SSG V. Michelle Woods 19498 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am scheduled to PCS to Fort Bragg in less than two weeks. I understand a duty station is what you make of it however I have not heard many positive things about Bragg. So can anyone tell me what is good about Bragg? 2013-12-12T14:50:23-05:00 SSG V. Michelle Woods 19498

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am scheduled to PCS to Fort Bragg in less than two weeks. I understand a duty station is what you make of it however I have not heard many positive things about Bragg. So can anyone tell me what is good about Bragg?

2013-12-12T14:50:23-05:00 2013-12-12T14:50:23-05:00 1SG Steven Stankovich 19500

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have a lot of friends assigned to Fort Bragg who really enjoy it there.  Go in without pre-conceived notions and enjoy the move and new duty station!!!

2013-12-12T15:00:46-05:00 2013-12-12T15:00:46-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 19505

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I still live in the Bragg Area. I love it out here. The beach and mountains are both 2 hours away. Raleigh offers a nice setting for a night out and the Outer Banks is great for a weekend away as does the Blue Ridge. Although I don&#39;t recommend living in Fayetteville. It is a bit on the rough side. I am sure there are nice parts but I really don&#39;t was to find out.

2013-12-12T15:28:54-05:00 2013-12-12T15:28:54-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 19528

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I just left there SGT Woods. For truth you will run into a LOT of people that say there's nothing to do there, but that's simply because, IMO, they chose crappy circles to run with.  Link up with the BOSS-they're always throwing huge functions, eating and going SOMEWHERE!  Use your facebook page now and "like" pages like City of Fayetteville, what's Happening in Fayetteville, and Fourth Friday Downtown Fayetteville, so you'll be in the know.  (I met a few people who'd been there for 6+ years and never participated in anything downtown- uugghhh).  Events GALORE. Also like the United Way page and keep up with any and all volunteer things ongoing.  If you're looking for a church, I'd say click into Manna on Cliffdale-decent and very very active on the military side.  I was never bored at Bragg, Raleigh's a little over an hour away (I mean who can get bored when the Cheesecake Factory is just that close??) and then Charlotte's 3 hours...  I find that if you remain in the confines of the barracks and twiddle your Xbox and PS thumbs then yes, yes you could be a bit bored.  Good luck and have fun!!  and please get with  GOOD CIRCLE! 

2013-12-12T16:14:56-05:00 2013-12-12T16:14:56-05:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 19555

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am station at Fort Bragg and to me it's ok. What I like best about Fort Bragg is the opportunity to progress there is always some school that you can go to. I know guys who love it an also guys who hate it but to me it's on that individual.

2013-12-12T17:01:20-05:00 2013-12-12T17:01:20-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 19557

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You're centrally located on the East Coast. You can travel North or South with ease and take what's best about the East Coast. I have found that every duty station is what you make of it. If you lock yourself down to just "Fayette-Nam" then yes it can suck, but that's true of every station. There are some really good places to eat around there. Lots of military retire there so there is allot of culture around. The multiple PX's are some of the best I've seen.

2013-12-12T17:02:15-05:00 2013-12-12T17:02:15-05:00 SFC James Baber 19718

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Nothing, bad housing, high crime, lousy businesses that are only looking to take GIs money or rip them off. The only positive is your a few hrs from many beaches.

2013-12-12T20:33:47-05:00 2013-12-12T20:33:47-05:00 SFC James Baber 19719

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I seem to be the minority on this, there are nice things if you look hard enough for any duty location, but I think the major negatives, such as the crime and housing override just about any positive that anyone can put up. Fayetteville is near the top of the worst cities in America for crime that says a lot to me. Just be safe and do plenty of research before hand.

2013-12-12T20:38:48-05:00 2013-12-12T20:38:48-05:00 CSM Stuart C. O'Black 19909

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;Airborne!&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; It has an amazing legacy and you should be proud to become a part of it.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Take care&amp;nbsp; &quot;&lt;i&gt;All-American &quot; &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

2013-12-12T22:53:01-05:00 2013-12-12T22:53:01-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 19921

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was there once in the 1970s,  and at Pope AFB too.  My feelings were positive but I was not stationed at either.   North Carolina is a nice place to live though,  I have been here for about 4 1/2 years.  love it.

