Complete Guide to Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg)

Fort Liberty, located adjacent to Fayetteville, North Carolina, is one of the largest military installations in the world. Home to over 52,000 active-duty military personnel and covering more than 251 square miles, this installation serves as a critical hub for the U.S. Army's airborne and special operations forces.

History and Name

The installation was originally established in 1918 as Camp Bragg, named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg. In 2023, it was renamed Fort Liberty as part of a Department of Defense initiative to rename bases honoring Confederate leaders. In February 2025, the Army changed the name back to Fort Bragg, this time honoring World War II paratrooper Roland L. Bragg, who received a Silver Star and Purple Heart for his heroic actions during the Battle of the Bulge.

Major Units and Commands

Fort Liberty serves as headquarters for several elite military units:

• XVIII Airborne Corps: The Army's contingency corps, ready to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours
• 82nd Airborne Division: America's Guard of Honor, the nation's immediate-response force
• U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC): Oversees all Army special operations
• 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne): The Green Berets
• 75th Ranger Regiment: Elite light infantry
• U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM): Largest Army command
• U.S. Army Reserve Command: Headquarters for Army Reserve

Airfields

The installation operates two major airfields:

• Pope Field: Home to U.S. Air Force global airlift and special operations units
• Simmons Army Airfield: Supports Army aviation for airborne and special operations

Location and Geography

Fort Liberty spans parts of Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, and Moore counties in the Sandhills region of southeastern North Carolina. The installation is primarily within Fayetteville city limits, with portions extending into Spring Lake. Raleigh, the state capital, is approximately one hour north.

Climate

The area features a humid subtropical climate:

• Summers: Hot and humid with temperatures in the 90s°F; frequent afternoon thunderstorms
• Winters: Generally mild with occasional freezing temperatures; significant snow is rare
• Spring: Pleasant but known for extremely high pollen counts from abundant pine trees
• Fall: Comfortable temperatures; occasional hurricane remnants from June through November

Getting Started at Fort Liberty

PCS Check-In

All service members PCSing or arriving on TDY orders must check in with the Fort Liberty Reception Company. Check-in is available 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Contact: 910-396-4250 (DSN 312-236-4250).

Transportation from Fayetteville Regional Airport is available via complimentary Airport Liaison shuttle. Use the courtesy phone at the airport to call 910-396-4244 for pickup.

Newcomer Resources

• Newcomer's Orientation: Held the 1st Tuesday of each month at ACS, starting at 9:00 AM
• Bus Tour: Monthly tours of Fort Liberty and Fayetteville area
• Lending Closet: Borrow basic household items while awaiting shipment of goods (910-396-6013)

Schools and Childcare

The main school districts serving military families include:

• Cumberland County Schools: Primary district for Fayetteville area
• Hoke County Schools: Serves Raeford and surrounding areas
• Moore County Schools: Highly rated district serving Southern Pines/Pinehurst

Fort Liberty operates an extensive network of Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Family Child Care (FCC) homes. Due to high demand, waitlists are common. Register immediately at MilitaryChildCare.com upon receiving orders.

Medical Facilities

Womack Army Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare services for active duty, retirees, and family members. The facility offers:

• Emergency and urgent care
• Primary care clinics
• Specialty services
• Pharmacy services
• Dental clinics

Recreation and Nearby Attractions

On-Post Recreation

• Multiple fitness centers and gyms
• Golf courses
• Outdoor recreation equipment rentals
• Movie theaters
• Bowling centers

Local Attractions

• Airborne & Special Operations Museum: Free admission, world-class military history
• Cape Fear Botanical Garden: Beautiful gardens along the Cape Fear River
• Cape Fear River Trail: Scenic walking and biking trails
• Downtown Fayetteville: Restaurants, shops, and entertainment

Day Trips

• Raleigh (1 hour): Museums, dining, NC State sports
• NC Beaches (2-3 hours): Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Crystal Coast
• Blue Ridge Mountains (4-5 hours): Asheville, Biltmore Estate, Boone
• Charlotte (2.5 hours): Panthers, Hornets, NASCAR Hall of Fame

Resources and Contacts

• Installation Information: home.army.mil/liberty
• Reception Company: 910-396-4250
• ACS (Army Community Service): 910-396-8680
• Housing Office: 910-396-0671
• ID Card Section: 910-396-4105

Fort Liberty represents not just a military installation, but a vibrant community where soldiers and their families can thrive while serving our nation.