Family & MWR
The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)is a comprehensive network of support and leisure services designed to enhance the lives of Soldiers, their families, civilian employees, military retirees and other eligible participants. Aside from the many facilities and services listed on the following pages, we also host a number of popular annual events, including the Independence Day Celebration (which includes the Chattahoochee Valley’s largest fireworks show), Oktoberfest, concerts on Wetherby Field, the Doughboy Football Bowl and holiday celebrations.
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For more information about MWR, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BenningFMWRfans or go to benning.armymwr.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for the weekly MWR email update, and we’ll keep you in the know about upcoming events, classes and discounts.
MWR Services
Child, Youth & School Services
Parent Central Services
At Parent Central Services, in Building 104, Marchant Street, you can register your children for all Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS) programs and activities. The office is open for walk-in registration 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 2 to 5 p.m. by appointment. All fees are based on family income. Proof of income and immunization are required for registration. A health examination is required within 30 days of registration. For more information, call 706-545-2079.
Child Development Centers
There are five full-day care child development centers on Fort Benning: Main Post, Sante Fe, Indianhead, McGraw and 1st Division Child Development Center. Full-day care is designed for parents who need child care services for their children on a regular basis. Care can be provided no more than 13 hours per day. All centers offer breakfast, lunch and a snack. Infants receive formula and baby food. We offer hourly care at the Soldier & Family Assistance Center on Marne Road and the Smith Fitness Child Development Center. For more information, call 706-545-2079.
School Age Center
The School Age Center is in Building 2653 on Ingersoll Avenue. The program provides before-school, after-school, full-day summer camp and hourly care programs for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program starts at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 6:30 p.m. Breakfast is served, and transportation is provided to Fort Benning schools. For more information, call 706-545-3605.
Family Child Care Homes
MWR also offers a Family Child Care program for those who prefer child care in a home setting for children 4 weeks to 12 years old. Child, Youth & School Services maintains a list of certified home care providers on and off post. All persons providing more than 10 hours of child care per week in their on-post home are required to be certified by CYSS. Homes are monitored for health, safety and quality of service. For more information, call 706-545-2079/4368.
Middle School & Teen Program
The Middle School and Teen Hangout is in Building 1055 on McIver Street. The program provides activities and classes for grades six through 12. For more information, call 706-545-3070.
Youth Sports and Fitness
The Youth Sports and Fitness program offers year-round team and individual sports for family members between 3 and 18 years old. Team sports are offered in soccer, T-ball, football, baseball, basketball and cheerleading. A variety of individual sports, clinics and camps are available throughout the year. For more information, call 706-545-3582.
Instructional Programs
Instructional Programs (IP) is located in Building 1056 on the Youth Services Campus on McIver Street. IP provides classes for children 6 weeks to 18 years old. The program offers classes in taekwondo, tumbling, cheer, swimming and Zumba. For information, call 706-545-2079/0522.
School Liaison Office
The school liaison officer works with the local school community to address educational issues involving military children. Through partnering with the local and military community, the liaison uses a variety of resources to provide assistance with issues concerning student transition. The liaison acts as a communication link between the installation and the surrounding school districts. For more information, call 706-545-3062.
Army Community Service
Army Community Service (ACS) is a network of services, resources and programs designed to help Soldiers and their families adjust to, embrace and enjoy their time at Fort Benning. ACS services specifically address matters related to career and finance, home and family, moving and deployment, volunteering, professional development and much more. All offices are in Building 7 unless otherwise noted.
Financial Readiness Program
The Financial Readiness Program provides classes and individual assistance in all aspects of financial management, including check writing, budgeting, insurance, investing, credit management, home buying or selling and financial planning for relocation, deployment and retirement. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, except Friday, when it opens at 10 a.m. For more information, call 706-545-4043.
Army Emergency Relief
Army Emergency Relief (AER) provides emergency financial assistance with moving expenses, initial rent and deposit, travel expenses, car repair, car payments and much more. AER’s Scholarship Program helps spouses and dependent children of active duty and retirees with the cost of education. Scholarship applications are available the first week of January. Online: www.aerhq.org. For more information, call 706-545-4043. After hours, call the American Red Cross for emergency leave, food, eviction or foreclosure at 877-272-7337.
Relocation Readiness Program
The Relocation Readiness Program (RRP) offers comprehensive services to Soldiers and family members to assist with their move to Fort Benning and make the process as smooth as possible. The Lending Closet provides kitchen items, irons, ironing boards, sleeping mats, infant items and other household items. These items are loaned to Soldiers and their families awaiting shipment of their household goods. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays except Friday, when it opens at 10 a.m.
