Any experience from Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico?

2015-01-04T14:18:24-05:00

Does anyone have good or bad expiernces from being stationed in Puerto Rico?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 9:46 PM

2016-02-11T21:46:45-05:00

I had a blast there 1SG Private RallyPoint Member . Buchanan is/was a pretty base. The standard American dining establishments and some other finer dining are pretty much right outside the gate. Do the standard touristy stuff your first few weekends and then explore the island. Surfing is great on the northern coast. Snorkeling is better on the south side. Personally I stayed away from the San Juan/bayamon/cataño areas after the first month.
If you drink, get your booze from class six in advance. The one on Buchanan is the busiest in the world (or it used to be).

Response by SFC Wallace Lopez made Feb 12 at 2016 4:49 PM

2016-02-12T16:49:23-05:00

Small Post centrally located in the metro area with easy access to all major highways. Nice environment to live in and great DoD Schools.

Response by MAJ Ricardo Lizardi made Feb 14 at 2016 4:16 PM

2016-02-14T16:16:27-05:00

Whether you believe it or not, OPTEMPO is high, but the place in general is a great place to be stationed at. World class restaurants, all major mainland stores, if you enjoy outdoor sports such as surfing, scuba, golf, cycling, is the best place to be at 80 degrees on average year long. From San Juan you can go island hopping by plane or take a cruise ship. However, if you will be stationed outside Ft Buchanan commuting distance it can be challenging in terms of Tricare providers, but otherwise is a great place to be stationed at. The fact that is an american territory makes it easier to travel from CONUS to here, specially if you will have family visiting... hope it helps...

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:25 AM

2016-02-16T11:25:28-05:00

1SG Hankkins, how you're enjoying PR? Have you worked alongside Mr Pimentel?

Response by SSG Ryan Moore made Feb 26 at 2016 2:29 PM

2016-02-26T14:29:31-05:00

I'm a little in responding on this but when I was there back in 1999-2001, I loved the area. There were so many things to do there, delicious food, and a great culture. Probably not the greatest place to send a Soldier for his first duty assignment but nonetheless I did love it there. So many outdoor activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and beautiful sights such as the Bacardi factory, El Yunque Rain Forest, and beautiful waters and temperatures year round. I couldn't have asked for a better place to be stationed.