Anyone know anything about the MP BN at FT Riley, KS and how the base and surrounding area is like?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:44:56 -0400

Just wanting to know about FT Riley MPs and the base itself along with the surrounding area. I'll be PCSing there Next year.

Response by SGT Christopher Bake made Aug 2 at 2016 3:51 PM

SGT Christopher Bake — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:51:47 -0400

If your married its horrible. If your single its worse. Junction city is gross and Manhattan is full of college kids. Have fun.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2016 3:54 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:54:07 -0400

97TH MP? Great organization. You should enjoy it!

Response by SPC Jillian O'Malley made Aug 2 at 2016 4:14 PM

SPC Jillian O'Malley — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 16:14:41 -0400

This is our second time here at Riley. Its really not bad, don't let people's horror stories get to you. Plenty of nice restaurants for date nights in Manhattan (20 minutes away), places to walk as a family, lots of trails to explore. A small zoo that is fun to walk around. There are batting cages we go to for a fun date night. There is a brewery with delicious food and brews . Also in Manhattan is K-State, a Division 1 school and we frequent the football and basketball games, the fans are hardcore and that makes it fun. I'm using my GI Bill to finish my bachelors there and its an amazing school. Not sure if you have kids but the schools here are great. 7 gyms on post to choose from. Junction City right outside post is a little junky, but there is a Walmart supercenter for whatever you need, along with an IHOP and Cracker Barrel for a quick breakfast. Topeka is an hour away and there are a few things to do there. Kansas City in 2 hours away with a large water park, an amusement park, lots of shopping and nice restaurants, Royals Baseball and Chiefs football. Lots of bands and shows come to Kansas City as well, and there are races out at the Kansas Speedway. Wichita, 2 hours south, also hosts many bands when they come to Kansas.

When you get here, people in your unit will complain about how much they hate it here and how boring it is, but those are the people who just sit in the barracks/their house and don't get out and actually do all the stuff this place has to offer. There is also immense education opportunities here at the education center as well that soldiers tend not to take advantage of.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2016 6:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 18:25:28 -0400

Only base I have served at, Married w/o children, 1-18 INF is the way to go, Vanguards lead the way. Great rolling Plains and flint hills for training areas, gut trucks, I love it here. Been here for 5 years.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2016 8:21 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 20:21:38 -0400

Been at Riley since Feb and honestly I'm in the best unit now I've been in. The area is what you make it. If you come in with a crappy attitude and tell yourself it sucks then guess what, it's gonna suck. But if you like outdoors stuff it's great and there is enough stuff around to stay busy.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 3:31 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 15:31:46 -0400

I was in the MP BN. It is a great unit and looks like it's only gotten better since I've left. It is a tenet unit on Ft. Riley but really embraces 1ID.

Ft. Riley is great if you love to hunt and/or fish. I lived on the west side of Manhattan, easy drive to post and a little more to do than Junction City, I'd say.

Kansas City is 2 hours away and Colorado is easy for the 4 day training holidays. Ft. Riley is a great place if you don't get stuck in your head about being in the middle of KS. Enjoy!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 3:39 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 15:39:36 -0400

If you enjoy hunting or fishing then fort Riley is the place for you. Really, any outdoor activity. If you're more "city" then you'll be in for a drive. Been on Riley for 4 years, summers are hot and humid, winters are cold and miserable. Wind never stops. But the soldiers are great, the atmosphere is great, the pride in the division is great

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 12:48 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 00:48:17 -0400

I have had a number of friends who served in the MPs at Riley. If you don't receive the info you desire here on RP, I can put you in touch with someone. As for Junction City, KS, I can only say...boredom will set in after just one day!!!

Response by SPC Elvis Carden made Aug 4 at 2016 2:05 PM

SPC Elvis Carden — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 14:05:15 -0400

have not been there in a long time we just had our reunion in Atlanta I was there before I went to Vietnam 65 66 http://www.ElvisCarden.com fo music

Elvis Lloyd Carden | Elvis Carden | Home

Guitar, House,Builder Designer,Music,Artist

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2016 7:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 07:28:19 -0400

I was stationed at Fort Riley about a year ago, unfortunately had to leave due to unit inactivation. Honestly it is what you make of if. The fact that I was married did not complicate anything, it just allowed me to go out and see what that part of the country had to offer. Try taking your family to the zoo in Omaha Nebraska, it is the number one zoo in the country and only a few hours away. OKC and a Dallas as well as KC has a lot to offer. It is very family oriented with some of the best schools in the country. If you are into sports never met more dedicated sport fans ever. The MWR always has events going on. This base is high up-tempo so plan accordingly. Like others have said be prepared for the weather. Do not get suckered into leases by crooked landlords, ensure that you talk to housing first and always have them inspect the property. Manhattan is more expensive to live than Junction City, while Ogden is a lot cheaper. Join AHRN.COM so you have an idea what is available to you based on your rank. Do not spend more than you can afford. Lastly if you are going to be on patrol, it will get crazy and weird some times. You will see. Make the best of it and good luck.

Response by SFC Robert Lemons made Sep 8 at 2016 11:17 AM

SFC Robert Lemons — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 11:17:16 -0400

I spent two tours of about four years each at Riley with the 977th MP Co, and the 716 MP BN back in the nineties. I have many great brothers in arms that are still in the local area. I truly hated leaving. There is a lot of history in the area, just get out and enjoy the chance to experience a place you would probably never have chosen to visit on your own.