Hello everyone!

My boyfriend will be leaving for a month long training from Camp Ripley to Fort Irwin in July. I am wondering what to expect? He is a private first class and has begun the process to switch from the NG to the Air Force. When being sent to FI does this mean he will be deployed? I am a first timer on these situations so I want to know from REAL PEOPLE what to expect? I am very worried. :-(

comments (0)   Post comment

iam in fort campbell now...iam a 12B... wuts it like in fort irwin for combat arms mos?? do they ever deploy??? all ive heard is never deploy and allways out in the field??? ive been out in the field 3- 4 days evry so often. but hows fort irwin???? iam considering re up for irwin due to family lives near by... 

comments (0)   Post comment

HI EVERYONE!

 

I'm currently deployed to Afghanistan and I am reenlisting in a few weeks I will be choosing Ft. Irwin CA because it's closer to where my boyfriend is at. He is in the Marine Corps and is stationed in Camp Pendleton. I was wondering if this is a good choice. I've been to California many times before and I absolutely LOVE IT!

Any comments suggestions and everything is welcome. I am really excited!

comments (0)   Post comment

Cookie  A. says: It was very boring here at Ft. Irwin but all the units made u feel at home it was like we all were family!

comments (0)   Post comment

Ashley S. asks: Hey everyone! Anyone stationed in Ft. Irwin? I will be moving there this July and I wanted to know what it was like. We are currently stationed in Hawaii and I love it here. I don't ever want to leave. Lol. Thanks :)

 

Lisa A. says: I was there years ago. It's not Hawaii but it is still beautiful. I did enjoy being there. It was the closest community feel that I've had anywhere. 

 

Brenda T. says: Was there from 2001 to 2006. I loved it there. The only thing is You have to drive 30 miles to even go to McDonald's and about an hr to go to the mall or a good restaurant. I miss it there and would give anything to go back. The Frg there was awesome and meet some really close friends that I will forever keep in touch with.

 

Armela M. says: Well I just left there few months ago and it was a bittersweet goodbye. I hated how isolated it was but I was sad to leave friends I met there. Because community is so small you get to know lots of people. I'd suggest you join their Ft Irwin wives Facebook page and ask any kind of questions. Housing wasn't so bad we lived in newer house. You'll just have to drive to places if you like to shop or eat out. There are tons of things to do within 2-3 hours drive so definitely use that advantage to explore CA. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask me. Good luck with the move.

 

Andrea M. says: I'm at Irwin. Been here just over a year. It is isolated and if your husband is in the 11acr he will be gone alot. The post is small but I think it's nice. The housing is nice and there is a lot of activites for children. I hated it here when I first got here but now that I'm meeting people I like it better. Barstow is the closest town and it is ran down and drug infested. Apple Valley and Victorville are nicer and bigger. There is a lot to do in CA but it will cost money. Vegas is pretty close. Just try to come in with an open mind and get out of the house and you will be fine.

 

Heather R. says: We moved from there last year. We were there for 3 years. We didn't like ft irwin itself not too much cause the base is really small and not alot to do and in the middle of nowhere and the drive down the 30 mile ling rd to get anywhere fun or good to eat gets old fast! But I do say I miss the friends I've had there but that will happen anywhere we leave. The benefits to living there are you're 2-3 hrs from LA and las vegas. Housing isn't bad. The newer homes are even nicer. 

 

Corinna M. says: Lived there from 2004-2006 and I liked it! Yes it was isolated but you get used to the drive after awhile. I even got to where I enjoyed the drive to Barstow or Victorville. Vegas is 2 1/2 hours away and Disneyland is also!

 

Maurethia H.H. says: My daughter was there She hated also.... Nothing to do or see.

 

Kate N. says: That was my first duty station as a new Army spouse and I loves it! Yes you are isolated but they really make an effort to make it home from.you. The housing was excellent and I know they were expanding the PX when we were leaving. The thing about Irwin that I have not gotten at the other 3 duty stations is the sense of community there. Everyone is in the same boat so everyone comes together. Also for quick weekend getaways you can go to Naval base Coronado in San Diego and get a room at their lodging for like $50/night and be right in the beach!

