Fort Polk Louisiana
Fort Polk Louisiana is a US Army operated military base located between Leesville and DeRidder. It was named in the honor of Leonidas Polk, one of the first bishops in the area, as well as a courageous general in the Civil War, leading the Confederate armies. The base is spread over 198000 acres. Only 100000 of them are actually owned and operated by the US Army. The others are controlled by the Forest Service. The fort is the only combat center that can also train, prepare and deploy combat units.
History
The fort was built as World War II was striking. It served as a popular training base in Louisiana. Its objectives changed throughout the history, as more units decided to use the base as a home. During World War II, the fort trained thousands of soldiers. It also hosted German prisoners of wars. The first were brought here in 1943. They were held behind tall fences and given multiple tasks.
During the Korean War, things were a bit harsher for Fort Polk Louisiana. The unit hosted there suffered most causalities over the war, with over 4000 victims. No other achievements were obtained during this war. As a matter of fact, the fort was not as popular in this period. After World War II ended and until the ’60s, it was mostly closed. The US Army used to open it during the summertime only, for the reserve troops in the area to have a training camp.
Prior to the Vietnam War, the camp was changed into a training field for the infantry troops. Since it is placed in a natural environment, it also has a wide part covered with jungle-like vegetation. It was a perfect environment for the troops to train. The fort dispatched troops in Southeast Asia for over 12 years. In the upcoming years, it served places like Bosnia, Haiti, Panama or Suriname. These days, it plays a significant role in training troops for the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Units
Fort Polk Louisiana is the home of five different units – the 162nd Infantry Brigade, the 5th Aviation Battalion, the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, the 115th Combat Support Hospital and a small part of the 4th Brigade – only a mountain division. Although they are run by different commanders, the units work together in a tight collaboration to support the interests of the United States of America.
Among these units, there is also a tenant unit – the Army National Guard.
Housing
The housing system is controlled by the Picerne Housing Center. The service is available for both the current citizens and the newcomers. Although this system is generally a privatized one, it is somehow operated by the army. It deals with the housing opportunities for more similar camps and not just for Fort Polk Louisiana. Whether you want a house or an apartment, rented or purchased, things can be solved.
If you are about to stay there for a short period of time or you prefer another form of accommodation, the surrounding areas support more hotels and inns as well.
Location: 31.0468, -93.2054
Phone: (337) 531-2911
DSN: 863-2714November 18, 2011
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