Newcomers Orientation is held weekly as part of in-processing, and spouses are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 706-545-4043.
Benning Bus Tour
Register for our free bus tour, and we’ll include a complimentary lunch at the Benning Club. Tours are scheduled 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. To register, call 706-545-4468 or email benning.armymwr.com.
Fort Benning Golf Course
The Fort Benning Golf Course has three nine-hole courses: The Bradley, The Marshall and The Patton. Each offers a chance to use every club in your bag. Our large TifEagle greens, the 419 Bermuda fairways, strategically placed bunkers and four sets of tees make these courses challenging. Enjoy our signature hole, a par 3 with a 7,700-square-foot green surrounded by water.
The Fort Benning Golf Course, 1 mile from Interstate 185, is nestled among Georgia pines, green year-round and particularly pretty in the spring when the dogwoods bloom. We have a pro shop stocked with the latest equipment, handicap services from the Georgia State Golf Association, lessons from a Class A PGA Professional, tournament packages and golf outings.
Purchase an annual pass, a green fee card or a daily fee plan with a popular twilight reduced-fee plan. The course is a full-service facility open to the public. Ask about our corporate membership and guest specials. Tee times are recommended, especially on weekends. For more information, call 706-687-1940.
Benning Club
The Benning Club on Morrison Avenue is a great place to dine, host a function or contract catering for your next event. Our facility has everything you need for your holiday party, unit function or social. Our menu offers everything from hors d’oeuvres to five-course seating, with the most experienced catering staff and competitive prices. We have a full-service bar and a number of meeting rooms for groups of five to 425. Decorate with your favorite theme, or let us do the work. For more information, call 706-682-0640.
Archery
Uchee Creek Archery Club is at Uchee Creek Campground and Marina on the Alabama side of Fort Benning. The range includes a zero range, a 10-target, 3-D practice range, a broad head practice range, a picnic area and four 3-D competition ranges. The range is open to the public. Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Members’ children 12 and younger may participate at no charge. For more information, call 706-685-3060, ext. 204.
MWR Bingo
Test your luck at bingo! Open to all military personnel, retirees, family members, sponsored guests and DoD civilians. You must be at least 18 years old to play bingo. Located in Building 93 on Wold Avenue. For more information, call 706-544-1964.
Family Entertainment Center (FEC)
The FEC has 12 bowling lanes, an indoor playground featuring a pirate ship and rock climbing wall, an interactive game floor, a toddler area, exclusive party rooms and party packages, and much more. The indoor playground is reserved for ages 2 to 12. Two hours of play cost $4 per child, $3 per child in groups of 30 or more. We have family passes and punch cards, so the more they play, the less you pay. The FEC is in Building 2785 on Eckel Avenue. For more information, call 706-544-2233.
Mall Bowling Center
The Fort Benning Bowling Center offers a first-class bowling experience, video games, a snack bar, a lounge and automatic bumpers for children. Choose from a variety of leagues and take advantage of special discount pricing as low as $1.50 per game. The Mall Bowling Center is in Building 9232 on Marne Road. For more information, call 706-682-7781.
Sand Hill Recreation Center
The Sand Hill Rec Center, Building 3308, has a large ballroom with a seating capacity of more than 500, with a stage and A/V equipment. The center is equipped with an internet cafe, 18 computers with printing capability and free Wi-Fi and 13 pay phones. The center also has Xbox gaming stations, three movie rooms, billiard tables, foosball, pingpong, air hockey, arcade games and a jukebox. Subway and Soldier Photo are in the Sand Hill Rec Center. To reserve the ballroom for your event, call 706-544-9161.
Harmony Church Recreation Center
MWR’s newest recreation center, in Building 4203, has a movie room, snack bar, TVs, gaming stations, pool tables and an internet cafe with computers, printing capability and free Wi-Fi. For more information, call 706-626-1265.
Game Link
Game Link is an Xbox 360-based gaming lounge designed to satisfy the most demanding gamer. Our community is wireless and Xbox Live enabled. Each station has comfortable leather seating, 47-inch LCD HDTVs and advanced surround-sound audio dome technology. We also serve food and drinks. Game Link is in Building 2505 in the Community Activity Center on Main Post.
Theater
Carmike Wynnsong Theater 10, at 7290 Ingersoll St., has auditorium seating and THX surround sound. Ticket prices are: adults $7, children $5.50 and seniors (65 and older) $4.75. Show times are at 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 11:30 a.m. weekends and holidays. For movie listings and times, call 706-571-3456.
