I am going to Fort Irwin this summer as an OC/T. What should I expect and what tips do you have for me and my Family?

2020-02-02T23:18:28-05:00

We have two children, 11 and 8. How is housing on Fort Irwin and do you recommend living in Barstow? Also, any info on what my days will look like. I am a 91X, maintenance supervisor.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2020 11:35 PM

2020-02-02T23:35:14-05:00

Do you know what unit you are headed to? If you go to Ops Grp. , then you will have a set schedule of going to the box 9 out 12 months a year. You will have set long weekend after each rotation. I would recommend living on post. Barstow is not so nice and has little to offer. The schools on post are walking distance for the kids. Housing is pretty good for the location. You will also be about 1.5-2hrs away from Vegas, 2-2.5 hrs from LA, and 3hrs from San Diego. The contonement area is about a 7 mile radius and its a pretty close community. You will get to know lots of people if you are on a critter team. Its a rewarding assignment. I had a great time. I was there for about 33 months and did 22 rotations. I left back in 2016.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2020 11:36 PM

2020-02-02T23:36:21-05:00

GM07 Ancient here. Live on post. That drive is a safety hazard in itself especially after 10-14 days in the box.
You will be on a very predictably timeline. Just understand you will be doing three actions in any given month. I mean you will be actively observing the rotational unit in the box. Then there is the unit conducting their recon of NTC. These units are 3-6 months out from their rotation. And then there is the unit at LTP. BLUF is you will be busy.
Housing is ok. It’s not 3rd world but it’s also not the greatest. Schools are close by. I waked my kids to school then went to the mine. After rotations we hung out at Big Bear and stayed cool there in the mountains. Congratulations on the assignment and have fun. I miss the pallet burns and smoking cigars up on Freddy Brown with the team.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2020 8:58 AM

2020-02-03T08:58:08-05:00

Like the Gentleman here have already said, stay on post. Barstow is a shithole, especially for your family.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2020 9:19 PM

2020-02-04T21:19:56-05:00

I have been on Irwin since the summer of 2016. Originally in 11th and now in Ops Group and will concur with GM07(A) and recommend living on post. Driving to Barstow or even Victorville/Apple Valley is not worth it for a refit.