 

 

comments (1)   Post comment

James says:
July 21, 2011 at 5:48 am

One thing that I have not seen mentioned about Irwin is Big Bear Lake. Big Bear lake is about a 2 hour drive south and is in the San Bernardino Mountains. It is a wonderful ski resort town, with skiing at snow summit and snow boarding at Bear mountain. Big Bear also boasts great campgrounds for summertime, Serrano Campground being right on the lake. Big Bear lake is great for fishing, boating, swimming and all of your other water sport needs. If you get stationed at Irwin, Big Bear is somewhere you have to go for atleast one weekend during your tour.


comments (0)   Post comment

Lisa says:
October 28, 2010 at 11:29 am

3. Home of the first Del Taco! Ok, so it isn?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t 3am. It?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s only 9:27 pm, but I was in bed when it came to me and had to get out so it counts.


comments (0)   Post comment

Lisa says:
October 28, 2010 at 10:42 am

Dentist ExtraordinaireDr. RobinsonIf you need a dentist you?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢d be a fool not to give Dr. Robinson a try. He?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s the best dentist I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ve been to. His staff is also excellent, the place is clean, modern and up to date with the latest technology. His theory is that you don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t have to floss all of your teeth, only the one?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s that you want to keep. I still remember this nearly 10 years later and use the line on my kids. Dr. Craig A. Robinson, DDS 450 S 2nd Ave
Barstow, CA
(760) 256-2327
Open Mon-Thu 8am-5pm



comments (0)   Post comment

Lisa says:
October 28, 2010 at 10:30 am

Don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t be scared of orders to Ft. Irwin. I know it is isolated, but I found that the desert was beautiful, heat without humidity really is better, and the post was more of a tight knit community than any other place we?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ve been to. Ok, so I left Ft. Irwin in 2001, but some things don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t change. I would think that those three things would remain constant.

Barstow is not impressive to look at, but I did enjoy the friendly customer service that the Mom & Pop stores had. Make sure that you check some of these places out and don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t just shop at that one big store. Barstow also has a nice steakhouse called Idlespurs. http://www.idlespurssteakhouse.com/ Definitely check that out. I alway joked that Barstow was known for three things. They are: 1. Being the pit stop between Los Angeles and Las Vegas 2. You eat at McDonalds in a railway car! 3. I don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t remember. Yes, the famous Route 66 runs through it, but I had some other tidbit that was way more interesting. I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢m sure I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ll remember it at 3am.

You are really close to the world?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s largest thermometer in Baker. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2893 It makes for a great photo. Don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t forget that wide angle lens.

Take advantage of your location to travel. Some great places to visit are:
1. Las Vegas: You are just a couple of hours away. You can get some great deals at hotels on the strip. While we were there we visited several of them for great prices. You can find things like (remember we left in 2001, prices will change) $50 a night in the Paris with free breakfast and $30 in free slot pulls. You can also catch amazing shows and concerts in Vegas.
2. Joshua Tree National Park: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/ 3. Los Angeles: Although I am not a huge fan (lots and lots of traffic), I did love going to their Farmers Market. http://www.farmersmarketla.com/ You can get fabulous foods, fresh produce, souvenirs?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ The Fashion District: A great place for cheap clothes and fabrics if you prefer to make your own. http://www.fashiondistrict.org/ 4. Legoland:I didn?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t go there because I felt a little foolish without kids, but I think the concept is fabulous and would love to see it one day. 5. San Diego:
6. Doris. Yes, I left in 2001, but she is still there. If you are lucky enough to meet her, you?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ll know. And don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t forget to tell her that I said hi.