2013-12-12T22:56:53-05:00 2013-12-12T22:56:53-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 19959

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You are right in the point that a duty station is as good as you make it. I was at Bragg for 5 years before I PCS'd earlier this year from there to Hood. Alot of my experience as a soldier and NCO came from Bragg. I loved it there. The location is ideal for the road warriors: short distance from 95...Raleigh is an hour away, Myrtle Beach inside 2 hours and many other places. Fayetteville is in the middle of a population boom with new housing, and businesses being built daily to include a new 100 store section to the mall. I was in the sustainment brigade the 5 years iIwas there (the old DISCOM / COSCOM for my old war horses) and I enjoyed the time and experience...great leadership. Of course each unit/command is VERY different on Bragg. If you are airborne or decide to join the airborne ranks I will be honest and say that your time at Bragg will be a bit easier. Contrary to popular belief there are hills at Bragg....Longstreet, the infamous no-walking-on-Ardennes and transmission Hill behinf the gas chamber so I hope you like to run. All in all, Bragg is an awesome post and well equipped to handle a large variety of things both military and family related. Bragg has a proud history and have no problem expressing that. I wish you best of luck and AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!!! (btw, if you wind up in division, dont be alarmed when you hear cadence being blared through the speakers during PT in the division AO...lol)

2013-12-12T23:16:05-05:00 2013-12-12T23:16:05-05:00 SSG Kevin McCulley 19962

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The fact that you one day can leave? I grew up in Hope Mills and that is the precise reason I will not go Airborne. For the record, I enjoy skydiving. I also enjoy my still semi-functional knees. I'd drop an ABN packet if I could get a guarantee to never be assigned to Bragg. In other words: not going to happen. :)

2013-12-12T23:20:10-05:00 2013-12-12T23:20:10-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 20294

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Looking for more info as well.  Just got orders to PCS to Bragg, and I'm looking for places to live that aren't overrun with crime.  Looks like the best places are far away from the base (Southern Pines, etc).

2013-12-13T14:56:46-05:00 2013-12-13T14:56:46-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 21338

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;I am currently at Bragg and I love it. Maybe its because I am stationed way out on Chicken Road away from the nonsense of things that I hear that happens on post but Bragg is Bragg to me. It has its ups and downs like all duty stations. As a woman/soldier, I go no where alone, I get to know my neighbors and I care nothing for bars. However, I love the fact that I am close to home, Raleigh is within driving distance and 95 is the lead way to do other things. I suggest you to get to know the area before deciding against it. There is a lot of bad things here but what duty station doesn&#39;t have some disadvantages. Going ABN or not, make it one of those duty stations you have something to remember from it. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#Lead The Way#&lt;/p&gt;

2013-12-15T15:05:23-05:00 2013-12-15T15:05:23-05:00 SGT(P) Michael H. 21418

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ravenrock State Park is a bit of a drive from Bragg...30-40 min, but is a great place to spend the day on a weekend. The local botanical gardens are nice during Spring thru Autumn,Lake Rim Park is nice, Red point Indoor Climbing is another great place to spend some time. And visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.visitfayetteville.com">http://www.visitfayetteville.com</a> for some really cool free events. Remember that it IS what YOU make of it. Cheers! Doc

2013-12-15T19:08:52-05:00 2013-12-15T19:08:52-05:00 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 21458

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Lots of folks knock Bragg.  It's the worst place I've been stationed.  But that list also includes Germany and Okinawa.  So I believe if Bragg's the worst place Uncle Sugar stations you, life ain't so bad.  There's plenty of CONUS assignments that I think are less appealing.  Bragg/Fayetteville's essentially a stereotypical Army town... Super Sized.  Have no expectations and you'll have a blast.  BTW you're RP profile shows you're coming from Riley and my perception is that I'd rather be at Bragg.<br>

2013-12-15T20:34:41-05:00 2013-12-15T20:34:41-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 21851

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I ain't going to lie this place has it's ups and downs but it is really what you make of it. I've only been here for a year and it is not that bad. Within the 82nd is a very high pace unit. Before I came to Bragg I was in Jump School fun as hell and easy.

