What should I expect being stationed at Fort Stewart as a FA?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 14:07:42 -0400

Just got my orders amended to go to Stewart. My amendment says 0009 FA 01 BN FA. My RFO says 2ND ABCT 3ID (Mechanized). I arrived in March.

I'm from the area, so I already know what living there is like. My question is about the post and unit itself. This will be my first duty station.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2018 3:52 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 15:52:11 -0400

The post is small compared to other installations but other than that the Army lifestyle is relatively the same. 3ID is known for being a heavily mobilized unit so expect to be in the field a lot. As a FA Officer you should also expect to progress through each of your primary development roles before your selection to Captain.

Response by SGT Ej P. made Oct 13 at 2018 3:57 PM

SGT Ej P. — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 15:57:16 -0400

So you'll be in 2nd Brigade, 3ID is 3rd Infantry Division and it's Mechanized Infantry meaning the Abrams tanks are there (Light Infantry like 25ID here in Hawaii don't have tanks but HMMWVs/Strykers). Post is big especially all the new housing that's been added and so they've expanded so I suggest do recon before you actually start working while on leave and get to familiarize yourself where 2nd Brigade is - you'll need to get a hold of your sponsor by then to know where you need to go because one of the things that they do there is that units get moved around, otherwise you'll meet him at reception. Do you plan to live offpost? If so figure out the gate traffic for PT formation while on leave also just so you'll know what time you actually have to leave and drive from home to the actual field where you'll do PT and you'll see how hard it is to find parking. If you stay on post then you don't have to leave as early. First, everybody who's been to FS will tell you to learn the Dog Face Soldier Song because you will be singing this EVERY morning after the flag at PT formation at least now you can look it up the internet. You have your Garrison area and out the back gate is the field (reservation) where you will probably spend half the time you're stationed there if not more, you can also hunt and fish there.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 13 at 2018 4:33 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 16:33:51 -0400

Congrats LT. I was the CSM of that Bn back in 2000, a while ago. It is a good unit with a strong history. They served well in combat and did well in Garrison. 3ID is split on two separate bases causing some training issues but nothing insurmountable. It won’t affect you as it is your first unit and it will be the standard you weigh all others by. The unfortunate issues are slum lords and Soldiers trying to live to far from base creating issues with them getting into work. Aside from that the Brigade and the Divarty are great organizations. The DiVarty CSM is a motivated, driven leader who truly cares for Soldiers. Tell him I say hello when you arrive. Thank you for your service.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Oct 13 at 2018 4:50 PM

LTC John Mohor — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 16:50:37 -0400

Enjoy your LT time Red Leg! 3ID will be a great first assignment. Some great advice provided. Be sure to be ready to stay in the field a lot!

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Oct 13 at 2018 8:30 PM

SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 20:30:54 -0400

Always watch what you do while in uniform. Lots of people pulling rank for no reason but their own. I’d talk from experience. You could be minding your business and doing nothing wrong and people would walk up to you trying to mind your business. Don’t be pushover. My two cents.

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Oct 14 at 2018 12:31 PM

LTC Ronald Stephens — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 12:31:51 -0400

First off, Keep your eyes and ears open. Ask questions of all of your contemporaries AND all of the NCOs you will interact with. You will quickly find out those who will give you good information, be essential in your maturing as a field artillery officer and those who won't. Learn from all of them. As a new FA nugget I did that and never looked back. It won't be long at all that you will be able to separate the buckwheat from the BS and that is always a good thing. Also your NCOs will trust you and that is essential to success. Best wishes for you Lieutenant.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2018 8:29 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 20:29:32 -0400

Ma'am, expect a mosquito population that puts the rest of GA to shame.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2018 3:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 03:21:27 -0500

The few people I have met who life Fort Stewart are from the area. I personally never want to waste any more time there. I would recommend that you branch out and experience a different duty station far from home and "experience the Army."

Response by SPC Willie Lott made Jan 8 at 2019 7:57 PM

SPC Willie Lott — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 19:57:00 -0500

When i was stationed their in 1992 we trained to be the best because we were the best. You can ecpect to be held to being the best in the army. Train Solidiers to be the best in the field ans provides leadership in the Community. The post works closely with the community