The Army has spent a great deal of effort and money to ensure the preservation of thousands of archaeological sites in the immediate area where the Army trains. The Army is sensitive to the values and importance of preserving these sites. The Kisatchie National Forest, which is part of the United States Forest Service, encompasses a significant portion of the remaining acreage in Louisiana. This forest has a huge economic impact on the entire state of Louisiana and is the second largest employer in the state. Fort Polk is an Army post located within the Kisatchie National Forest.
Fort Polk is the location of 9,300 currently serving personnel and 5,396 civilian employees. The post’s motto is “The Home of Heroes.” Fort Polk encompasses Army Garrison, Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 162nd Infantry Brigade, 115th Combat Support Hospital, and the 10th Mountain Division. It is the exclusive training center in the Army that prepares and dispatches units for combat operations, operating under the authority of the Joint Readiness Training Center of the 4th Brigade.
History
Fort Polk was established in 1941 as a means of preparing soldiers for warfare on the North Africa, European, and Pacific fronts. The preparations, known as the Louisiana Maneuvers, involved the training of half a million soldiers from 19 different Army Divisions. Additionally, Camp Polk served as a prisoner of war camp for captured Germans, where they were employed in tasks such as picking cotton, rice, and cutting lumber. These prisoners were given the option to work or refuse, and were compensated with script that could be used in their own post exchange for essential items. The fort underwent multiple closures and reopenings for training missions between the end of World War II and 1960. In 1962, Fort Polk became a crucial training center for the Vietnam War, now known as Tigerland due to its marshy terrain and dense vegetation, resembling a jungle. The Joint Readiness Training Center was relocated from Fort Chaffee to Fort Polk during this time.
Housing
Fort Polk boasts a total of 4,258 units for family housing and 3,038 units for unaccompanied dorms. The quarters available for visiting officers and enlisted personnel amount to 322. Furthermore, there is a guest house consisting of 70 rooms. The management of post housing at Bragg, Rucker, Riley, Sill, and Aberdeen Proving Ground is privatized and maintained by Picerne, a reputable company.
Amenities
Additionally, situated at the post, there exists an animal clinic and veterinary treatment. In conjunction with precautionary treatment and basic healthcare, the hospital at Fort Polk offers OB/GYN, surgical procedures, physiotherapy, respiratory therapy, and urgent medical assistance. The establishment boasts a capacity of 160 beds.
There is one child care center available, and there are several approved home care sites for children. Two elementary schools are located on the post. Students attending Leesville High School are in class.
The commissary is regarded as a moderately sized comprehensive commissary. The Post Exchange encompasses 130,000 square feet of retail area, one shoppette, and a petite shopping center with kiosks, retail shops, and fast food establishments.
In the nearby vicinity, there exist numerous locations for hunting and fishing. Recreational options encompass youth centers, a library, two golf courses, a bowling alley, a theater, an auto hobby facility, a recreation center, a fitness center, tennis courts, swimming pools, an arts and craft center, and a campsite.