2013-12-16T14:08:49-05:00 2013-12-16T14:08:49-05:00 SGT(P) Michael H. 23111

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you don't mind the drive, little towns like Lillington and Sanford are great places to live. Cost of living is low, and the home town feel you get from most of the people there is nice. Lillington actually has the highest number per capita of millionaires in the state, although you wouldn't know it because of the rural feel of the town. Lived there for some time (couple years) and loved it. As LT stated, the beach and the mountains are a short day trip away, so you have many options. Just stay away from Bragg Blvd!!!!!!!! Otherwise, enjoy! Cheers!

2013-12-18T12:46:54-05:00 2013-12-18T12:46:54-05:00 CW3 Private RallyPoint Member 23699

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>To kind of re-iterate, everywhere is what you make of it. I'm on orders to Bragg for March and I'm actually pretty excited. I could care less about Fayetteville or  the surrounding area, I'm excited to get to a unit with a high op-tempo (other than Korea). I am one of those soldiers that was stationed in Hawaii and have many more complaints than admirations for the place. The one thing I loved most about Hawaii though was my unit and the people in it. The people are what REALLY make or break anywhere. I enlisted as a tank crewmember so the thought of being stationed in Bragg has never even existed in my mind, now here I am (with no airborne wings) prepping to pack my bags.

2013-12-19T07:38:56-05:00 2013-12-19T07:38:56-05:00 SSG V. Michelle Woods 27714

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Been at Bragg 5 minutes and saw a prostitute...or a rap star video vixen...either way, I&#39;ll do my best to keep an open mind :/

2013-12-26T22:34:15-05:00 2013-12-26T22:34:15-05:00 CSM Stuart C. O'Black 28155

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>.<br></p>

2013-12-27T20:50:00-05:00 2013-12-27T20:50:00-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 40877

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you are assigned to USASOC you will like it. If you looking for a house look in Sanford that's the best place live in that area. Fort Bragg is great especially if you are with MISO, CA, SFG.

2014-01-20T09:13:49-05:00 2014-01-20T09:13:49-05:00 SGM Private RallyPoint Member 40949

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I dreaded coming down on orders for Fort Bragg in 2002 but I went cause I knew I had to. Once I got there I had a negative attitude and tried to find every reason to hate the place. I noticed my crappy attitude and decided to view the base/area with open eyes.<div><br></div><div>I can tell you after I started looking at the good I found a lot of it. My family came to Bragg a few months after me and they were skeptical too but after awhile they grew to love it. My oldest son was born in Germany, lived at Campbell, Bragg, Germany and Campbell again. If you ask him where home is he will tell you Fort Bragg.</div><div><br></div><div>Bragg is big and allows you access to many different support facilities. They have 2 PXs and Commissaries (awesome).</div><div><br></div><div>On base housing is very nice. We lived in the crappy and worked up to the new housing.</div><div><br></div><div>Tons of outdoor options - I love to fish and I really miss Bragg. It was a fisherman's paradise.</div><div><br></div><div>Only a few hours from the coast.</div><div><br></div><div>I-95 is right there so you can hop on it and go anywhere you want. You happen to be in the middle of everything.</div><div><br></div><div>Nice amount of suburban areas but also nice to go away from post some and get into the country.</div><div><br></div><div>Go there with positive thoughts and you will find that it is a great place to be.</div>

2014-01-20T10:58:42-05:00 2014-01-20T10:58:42-05:00 SGM Private RallyPoint Member 42384

