I’m PCSing to Fort Benning for an instructor job with MCOE. Any recommendations for housing, things to do with my wife and son, and tips?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 09:43:09 -0400

We are heading to benning in August and I was curious if housing on post is worth it. I live on post at fort Campbell now and it’s not too nice. Also what is around the benning area to do? Places to eat? Last thing, is there anything I should know before hand about the base itself/the possible job I’m going to (if anyone has had it?)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2019 9:48 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 09:48:35 -0400

The housing on posts really depends on what’s available and you signed in and try to find Out what’s available. I believe with the new initiatives that are coming out as far as on these housing you might have a good opportunity to get into a nice place now that everybody’s really focusing on ensuring that all of the on post housing is getting up to snuff.

I’ll be honest with you with the increase of Civilians and soldiers at Benning over the past few decades there was a huge increase in houses being built communities popping up all around but it is extremely difficult to find the perfect home if you don’t start early and really get into the market.

Not sure what you’re ours will be at the school house but you have to remember driving too far makes for a very early morning and extremely late evening.

I’m sure there’s some people on the form here that will be able to give you some better vision about the job bud don’t rule out on post housing especially since you’re going to be extremely busy on post with your job but it’s the same time you want to maximize the potential for you to be able to put some equity in the house if you plan on staying there for a while. Barring any catastrophes if you get a nice house if anyone even if you PCS away your odds are coming back or high few choose and also being able to rent it is another great opportunity to increase my income and build equity even if you’re not there

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2019 10:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 10:00:14 -0400

I just started in processing down at benning, also coming from Campbell. Housing is super backed up so if you want on post try and get on a wait list now. Off post is nice, I bought a house in Phenix City and Alabama seems you get a lot of house for the money. Typical Army town off post. Columbus is good size and has any restaurants you’d want to eat at. Tons of outdoor opportunities, white water rafting, hiking, parks, ext..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2019 12:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 12:27:49 -0400

I was at Fort Benning from 2013-2016. Columbus has its parts that aren’t that great but so does every other place. You will figure it out the first few weeks you are there. It’s always good to stay above exit 7 when looking off post. Exit 3 and 5 probably isn’t best. I lived in Phenix City, AL the first year I was there and was in a huge 5 bed, 3 bath house for $1200 a month. I got so sick of the drive everyday I couldn’t take it anymore. When my lease was almost up, I went to housing and lived in Patton Village which was really nice. So...on a map, phenix city isn’t far from post but all the red lights and traffic made it grueling. Especially in the summer! I recommend on-post if possible. It was October when I went to housing and there was no wait list.

Now, for things to do! You can go river rafting with a rafting company in downtown Columbus. A few great restaurants in town are the Cannonbrew Pub and the Loft. A good burger joint. An authentic Mexican off of 41A. A craft beer shop called maltitude that has great growlers. They do a beer and wine festival every year which was great. And a skydiving place not far from there. Also they have a market every Saturday morning in downtown with lots of crafts, fresh fruit , homemade honey,etc...

All in all it’s a good place. Very hot though! Motorcycle riding was always fun for me there. Enjoy it and have fun. You can also look at Fort Mitchell, AL where you get a lot of house for cheap. Ask me anything you’d like.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2019 2:52 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 14:52:38 -0400

Attended and graduated from IBOLC in Benning back in 2016-2017 timeframe. I lived off post just off of exit three and even that short of a drive was always a chore everyday. As a result I would recommend living on post as most of their on post housing is fairly nice and will put you much closer to the MCOE.

As for food, off of exit 10 there is your standard accommodation of chain restaurants. For a more unique experience I definitely recommend La Nacional, it is a Mexican buffet. It isn't in the greatest neighborhood but it is cheap and the food is delicious. OH! and they have the holy of holies, over by the Airborne school/hotel area there is a Little Ceasers that had a lunch buffet. Another great cheap option.

Benning is a fairly good post and Columbus is a nice area as long as you go past exit 7 like most of the other comments have been saying. Work hard and find a way to maximize your experience in your downtime just like any other post and you will have a great time.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2019 11:21 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 23:21:24 -0400

You’ll like Fort Benning a lot! Right off the side gate is victory drive... probably steer clear of that area but down by the river is a really nice coffee shop and a burger joint and beer brewery called cannons! MCOE is in a good location too there’s the smiths gym and a 1 or so track right there. As for housing I only know what other people have said and that’s to live off post... the housing in that area isn’t the best but again that’s all hear say!

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Apr 27 at 2019 11:51 PM

SGT Chris Stephens — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 23:51:40 -0400

Victory Drive is a great place for family activities.

Response by SGM Jeff Bullard made Sep 16 at 2020 12:58 PM

SGM Jeff Bullard — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 12:58:01 -0400

Plenty of nice places to eat in Columbus. Atlanta is 1.5 hours away. Panama City Beach, FL is about 3 hours away. Columbus is a good size city with plenty of lakes, rivers to enjoy.