Welcome to Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, which is still one of the biggest, most operationally busy Army posts in the country. If you’re heading here, buckle up because you’re about to experience a mix of hardcore training, Texas heat, and some surprisingly good local BBQ. Home to the legendary 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos is a hub for armored warfare, logistics and enough tactical action to keep things interesting. Whether you’re here for a short stint or settling in for the long haul, we’ve got the inside scoop to help you navigate the Great Place.
Overview
Fort Cavazos is one of the Army’s largest and most active duty stations. Established during World War II, the post has grown into a key location for force projection, armored training, and some of the most high-speed units in the military. The surrounding area—Killeen, Copperas Cove, and Harker Heights—lives and breathes Army life, so you’ll find plenty of support (and an ungodly amount of military discounts). Austin is just an hour away, making weekend trips a no-brainer.
Fort Cavazos location
Smack dab in the middle of Texas, Fort Cavazos is spread across Bell and Coryell counties, covering over 214,000 acres. That’s a lot of space for tanks to roam and artillery to shake the ground. It sits about 60 miles north of Austin and 150 miles south of Dallas, giving you decent access to city life and backcountry escapes.
Directions
From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): Take TX-71 West to I-35 North. Follow I-35 North to US-190 West in Belton. Take US-190 to Fort Cavazos.
From Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): Take TX-183 West to I-35 South. Follow I-35 South to US-190 West in Belton and proceed to Fort Cavazos.
Transportation
Flying into Austin or Dallas gives you the best options, but Killeen Regional Airport (GRK) is your closest bet if you want to land right near post.
Post Shuttle: Free for Soldiers, DoD personnel, and families. The Cavazos Connector offers reliable service with scheduled routes and an app-based rideshare-style option.
Public Transit: The HOP (yes, that’s its real name) provides limited bus routes, but don’t count on it for everyday needs.
Gates and hours
Main Gate (T.J. Mills Blvd): 24/7
Clear Creek Gate: 24/7
Warrior Way Gate: Open daily, limited hours
Clarke Road Gate: 24/7
East Range Road Gate: 24/7
Contacts at Fort Cavazos
- Abrams Physical Fitness Center (254) 287-2016
- ACS (Army Community Service) (254) 287-4227
- Apache Arts & Crafts Center (254) 287-0343
- Applied Functional Fitness Center (254) 287-8219
- Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) Control Office (254) 287-8868
- BOSS (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers) (254) 737-6116
- Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (254) 288-8888
- Casey Memorial Library (254) 288-3121
- Chaplain (254) 288-6545
- Child and Youth Services (Admin) (254) 287-8029
- Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (254)288-2070
- Class Six (254) 532-5962
- Clear Creek Commissary (254) 287-9055
- Community Events and Bingo Center (254) 532-9253
- Copeland Soldier Service Center (254) 287-3832
- DENTAC Headquarters (254) 287-3105
- DoD Safe Helpline – Sexual Assault 877-995-5247
- Educational Services Division (254) 287-4824
- Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) (254) 287-6070
- FAP (Family Advocacy Program) (254) 286-5338
- Financial Readiness (254) 288-7292
- FMRC (Family Medicine Residency Clinic) (254) 288-8280
- Housing Office (254) 220-4799
- ID Card Section/DEERS (254) 287-2518
- In Processing (254) 287-3832
- Information and Referral (254) 737-3663
- Laundry/Dry Cleaner/Alterations (254) 532-2551
- Legal Assistance (254) 287-7901
- Leisure Travel (254) 287-7310
- Military Clothing Store (254) 532-3920
- Mobilization, Deployment, & Support Stability Operations (254) 288-5156
- Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR), Director (254) 287-4916
- Name Tag Shop (254) 532-6363
- New Parent Support Program 737-2286
- Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) (254) 288-2093
- Police (254) 287-4001
- Post Office (254) 287-2728
- Recreation Equipment Checkout (254) 287-4126
- Relocation Readiness Program (254) 287-4471
- School Liaison Officer (SLO) (254) 738-7946
- Sexual Harassment / Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) (254) 319-4671
- Single Service Member Housing (254) 286-7705
- CYS Instructional Programs (formerly SKIES) Shoemaker Lane, BLDG 36000, 1st Floor, Room 101, (254) 287-4592
- Survivor Outreach Services (254) 738-3655
- Temporary Lodging (254) 532-5157
- Transition Assistance (254) 288-5627
- Transportation Office (254) 287-4515
- Veterinary Treatment Facility Fort Hood (254) 287-6719
- Victim Advocacy Program (254) 287-3583
- Visitor Welcome Center (254) 287-9909
- Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) (254) 532-8680
Please note phone numbers are subject to change. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, visit the Official Fort Cavazos phonebook here.
