Fort Polk

Moving to Fort Polk

Fort Polk in western Louisiana is home to the Joint Readiness Training Center, where infantry brigades from across the Army rotate through realistic field exercises. Life here is rural and small-town, centered on Leesville and the post itself, with the heat, humidity and a strong Cajun food culture setting the tone.

Official installation website

Where families live

Schools

Families on and around Fort Polk are mostly served by the Vernon Parish public schools, with Beauregard Parish schools an option for families living near DeRidder. Private schools also exist. The School Liaison Office can explain enrollment requirements.

• Vernon Parish School District — Main district for post and Leesville-area families; elementary, middle and high schools.
• Beauregard Parish School District — Serves the DeRidder side of the area.

Fort Polk School Liaison Office (Radio Road, Bldg. 400); School Support Services 337-531-6673 / 337-531-9481

Things to do near Fort Polk

• Leesville Main Street Cultural Districtfood
  Older storefronts and restaurants along 5th Street, with a local market and occasional festival events.
• 3rd Street Marketfamily
  Local goods and produce, plus pop-up community events.
• Kisatchie National Forest and Wolf Rock Caveoutdoors
  Hiking and backcountry exploring in the national forest next door; the cave is best reached by high-clearance vehicle or a long hike.
• Vernon Parish scenic roads and trailsoutdoors
  Drivable network of scenic routes that works as a full-day outing.
• Bayou canoeing and kayakingoutdoors
  Paddling on nearby bayous and rivers.
• On-post recreationfamily
  Golf, bowling, go-karts, batting cages, a splash park, pools and campgrounds run by Family and MWR.
• Louisiana food culturefood
  Gumbo, boudin, po'boys and King Cake are local staples worth seeking out.

Realtors & local services

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Local programs & support

• Fort Polk Welcome Desk (Alexandria airport)
  Arriving personnel can find a Fort Polk welcome desk beside baggage claim at Alexandria International Airport.
• Fort Polk Relocation Readiness Program
  ACS-run relocation help located in Bldg. 920 on post.

PCS tips for Fort Polk

• Call the Army Housing Office (337-531-6000) as soon as you have orders; Corvias accepts applications up to 90 days before arrival.
• Plan around heat and humidity in summer, and expect long drives for large-city shopping or care beyond the post hospital (Alexandria and Lake Charles are the nearest bigger cities).
• Fly into Alexandria (AEX) if you can; Shreveport and Lake Charles are alternatives roughly two hours or less away by car.
• Contact the School Liaison Office early if your child has an IEP or needs mid-year enrollment.

Benefits to use on this move

• Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
  Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
• Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)
  Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
• Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)
  Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
• VA Home Loan Guaranty
  Service members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
• Pet Transportation Reimbursement
  Families moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
• Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
  School-age children of active duty families changing schools
• School Liaison Program
  Parents choosing schools and transferring records

See every program and benefit

Other installations in the Texas, Oklahoma & Gulf South

• Fort HoodKilleen, TX
• Fort SillLawton, OK
• Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Randolph)San Antonio, TX
• Barksdale Air Force BaseBossier City, LA
• Little Rock Air Force BaseJacksonville, AR
• Tinker Air Force BaseOklahoma City / Midwest City, OK