The Great Place
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11/15/2007
I shouldn't be surprised no one wrote about Fort Hood despite being such a huge post. I was stationed at Fort Hood from 1993-1996 and I haven't been back since so my info may be out of date. I'm speaking on experiences as a former soldier and not as a civilian living in the area. Check the entries for Killeen as the nearest city.
The place is hot and is on the edge of the more desolate western part of Texas. I don't recall much culture or recreation. Belton Lake is close but most people go to Austin for bars on 6th Street as I recall. The local economy seemed to be based on servicing the troops and ripping them off on occasion. Lots of pawn shops, barber shops, and cleaners.
Darnell Army Hospital was always busy with a lot of pregnant women literally standing room only until delivery. TMCs busy because free health care and sick call rangers take up a lot of space. I was single and living in the barracks but they were new when I got there so it wasn't so bad on the 4th ID (formerly 2nd AD) side of post.
The quality of life is based on your MOS and unit but I liked the soldiers I worked with more than I did when I got to Kitzingen, Germany. Of course there was more to see in Germany off duty. I went to some NCOs homes for BBQs or Thanksgiving which never happened in Germany.
Transportation is difficult if don't have a POV. As with most places drunk driving is a big no-no and it can finish your military career and I saw it happen to several other soldiers.
I didn't appreciate the Army as much until I ETSed but the men and women in uniform now are doing more for this country in Iraq and Afghanistan than I did in my 6 plus years of service. Hooah!
David | Gainesville, GA