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG Woods,<div>You're probably here already.  I have been here for almost 13 years and I love it.  Downtown has undergone a huge transformation and now has a ton of cute cafe's and shops.  If you choose to live a little further away there is Souther Pines and Pinehurst, both beautiful area's.  </div><div><br></div><div>As far as Bragg itself, when I first got here the Non-Airborne Personnel were rare.  That being said, with the addition of FORSCOM and the removal of jump slots for much of the Corps support brigades, there are a lot of black beret's on Pay Day Activities.  I wouldn't sweat it if you aren't airborne yet.  That being said, I'd try to go.  If you are airborne disregard what I just wrote.  The Soldiers here are the best trained, most motivated, hardest Soldiers in the Army… just ask them they'll tell you.  </div><div><br></div><div>Having served at three other locations my favorite hands down is Bragg…  </div><div><br></div><div>Take care and good luck!</div>

2014-01-22T19:29:48-05:00 2014-01-22T19:29:48-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 42398

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>I was stationed in Fort Hood for 7 years and deployed 3 times out there.  The standards there were crazy high!! Every time we went to range you had to wear every piece of gear the Army issued you.  When you were in the motorpool especially on Mondays it was as if you lived there.  God help you if you did not bring your coveralls to do maintenance.  </p><p><br></p><p>When I got to Bragg as a SSG I was blown away.  First off, there was no Motorpool Monday madness.  You did what you needed to do and that was it.  No one cared if you didn't bring coveralls or if you wanted to take your head gear off to go under a vehicle.  When we went to the field to train we did it comfortably.  No need to practice suck.</p><p><br></p><p>As stated before the training there was some of the greatest training I ever got to partake in.  We did everything from Air Assault Missions, of Course Airborne Operations, and I was even given the opportunity to jump with the German Army and earn my foreign wings.  </p><p><br></p><p>I was only there 19 months and I loved every minute of it.  Bragg is where I wish I had started out in my Career and after these next 8 months on the Trail as a Drill Sergeant, I plan to go back and pick up right where I left off.  </p><p><br></p><p>Even though you may not want to go Airborne I think you should.  I went as a SSG like yourself.  When I showed up to the company my first sergeant told me to take off that "dirty black beret".  It was from that moment on that my focus was Airborne.  Good luck to you and I hope you enjoy your stay.  </p>

2014-01-22T19:46:16-05:00 2014-01-22T19:46:16-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 42976

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Nothing is good about Fort Bragg. I traveled there twice a year for 8 years from Camp Lejeune for Artillery excercise.

2014-01-23T15:44:22-05:00 2014-01-23T15:44:22-05:00 CW2 Private RallyPoint Member 44656

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have live in the Fayetteville area since 1997 and I love Fort Bragg and I love Fayetteville.  The town is like any other town in the United States as far as I concern.  Lot of things to do for single soldiers and married ones.  The good thing about the area is the house pricing and you really get what you ask for a good or reasonable price.  You will be a few hours from FL and New York…the weather is kind of crazy, but if you love snow sorry, you won't see it here.  I'm about to retire and will stay here in Fayetteville, that's how much I like it.

2014-01-26T17:04:14-05:00 2014-01-26T17:04:14-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 45135

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Everyone will talk about how bad their last duty station was unless they're coming from places like Polk or Irwin. I didn't realize how much better Bragg was than Drum until I got to Drum. There are way more opportunities for single and married soldiers around Bragg. There are more services for people around Bragg. I personally believe there are more opportunities to advance at Bragg. Fayetteville is nothing to write home about, but Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Charlotte aren't far away. Plenty of places to go. 

2014-01-27T09:45:13-05:00 2014-01-27T09:45:13-05:00 SSG V. Michelle Woods 46339

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Two inches of snow and post closes??? Yes please!&amp;nbsp;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

2014-01-29T09:52:16-05:00 2014-01-29T09:52:16-05:00 SSG V. Michelle Woods 53615

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Are there any good firing ranges around Fort Bragg? I'm looking for the best/easiest place to rent a weapon and just fire. 

2014-02-08T10:11:28-05:00 2014-02-08T10:11:28-05:00 SGT Carissa Lara, RCS 53939

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've been at Bragg since March and so far it's been pretty good. I live north of post away from some of the craziness of Fayetteville. Bragg has a lot to offer and the Raleigh/ Chapel Hill area isn't that far of a drive if you want to get away from the military for a weekend.