Mission and units
Fort Cavazos is one of the Army’s largest training and deployment hubs, designed to keep combat-ready forces sharp and capable. If it’s armored, mechanized, or involves sending Soldiers downrange, chances are it happens here.
Key units include:
- 1st Cavalry Division – The OG of armored warfare, specializing in fast, aggressive combat ops. Speaking of 1st Cav, did you know the last war horse of American cavalry served in WWII?
- III Armored Corps – The brain trust overseeing multiple major combat commands.
- 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command – Because wars don’t win themselves without logistics.
- 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) – The Army’s go-to for training allied forces.
- 89th Military Police Brigade – Keeping the law and order in check.
- 504th Military Intelligence Brigade – The ones who actually know what’s going on.
- 1st Medical Brigade – Keeping Soldiers patched up and mission-ready.
- 11th Signal Brigade – Making sure the Army can still communicate when the WiFi goes down.
Fort Cavazos history
Established in 1942 as Camp Hood, this post was built to train tank destroyers during World War II. Over the years, it became a major center for armored warfare, evolving into Fort Hood in 1950. Fast-forward to 2023, and the name changed again—this time to Fort Cavazos, in honor of General Richard Cavazos, the Army’s first Hispanic four-star general. The renaming was part of a DoD initiative to remove Confederate-linked names from military installations.
Why the name change?
General Cavazos was a Texas-born warrior who served in Korea and Vietnam, racking up multiple Silver Stars and Distinguished Service Crosses for heroism. He was a fierce leader who exemplified what it means to be an Army officer, making him a much better fit for the post’s legacy.
Things to do around Fort Cavazos
Central Texas isn’t just heat and humidity—there’s actually a ton to do in Killeen, Texas and surrounding areas.
Outdoor Adventures
- Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA): The go-to spot for boating, fishing, hiking, and off-duty relaxation.
- Stillhouse Hollow Lake: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and cooling off after PT.
- Dana Peak Park: If you like hiking, horseback riding, or pretending you’re not in Texas for a day.
- Hunting and Fishing: Available on post with the right permits—just make sure you know what you’re shooting at.
Family-Friendly Attractions
- Mayborn Science Theater: A planetarium with cool science exhibits.
- Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive-Thru Safari: Feed a zebra, freak out when an emu stares at you.
- Lions Club Park & Aquatics Center: Pools, splash pads, and a great place to take the kids when it’s too hot to function.
Entertainment & Nightlife
- Vive Les Arts Theatre: Local theater productions—because culture exists here, too.
- Austin’s Live Music Scene: One hour away, but worth the drive for a real night out.
Shopping & Dining
- Killeen Mall: Your standard mall setup with all the usual suspects.
- Downtown Belton Market Days: Monthly craft fairs and food trucks.
- The Yard Food Truck Plaza: A rotating lineup of the best food trucks in Central Texas.
Fort Cavazos housing
Housing is run by Lendlease, and like every Army post, there’s a waitlist. Off-post, Harker Heights, Nolanville, and Temple are solid options. Single Soldiers E1-E5? You’re in the barracks—hope you like roommates.
Whether you’re fresh out of AIT or a seasoned NCO, Fort Cavazos has something for everyone. It’s big, it’s busy, and it’s full of opportunity—just be ready for the Texas heat. Welcome to the Great Place!
Schools near Fort Cavazos
There are no DoDEA schools on post, but Fort Cavazos is served by several school districts, including Killeen ISD and Copperas Cove ISD. School Liaison Services can provide enrollment guidance and transfer assistance.
FAQs
- What is Fort Cavazos known for? It is the home of the 1st Cavalry Division and one of the Army’s largest installations.
- How many Soldiers are stationed at Fort Cavazos? Approximately 36,000 Soldiers, with an additional 45,000 family members and civilians.
- What kind of base is Fort Cavazos? It is a large Army installation focused on mechanized and armored warfare.
- Does Fort Cavazos have Airborne units? While not primarily an Airborne installation, Fort Cavazos supports some airborne training through specific units.
- Whether you’re new to the Army or a seasoned Soldier, Fort Cavazos offers an unparalleled experience filled with opportunities for professional growth and adventure. Welcome to the Great Place!