These are just a few of the great things that you can find at Ft. Irwin. Enjoy your time there. Remember, there is something cool everywhere you go, you just have to take the time to find it.


comments (0)   Post comment

susanna says:
August 30, 2010 at 7:56 am

Websites: http://www.irwin.army.mil/channels Ft.Irwin homepage http://www.desertdispatch.com Barstow News http://www.aerotechnews.com/Warrior/Warrior.html Ft.Irwin News

The installation is located in Southern California ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú south of LA but North of San Diego. The interstate is 30 miles away from installation ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú so a long way. It is in the middle of the Mojave desert and if you are not used to a hot climate you?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ll need to study up on staying hydrated and other dangers in such an environment. If you are used to city life: prepare for a long trip to either LA or San Diego. You are looking at a 130 F in the summer! If you are an urbanite, it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s time to change! You will be pretty isolated out there, but if you have a car, you can make the best of it!! The installation PX and Commissary are considered small but have just been rebuilt ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú they are considered sufficient so you DON?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢T have to make the trip to Barstow all the time. Barstow is the closest town with a Walmart and is about 30 miles aways. There are some chain restaurants to places to eat ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú however with a crime rating of 7 out of 10 (3 is national average) you really don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t want to be there after dark. In Southwest Barstow (along I 15) you?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ll find Tanger Outlet and Barstow Outlet malls. But you should check out Victorville/Apple Valley for the bigger more common places. Victorville might also not be a place where you?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ll want to hang out at night too much. The installation has received good ratings from other spouses in regards to family ?¢‚ǨÀúentertainment?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢. There is a rollerskating rink, gym and swimming pool, a splash park, small movie theater. You will use the airports in Vegas, LA or Onterio. Onterio is closest if you take 15/215 about an hour or so. Onterio is increasing in size and is expected to have international flights coming in. Please be aware of the winds in the area. There are many accidents, because folks under estimate the wind and rain on the Cajon Pass. There is a lot to do if you come off the pass in the Valley or Inland Empire. Then there is also LA if you go the other way.

When Soldiers arrive in Barstow, and before going to Fort Irwin, they are requested to stop by the Fort Irwin Military Connection and Resource Center, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 512 Barstow Road in Barstow. The Center is closed on Wednesday and weekends. The Welcome Center telephone number is (760) 256-1735. Soldiers can sign in at the Welcome Center and may decide to seek lodging in town, if they determine by phoning post that no guest quarters are available. Newcomers should report to the AG Replacement Detachment, Building 412, for in processing, which is done quickly and with a minimum of inconvenience. Soldiers need to be in uniform and bring their orders and military records.

Soldiers and their Family Members can receive immediate assistance from Army Community Services. Volunteers and paid staff members can help new families get settled in. From the Lending Closet, items such as bedding, kitchen utensils and baby-care implements, such as a crib or high chair may be signed out. A well-stocked food locker is also available for emergencies. Soldiers must register privately owned vehicles and weapons within three days of arrival. Vehicle registration requires the Soldiers provide a valid Military ID, driver?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s license, insurance, registration and proof of compliance with California emissions standards. Weapons registration forms may be obtained at the Soldier?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s new company and must be signed by the company commander. Only the form must be delivered to the Vehicle and Weapon Registration Section, Building 312. Weapons being registered should not be brought to the facility.

Pets must be registered at the Animal Disease Prevention and Control Facility within one week of arrival on post. Any animal immunization records available should be presented when registering the pet. In addition, each pet registered on post is required to have an AVID chip, which is available at Veterinary Services.

Fort Irwin is located about 37 miles northeast of Barstow, California in the Mojave High Desert. The installation consists of more than 1,200 square miles of desert lands, hills and mountains. A wide variety of wildlife and vegetation communities are supported by distinct landscape features such as washes, gullies, rock outcroppings, cliffs and talus slopes, dunes, caves, springs and seeps. The installation is also home to two federally listed endangered species, the Desert Tortoise and Lane Mountain Milkvetch.


comments (0)   Post comment