We welcome incoming military families and encourage you to consider our home your home as you serve at Fort Jackson. We value your service in the military and appreciate the role of military spouses and family members. Contact the Columbia Chamber if we can assist you or your family. Many establishments and attractions in our area are considered Friends of Our Forces and provide discounts to military members and their families.
Military Information
Fort Jackson
- Largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center for the Army
- Annually trains over 75,000 soldiers:
- 50,000 basic combat training soldiers
- Over 25,000 soldiers at the Soldier Support Institute, National Center for Credibility Assessment, and the Chaplain and Drill Sergeants School
- Conducts fifty-four percent of Army's Basic Combat Training
- Trains sixty-one percent of all women entering the Army
- Holds weekly basic training graduations
- Attracts nearly 5,000 visitors to Columbia weekly
- Annually brings in over 200,000 visitors who spend an estimated $45 million in restaurants, hotels and at various attractions like Riverbanks Zoo, EdVenture Museum, the Columbia Museum of Art and the SC State Museum
South Carolina National Guard
Includes:
- SC Army National Guard
- SC Air National Guard and McEntire Joint National Guard Base,
- SC Emergency Management Division
- SC Military Museum
- SC State Guard
South Carolina Air National Guard
- Mostly trains and operates out of McEntire Joint National Guard Base (JNGB)
- McEntire JNGB is the home of over 60 SCANG and SCARNG military aircraft; and over 2,400 Soldiers, Airmen and civilians
- Only base in the State under the control of the Governor
SC Military Base Task Force
- Exists to enhance the value of our state's military installations and facilities, as well as the quality of life for our military personnel and their families
- Coordinates efforts among public and private sectors to maintain a significant U.S. Department of Defense presence in South Carolina