Vision Statement

“Fort Carson trains, mobilizes, deploys, and sustains combat-ready forces. We ensure the well-being and protection of the Mountain Post Team, while operating a responsive, efficient and sustainable installation, Post Mobilization Maneuver Training Center and power projection platform.”

This post is recognized as one of the world's premier locations to lead, train, and maintain while preparing soldiers to win on the battlefield. This proud team fosters personal and professional growth by providing a command climate that attracts, develops, and retains quality people.

Fort Carson houses the 3 Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR), 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (ID), 43 ASG, and 10 Special Forces (SF). As a result, the Base has several vehicle maintenance facilities for tanks and other tracked and wheeled vehicles. A complete tank engine depot maintenance and dynamometer testing facility is also located at Fort Carson. The Butts Army Air Field (AAF) is an active runway and hangar facility used primarily by Army rotary-wing aircraft.

During World War II, a total of 104,165 soldiers trained at Camp Carson. Along with three other infantry divisions- the 71st, 104th and l0th Mountain -more than 125 units were activated at Camp Carson and over 100 other units were transferred to the Mountain Post from other installations. The camp trained nurses, cooks, mule packers, tank battalions, a Greek infantry battalion and Italian soldiers. The peak troop strength of the installation was in late 1943 when approximately 43,000 military personnel were stationed at the camp.

With the onset of the Korean War, activities at Carson were increased.   Beginning in 1965, the war in Vietnam had an ever-increasing impact on the Mountain Post. In the fall of 1970, Fort Carson was officially notified that it would be an initial test site for the Modern Volunteer Army concept. The 18-month field test, aimed at creating an environment conducive to an all-volunteer Army, started at the Mountain Post in January 1971. 

During 1974 the need for additional land for training began to receive considerable emphasis. The plan was to acquire the needed land in yearly increments. The total, approximately 74,000 acres, was located on the east and southwest border of Fort Carson. Pinon Canyon, consisting of 245,000 acres and located some 100 air miles southeast of the fort, was selected. The land purchase was completed on September 17, 1983. PCMS was opened for training in the summer of 1985. Units at Fort Carson are rotated to the site for maneuver training and preparation.

 Exercises and deployments continually hone the skills of the Fort Carson Soldiers. When not deployed, soldiers train annually at the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site.  Additionally, units participate in joint exercises around the world, including Central and South Africa, Europe, and Southwest Asia.  President George W. Bush addressed the troops and family members on November 24, 2003, in praise of the soldier's determination and the sacrifices their families have made. Fort Carson's beautiful scenery has made it one of the most requested duty stations in the U.S. Army.

Fort Carson is recognized as one of the world's premier locations to lead, train, and maintain while preparing soldiers to win on the battlefield. This proud team fosters personal and professional growth by providing a command climate that attracts, develops, and retains quality people.