Travel & Leisure
Tickets & Travel
At Tickets & Travel (T & T), 9230 Marne Road in the Commissary Mall, a travel agent will design a travel or vacation package just right for you and your budget. T&T offers discounted local, regional and national attraction tickets at savings as great as 50 percent off regular priced tickets. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call 706-626-7644.
McIver Suites
McIver Suites Historic Guest Lodging offers homelike accommodations perfect for your short or long term visit – great extended stay value for leisure travel with the comforts of home and the convenience of the office. We offer 1-bedroom suites for $90 and 2-bedroom suites for $110, with kitchens, screened porches and sun rooms. The historic McIvers is a golfer’s delight, located minutes from the Fort Benning Golf Course and Jack’s 19th Hole Club House! To schedule your stay, call 706-545-4053.
Uchee Creek Campground and Marina
Nestled along the banks of the Chattahoochee River is Fort Benning’s Uchee Creek Campground and Marina. The 385-acre park has RV sites, cabins, chalets, tent sites, numerous recreation areas, rental facilities and a wealth of outdoor activities. Relax with us and experience nature’s charm, just 7 miles from Main Post, but worlds away.
Uchee Creek has motor boats, canoes, johnboats, bass boats, pontoon boats, barbecue smokers and cookers, portable range and swimming pool. The Country Store offers snacks, drinks, live bait, fishing supplies, ice, and state hunting and fishing permits. Guests enjoy discount rates at the Fort Benning Golf Course.
Uchee Creek is at 7 Uchee Creek Road, Fort Mitchell, AL 36856. To make reservations, call 706-545-4053/7238.
Destin Army Recreation Area
Welcome to our premier vacation destination, a gated resort in the heart of Old Destin, Florida, near the Harbor Walk Village. Just 220 miles south of Fort Benning, between Pensacola and Panama City, the resort is sprawled across 15 acres along the Choctawhatchee Bay, minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” with pristine beaches and emerald green waters. It was named one of the top 25 vacation destinations in America, best family destination and best weekend getaway.
We offer five types of accommodations, including 2- and 3-bedroom villas, studios, hotel rooms, suites and an RV park. The resort also has a swimming pool, splash park, playgrounds and picnic areas. The full-service marina operates two charter fishing boats and rents pontoons, bay boats, WaveRunners, kayaks and paddleboards. All our accommodations are nonsmoking and many are pet-friendly and ADA-accessible. To reserve your stay at Destin, call 850-837-6423.
Fitness
Audie Murphy Athletic Performance Center
The 36,344-square-foot Audie Murphy Athletic Performance Center is equipped for athletes and Soldiers focused on improving their performance on the field or in the field. We’ve stocked the center with equipment for functional training, including kettlebells, medicine balls, sleds, power racks, dumbbells, TRX, rowers, ladders, climbers, stability balls, battling ropes, slide boards and more.
Between 5:30 and 11 a.m., Soldiers in PT gear are our first priority. Please schedule your visit accordingly and always yield equipment or floor space to these Soldiers. Aside from peak PT hours, you will find Audie Murphy to be a quiet, uncongested facility, perfect for those serious about their workout. Located in Building 2818 on 6561 Way Ave. For more information, call 706-545-1940.
Breezeway Complex 24-Hour Fitness Center
The Breezeway 24-Hour Fitness Center is Fort Benning’s only 24/7 gym. Memberships are $18 per month. The Breezeway fitness center is in Building 117 on Muir Street. For more information, call 706-545-1687.
Smith Fitness Center
Smith Fitness Center is a 100,000-square-foot, two-story facility with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. The gymnasium can be configured into three practice basketball courts or two volleyball courts. The center has 12,500 square feet of cardiovascular and weight training space; 7,500 square feet of exercise and training rooms; a rock climbing wall and tower; and two racquetball courts. At Smith Fitness Center, we offer personal training, massage therapy and fitness classes. After your workout, stop by the Smoothie King conveniently located inside the fitness center.
Personal Training
Need help developing an effective workout routine or professional advice to help you achieve desired results? At Smith Fitness Center, we have personal trainers who will help you accomplish your fitness goals. We offer consultations and individual or group sessions. For more information, call 706-527-2393.
Whittington High Performance Fitness Center
Our new 24,000-square-foot fitness center is in Harmony Church in Building 43403 on Old Cusseta Highway. This free facility is open 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends. Here you’ll find a full range of plate-loaded equipment, Selectorized strength equipment, cable crossovers, squat racks, fitness rooms for cardio, spin, wresting, dumbbells and more. For more information, call 706-527-2393.