2014-02-08T19:49:20-05:00 2014-02-08T19:49:20-05:00 CMDCM Gene Treants 54613

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG Woods, in one of your comments you mentioned that you were a country girl and felt like you were from Mayberry.  In case you did not know, Mayberry is actually Mount Airy, NC.  Mt. Airy is about 2 hours and 40 minutes away from Ft. Bragg.  If you leave in the morning and time it right, you can even have a Pork Chop Sandwich at the Snappy Lunch.  And since you are way up there. you might even want to spend some time exploring the area.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is only a little further up North from here in VA.  Have fun and welcome to NC.

2014-02-09T21:57:05-05:00 2014-02-09T21:57:05-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 83853

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ive heard good and bad things about Ft Bragg.  But the same could be said about Ft Hood.  They are both FREAKING huge, and traffic was a pain at Ft Hood.  Im gonna guess traffic is the same at Ft Bragg.  Id consider going there for Airborne, but doubt I could do it at my age (Im 38).  Just hunt for the good stuff and you will do fine SSG Woods :)

2014-03-24T13:11:07-04:00 2014-03-24T13:11:07-04:00 SSG Rafael Rodriguez 85583

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG Vickie Michelle Woods, I can tell you about my days at Ft. Bragg but not current events, I was there from Nov 1985- Jan 1991 as a 31V(later 25U), people called it "Fayette-nam" but I loved every minute there while stationed with 4th PSYOP Gp., enjoyed jumping with them, sometimes with 82nd and loved saturday fun jumps also. The company runs thru Ardennes were most like team building with the platoon. When off duty did drive to White Lake often and also to South of the Border in South Carolina. I extended twice then they told me i had to go to another duty station, i was mad but then later found out was to Hawaii(25th ID) was not mad anymore, i met my wife here so i retired and loving it also, Aloha.

2014-03-26T12:23:03-04:00 2014-03-26T12:23:03-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 85798

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ft. Bragg is a great place to be stationed. You're gonna enjoy being there. If you like to travel its in the perfect location. And there is always something happening there.

2014-03-26T16:14:18-04:00 2014-03-26T16:14:18-04:00 SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL 620924

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A good, but oldie treat is visiting the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum and the Parachutist Museum outside of post off Bragg BLVD.

2015-04-26T18:12:30-04:00 2015-04-26T18:12:30-04:00 SSG John Mitchell 1080991

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>So how'd your experience go? Follow-up?

2015-11-01T15:48:37-05:00 2015-11-01T15:48:37-05:00 SSG Rafael Rodriguez 1090154

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was with 4th PSYOP Grp during the years os 1985-1991, loved every bit of it, enjoyed Saturday jumps, running with my team mates. went to SC often on weekend drives also, Fayetteville kinda wild, maybe it has improved since then but overall a great experience being at Ft. Bragg, make the best of it, I did.

2015-11-05T14:02:35-05:00 2015-11-05T14:02:35-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 1090236

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><br />The only good thing about Bragg is that it's not Polk.

2015-11-05T14:35:08-05:00 2015-11-05T14:35:08-05:00 SPC Dee Bartlett 1256735

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think it depends on what you enjoy. I didn't particularly like the installation, but the fact that you can get to the mountains or the ocean within a few hours, and the local historical sights are interesting. I loved the availability of fishing and hiking. Don't know if that's helpful. Just my experience.

2016-01-24T22:34:05-05:00 2016-01-24T22:34:05-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 1380693

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I spent 10 years there, it's the best duty assignment I have had in my 17 years in the army.

2016-03-15T11:37:27-04:00 2016-03-15T11:37:27-04:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 2224740

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="78818" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/78818-ssg-v-michelle-woods">SSG V. Michelle Woods</a> Center of the Universe!!

2017-01-07T08:24:39-05:00 2017-01-07T08:24:39-05:00 2013-12-12T14:50:23-05:00