About Fort Rucker
The Home of Army Aviation
Fort Rucker covers about 63,100 acres of southeast Alabama countryside in an area known as the Wiregrass, named for a wild grass peculiar to the region. Fort Rucker became Army Aviation’s centerpiece when flight training was consolidated here in 1973. U.S. Air Force helicopter pilots have also trained here since 1971. Fort Rucker instructors teach U.S. and foreign aviators everything from initial rotary-wing courses to advanced courses in aviation safety. Much of the main post is in Dale County, with the remaining government-owned and leased acreage in Coffee, Geneva and Houston counties. Most of the countryside is rolling and wooded. An abundance of lakes and streams and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make this area a fisherman’s paradise. To carry out our mission, Fort Rucker supports a daytime population of about 13,885, including about 5,800 people in uniform, 7,600 civilian and contract employees and 3,300 military Family member residents. Fort Rucker is about 80 miles south of Montgomery, the Alabama state capital. It is just 20 miles northwest of the city of Dothan, home of the National Peanut Festival. Fort Rucker is surrounded by the communities of Enterprise, Daleville and Ozark that have long, warm and strong ties to the post.
Directions
An excellent road network makes it easy to drive to the post from any direction. Entry to the post is through three main gates: the Ozark Gate from the east, the Daleville Gate from the south and the Enterprise Gate from the west. If you are coming from Ozark via Highway 231, turn onto Alabama 249 westbound (also known as Andrews Ave.) and continue driving until you reach the Ozark Gate. If you are traveling from Enterprise, take Rucker Blvd., to the Enterprise Gate. From Dothan, take Highway 84 West, turn right at the Daleville exit, continue driving on Daleville Ave. for about two miles and then enter the post at the Daleville Gate.
Nearby Air Transportation
The Dothan Regional Airport (DHN), located on the north side of the city in Houston County, provides regional airline service. Those moving on a government transportation request can obtain transportation from the Dothan airport to Fort Rucker. The pick up point is in the main terminal. For further assistance, contact the staff duty officer at 255-3100 or 255-9777.