Santiago Fitness Center on Sand Hill
The 23,728-square-foot facility is a favorite among Sand Hill cadre and military retirees, who find the center more quiet and convenient than the facilities on Main Post. Santiago Fitness Center has basketball and racquetball courts; plate-loaded, free and Selectorized weight equipment; cardio equipment; locker rooms; and a coed sauna. Located in Building 3350, 23rd Infantry Regiment Road. For more information, call 706-544-9486.
Sports
The Sports Branch is responsible for organizing and conducting Department of the Army sports programs hosted by Fort Benning, post-level sports programs, the Commander’s Cup unit-level intramural sports program and other sports and fitness programs. Commanders Cup intramural sports are reserved for active-duty Soldiers. Sports include basketball, football, racquetball, soccer, softball and volleyball.
Active-duty Soldiers interested in participating in All Army Sports must submit applications to the sports coordinator. Visit benning.armymwr.comfor a sports calendar, entry deadlines and application information.
We also offer sports, races and outdoor events for all military, family members, DoD civilians and local residents. For more information, call 706-984-1994 or 706-527-2275.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Recreation programs provide opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors through an array of activities, including paintball, camping, backpacking, fishing, hunting and more. Our goal is to help Soldiers and family members acquire skills and develop interests that will last a lifetime. Events are posted at benning.armymwr.com, where you will find locations, times and contact details. Outdoor Recreation, in Building 1707 on Gillespie Street, is open Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 706-545-7978.
Parks and Ponds
There are a number of recreational areas on Fort Benning that offer a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, gazebos, primitive campgrounds and fishing ponds. To reserve a pavilion or gazebo, call 706-545-7978. Apply for a fishing permit and rent camping, boating and outdoor recreation equipment of all kinds at Outdoor Recreation, Building 1707 on Gillespie Street.
Kings Pond Recreation Area is a 74-acre recreation area in Harmony Church. Canoes, kayaks and small boats powered by trolling motors may be used on the pond. Fishing is allowed with a Fort Benning permit and a Georgia state-issued license.
Russ Park is on Main Post on Clark Road and has a picnic pavilion with playground equipment. Fishing at Russ Pond is open to children under the age of 16 only.
With a 40-by-80-foot open-air pavilion, picnic tables and grills, Twilight Pond is the perfect place for your next unit activity or party. Though swimming is not permitted, an abundance of bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie makes twilight ideal for fishing. Directions are available at benning.armymwr.com.
Weems Pond is great for bass, brim, catfish, crappie fishing and more. To get to Weems Pond, take 8th Division to Jamestown Road, turn right and follow it for approximately 4.5 miles. The pond is on the left.
Victory Pond is frequently used for training Soldiers, so please be mindful and avoid this area when it is being used. Victory Pond is near Harmony Church. Take Eighth Division Road past the Armor School area. The pond will be on the right.
For information on any of these parks or ponds, go to benning.armymwr.com.
Follow Me Fitness Trail
This rugged trail is a 2-mile loop with a 1-mile shortcut that weaves through a large wooded area on Main Post. Enter on 1st Division Road near the Dixie Road intersection. The trail has eight fitness stations and 15 exercise challenges, great for running and walking. Plan carefully to avoid being on the trail after dark.
Hunting and Fishing
Fort Benning is a sportsman’s paradise. To rent a boat at Outdoor Rec’s Equipment Resource Center, you must have a Boater Safety Card, available at benning.armymwr.com. Bring a printed copy to rent.
Who is authorized to hunt or fish on post?
Active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel.
Veterans with a service-connected disability of 30 percent or greater.
Medal of Honor recipients.
Current or retired full-time DoD civilian employees.
Federal civilian employees working full-time on Fort Benning and retired federal civilian employees who were employed at Fort Benning immediately prior to retirement.
National Guardsmen and Reservists on active status.
Surviving spouses of military personnel who possess a valid dependent ID.
Foreign military personnel assigned to Fort Benning.
Primary dependents of sponsors.
Guests, provided they obtain a Fort Benning guest permit.
Anyone who is 18 years or older may sponsor up to three guests per day to hunt or fish on Fort Benning. There is no limit to the number of guests an individual may sponsor in a year but no more than three at one time.
Permits and Vehicle Passes
Personnel authorized to hunt and fish on Fort Benning may purchase annual hunting and fishing permits at the MWR Equipment Resource Center, Building 1707, the Country Store at Uchee Creek Army Campground and Marina, or at the Recreational Shooting Complex. While hunting or fishing, the Hunting and Fishing Access Pass must be displayed in the front windshield. For more information, call 706-545-7978.
