restaurants i.e. olive garden, red lobster, etc. Fairbanks doesn't have that but A drive down to Anchorage is where you'll find all that stuff at. Fairbanks is the town outside of post as well as Northpole. Both places have a lot to offer. Great restaurants, amusement, etc. Like all other post, Alaska is what you make of it. It's alot of fun stuff to do there, you just have to get out and do it.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Feb 17 at 2017 11:14 AM

PFC Stephen Eric Serati — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 11:14:44 -0500

İt's beautiful.The Northern Lights are awesome seeing them for the 1st time,the mountain ranges surround you,long days and long nights r a little tough 2 get used 2.But it's a great experience.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 1:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 01:32:13 -0500

I'm sure you will get lots of advice about Alaska. I work in finance. We are part of the in-process when the SM arrives to post. My advice: 1. READ your ORDERS, do as they say. i.e.; do not enter into a lease, purchase a home, or make housing arrangements prior to arriving on post and reporting to housing.....or....travel not purchase via gov't contracting office will not be reimbursed....Just to cite a few.
2. If you have questions, go to the official Ft. Wainwright website. If you ca not find your question/answer there, call the listed number for the appropriate office and ask them. 3. defensetravel.dod.mil has everything you need to know about PCSing, entitlements, regulations, etc.

Response by PFC Kevin Knapp made Feb 27 at 2017 9:13 AM

PFC Kevin Knapp — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 09:13:15 -0500

Well, prepare to be cold for 9 months. Summer is incredible, get ready for billions of mosquitos though. It can be depressing when it is dark for 20 hours.

Take your time when driving. They don't use salt on the roads, make sure you have good snow tires. The city and base are both pretty small - consider getting 4wd vehicles. Watch where you are driving - I once accidentally drove over the Chena River. I did fall through the ice at the golf course chena river bridge once (and was saved by a squad that was chasing me during training) - even if it is -60 the rivers can still have soft spots.

Consider it time to save your money while you are there. Be sure to visit Anchorage, Seward, etc. during the summer.

Do watch out for the locals. Generally speaking Alaska natives are a tough bunch - don't mess with them - they all carry guns and the bad ones can hurt you.

Response by MSG Frederick Otero made Mar 31 at 2017 8:06 PM

MSG Frederick Otero — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 20:06:27 -0400

Live on the post economy and stay warm.

Response by SGT Patrick Wells made May 28 at 2017 10:01 PM

SGT Patrick Wells — Sun, 28 May 2017 22:01:45 -0400

I hope you enjoy it there as much as I did. great base to serve from