What’s it like in Smith Barracks?

2018-03-20T11:56:06-04:00

I’m getting ready to PCS ago Baumholder in a few months. I am curious as to the tempo of the units over there. What’s housing like, on and off post? I would also like to know about the motorcycle mentor program on the post. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 1:30 PM

2018-03-20T13:30:34-04:00

"THE ROCK" was my first assignment back when it was home to 2BCT of the 1st Armored Division. There were literally like 30,000 civilians and soldiers assigned there back then. Last time I visited was back in 2016 and it was a ghost town since the brigade moved to Fort Bliss, however the geographical location is great and it's a nice base. OPTEMPO was crazy when I was there, not sure how it is nowadays. Good luck, you are lucky to be heading there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 5:52 PM

2018-03-20T17:52:02-04:00

I enjoyed Baimholder when I went back in 09. It’s small and it’s in the hills so if you like small country side feel, you’ll like it. It’s close to K-town and ramstein too.

Only thing I hated was Baumholder has its own weather...it could be snowing there and sunny in K-town. Or nice out in K-town and then you get into Baumholder and can’t see a thing cuz of the fog.

Either way, I loved it I would go back.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2018 4:22 PM

2018-03-21T16:22:00-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member I’m in Baumholder now and after nearly 3 years I can say “it’s been different”. From a unit standpoint, the OPTEMPO has been crazy but the command climate is changing for the better so I’m hopeful you will have a more enjoyable experience. From a personal/family standpoint, this place has been perfect for my family to use as a jumping off point to see all of Europe! We have traveled to 13 countries in our 3 yrs and I know others that have done as many as 27 countries! We have a large family but even that didn’t slow us down too much. You have to hunt for the deals but when you do they are amazing! We scored round trip tickets to Ireland on RyanAir, rented a car and stayed in a beautiful cottage AirBnB over the 4 day Presidents’ Day weekend for just over $550! That’s for 3 adults and 3 kids, total price (not including food and drinks of course). This is just 1 example of many more I can share with you. The housing on post is mostly stairwell but here are some nice looking duplexes being built now that are projected to be ready later this year. I’m not familiar with the motor cycle mentorship program because honestly the weather is not really conducive to riding a bike. Ask me more and I will fill you in, you can even hit me up on global.