Fort Novosel / Fort Rucker Army Base Guide

Kena Sosa & Michelle Nati

Welcome to your military base guide for service members and families PCSing to Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker. Located in Dale County, Alabama, the installation serves as the Army’s central home for aviation training and support operations. This guide gives you a clear overview of everything you’ll need for a smooth transition—from Fort Novosel housing and BAH details to check-in steps, schools, and essential on-base services.

Fort Novosel / Fort Rucker Army Base Guide

• Location: Dale County, Alabama
• Zip Code: 36362
• Branch: U.S. Army
• Main Mission/Notable units: U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE)
• Main Operator: 334-255-1110
• Population: About 25,000
• Official Website: https://home.army.mil/rucker/

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Arriving at Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker: Check-In & In-Processing

During duty hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, all incoming permanent party soldiers must report to the Soldier Service Center, Military Personnel Division, located in Building 5700, Room 280, to sign in.

If you arrive after duty hours, on a weekend, or on a federal holiday, report to Building 101, Fort Rucker IOC. On the first duty day after arrival, Soldiers must report to Building 5700, Room 280 at 0730 to formally in-process. A duty uniform is required.

Warrant Officer Candidates sign in at Building 5910 at any time, during or after duty hours.

Flight and Captain’s Career Course students will report to Building 5911, 1-145th AVN REGT, to sign in. On the next duty day, students will report to Building 5700, Room 280, at 0730 for installation in-processing.

Students attending the Warrant Officer Staff Course (WOSC) or Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course (WOSSC) will report to Building 5910 during duty hours. After hours, they will report to Building 308, IHG Army Hotel. Advanced Individual Training (AIT) students will report to A Co, 1/13th Aviation Regiment, Building 6202.

Advanced Leader Course (ALC) and Senior Leader Course (SLC) students report to the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy in Building 4301. Any students not listed above should follow the reporting instructions listed on their orders.

Key Documents to Hand-Carry:

• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Orders (multiple copies)
• Military ID and Dependent IDs
• Marriage/Birth Certificates
• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• Medical and Dental Records
• School Records for Children

Newcomer’s Briefing

All inbound personnel must attend a mandatory Newcomer’s Briefing or orientation. This brief provides essential information on base resources, community programs, and local policies.

The Monthly Newcomers’ Welcome (required for all permanent party soldiers) takes place from 0900 to 1130 on the second Friday of each month at The Landing.

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Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker Housing & Lodging

When you get to Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker, your first stop for anything housing-related is the Housing Services Office. It’s on the first floor of the Soldier Service Center in Building 5700, Room 160, and it’s open Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Housing on Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker is privatized and managed by Corvias Military Living. On-base living consists of single-family units and townhomes across several distinct neighborhoods. It is critical to contact the Housing Services Office as soon as you receive your orders to get on the waitlist.

• Housing Services Office:  334-255-5989/334-255-1849
• Privatized Housing Partner: Corvias Military Living | 334-440-8988

Off-Base Housing: Best Neighborhoods & Cities

Many service members and families live in the surrounding Alabama communities.

• Daleville: Daleville is only about 2 to 3 miles from post, making it the quickest and easiest commute.
• Enterprise: A popular pick for its amenities and strong school system, Enterprise is roughly 7 miles from base and has more of a suburban feel.
• Ozark: An affordable option with a slow, small-town pace, Ozark is about 10 miles from the installation.
• Dothan: The largest nearby city, Dothan, is about 20 miles from post, giving you far more shopping and restaurant options without being too far of a commute.

Fort Rucker/Fort Novosel Temporary Lodging (TLF)

The on-base inn is the International Hotel Group (IHG) Army Hotels. Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible, especially during peak PCS season. Pet-friendly units are limited; be sure to request one if needed.

Unaccompanied Personnel Housing (UPH) is available on Fort Novosel for bona fide bachelors in the ranks of E-1 to E-4. These enlisted servicemembers must check with housing personnel prior to making housing arrangements. More information can be found on the Army Housing website or contact the Housing office at 334-255-3705/1205. The International Hotel Group (IHG) Army Hotels Fort Novosel is located in Building 308, on 6th Avenue.

• Reservations: 877-711-TEAM

Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker BAH

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is based on your rank, dependent status, and the base’s zip code. The cost of living in Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker, Alabama, is lower than the national average due to housing affordability.

Fort Novosel BAH Calculator

Schools & Child Care Near Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker

On-Base Schools

Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker is home to one Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school, which serves children living on the installation.

•  Parker Elementary (Grades Pre K to 6)

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Local School Districts

For those living off-base, the primary school district is Daleville City Schools. Other nearby districts include Enterprise City Schools and Ozark City Schools.

The School Liaison Office (SLO) is your primary resource for all questions regarding school registration, transfers, and local education options. Call them at (334)255-9812

Child Development Centers (CDC)

Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker offers a Child Development Center (CDC) for full-day, part-day, and hourly care, serving children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. All registration is managed through the central MilitaryChildCare.com website. Family Child Care (FCC) homes are also available.

Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker Directory

• Base Operator: 334-255-1110
• Housing Services Office (HSO): 334-255-5989/334-255-1849
• Privatized Housing: (334) 440-8988
• Temporary Lodging (Inn): 334-598-5216
• In-Processing/Welcome Center: 334-255-3100/334-255-9777
• School Liaison Office: (334) 255-9812
• CDC Registration: MilitaryChildCare.com
• Lyster Army Health Clinic /TRICARE: 800-261-7193/334-255-7229
• Public Affairs Office: 334-255-2551

Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker Mission and Units

Fort Novosel is the home of the Army Aviation Center of Excellence, where Army pilots train and where much of the service’s aviation maintenance and leadership instruction happens. Key commands on post include U.S. Army Garrison Fort Novosel, the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, and the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career College.

The installation has also supported major aviation and safety missions over the years, including the Army School of Aviation Medicine and the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker

What is Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker famous for?

Fort Novose/Fort Rucker is known as the “Home of Army Aviation.” It’s the Army’s main center for flight training, and it’s also home to the Army Aviation Museum, featuring one of the largest collections of Army helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in the world.

What is the main ZIP code for Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker?

Fort Novosel’s primary ZIP code is 36362. It covers the installation’s core facilities, training facilities, and the Aviation Museum.

Can civilians visit Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker?

Yes! The installation offers a 30-day visitor pass that you can request online through the Army Visitor Pre-Registration System, so you don’t have to stop at the Daleville or Ozark visitor control centers unless you want a paper copy. Once approved, you just show up at a gate and scan the same ID you used during registration.

You’ll still need a government-issued photo ID when you apply, and the system will run the standard security checks. Just submit your request 5 to 30 days before you plan to arrive, and you’ll get a text once it’s processed. If you need more guidance, the Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker visitation page and the Visitor Control Center have all the details.

What is the closest major airport to Fort Novosel/Fort Rucker?

The closest airport is Dothan Regional (DHN), about 16 miles from post. You can also fly into several others within driving distance, including the Florida cities of Panama City (around 68 miles), Valparaiso (about 77 miles), Tallahassee (roughly 105 miles), and Pensacola (about 107 miles).

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