Equipment Resource Center
The Outdoor Rec Equipment Resource Center rents boats, campers, motor homes, inflatable bounce houses, party equipment, box trailers, utility trailers, car haulers, tillers, mowers, super cookers, generators and much more. The facility has storage units, ranging from 5 by 10 feet to 10 by 20 feet, and storage for cars, boats and RVs. Hunting and fishing permits are available at the center, in Building 1707 on Gillespie Street. For more information, call 706-545-7978.
Used Vehicle Lot
The Equipment Resource Center manages a POV resale lot on Gaudette Street, behind the Auto Skills Center. To register your vehicle at Building 1707, bring registration, insurance and ID card. The vehicle must be registered to the ID cardholder. The cost is $11 for 30 days. Information on purchasing the vehicles is posted on the windshield. Remember, the Auto Skills Center offers a free prepurchase inspection.
Additional Services
MWR Library
Aside from our extensive collection of books and periodicals, MWR Library offers a variety of materials, equipment and services, including free wireless internet access, more than 40 computers, thousands of DVDs and CDs, digital audiobooks, book clubs and children’s programs. Located in Building 2784 on Sightseeing Road. Our research and reference resources are second to none, and our librarians are always happy to help. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, perhaps we can borrow it from another library. For more information, call 706-626-2550.
Automotive Skills Center
Whether you want to work on your car or prefer to have a mechanic do it, the Fort Benning Automotive Skills Center has what you’re looking for. The facility features 42 bays for auto repair and do-it-yourself servicing, with a variety of state-of-the-art equipment available. Staff members will answer questions on technical issues and guide you through your self-service project. A wide variety of supplies and parts are sold at the service center. Long-term vehicle storage is available for lengthy auto repairs or refurbishments.
The Auto Skills Center is open to all active-duty military personnel, retirees, National Guardsmen and Reservists, DoD civilians and family members. Prices are typically tens to hundreds of dollars less than most civilian car care agencies.
Located in Building 111 on Marchant Street, the Auto Skills Center services include: towing, rebuilds, tune-ups, tire rotation and balancing, checking and filling fluids, general repairs and free prepurchase vehicle inspections. For more information, call 706-545-2337.
CAR WASH FACILITIES
MWR has three car wash facilities: one on Main Post, Building 105 on Marchant Street; one next to the commissary in Building 9231 on Marne Road; and the third on Jamestown Road in Harmony Church. All locations have automatic and self-serve options, and are open 24/7.
Pet Services
VETERINARY SERVICES
The Fort Benning Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF), Building 265, 10th Mountain Division Road, provides outpatient services, vaccinations, minor medical care, dermatology consultations, surgeries, spaying and neutering, heartworm prevention, flea-control products, health certificates for travel and prescription foods to privately owned animals of military ID card holders of all branches. The VTF also monitors animal public health issues for the Fort Benning community. All animals residing on post or using the post dog parks must be registered at the VTF within 14 days of arrival. Pit bulls and Staffordshire terriers are banned on post. To make an appointment, call 706-545-4444/1127.
DOG PARKS
Fort Benning has two dog parks: one on the corner of Edwards and Carpenter streets on Main Post and another at the youth sports complex (Blue and French fields) on 1st Division Road. These parks include agility playground equipment. Pet owners must clean up after their dogs and monitor their behavior. All dogs must:
Be registered at Fort Benning Vet Services and have shot records on file there. Call 706-545-4444.
Wear a collar with current rabies tag.
Be off-leash only in the park and leashed upon exiting.
Be under voice control of owner at all times.
Be accompanied by an adult, 18 or older.
DOG WASH
Attached to the Main Post car wash, our do-it-yourself, climate-controlled dog wash is the first of its kind on a U.S. military installation. The coin-operated booth offers washing, drying and flea and tick bathing options. The booth is automatically sterilized after each use. Located in Building 105, Marchant Street. For more information, call 706-545-7298.
Laundromat
You can clean just about anything, including your TA-50 or king-size linens, at the Main Post Laundromat, Building 1683 on Gaudette Avenue. The facility has 69 washing machines, six heavy-duty, triple-washing machines, 12 single-loader machines and 44 commercial dryers. You won’t need a pocketful of quarters with our CCI card system. Simply put wash credits on your card and insert it into the machines. The more you use the post laundromat, the more credit you earn. While waiting for your wash, play pool or arcade games. Unit laundry parties can be arranged by appointment between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. The laundromat is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; last wash is at 9 p.m. For more information, call 706-545-3398.
