Expectations

This Arrival/Pre-Arrival section suggests planning guidance for you and your family. It lays out what you need to know to navigate sign-in to the College, Centralized In-Processing, own-your-own orientation, and the key activities, both mandatory and optional, that are scheduled for the first academic weeks and life beyond academics.

 

Know before you go

Online In-Processing

Your welcome email from the commandant and the email from G1/Personnel Officer included a personalized 'token' that gives you access to Online In-Processing. These steps are to be completed before arrival at Carlisle Barracks.

You will be asked ONLY for the specific information needed to optimize student and family transition for your early success - AND we'll tell you why we collect each piece of information, e.g., demographic information (to create optimal student mix for each seminar); housing application; a survey for military students of baseline military knowledge; a writing diagnostic.

NOTE: The key is a one-time use, with a 30-day lifespan. If you've created your account within that 30 days, you may return to the site at any time using either your CAC card or your User ID. If you do not use the key within 30 days, contact the G1 at usarmy.carlisle.awc.mbx.atwc-chr@army.mil

Dress codes: Over the course of a year, student will need to be prepared for uniform requirements that can include multiple options each week.

Military Clothing: The Exchange has very limited military clothing items but can take orders. The closest Military Clothing Sales is located at Fort Indiantown Gap about an hour away in Annville, PA. Your colleagues in earlier classes recommend buying all needed clothing items before arriving at Carlisle.

Dues and Fees: Each class will make decisions about class dues and social activities; you can anticipate expenses of class dues, e.g., class gift and yearbook, and social events come with a per-person price tag. The resident student body will form a non-profit organization for the class, with representation from each of the student seminars. The Resident Class of 2025 will create its own norms, decide the amount and purpose of class dues, and decide on whole-class social activities—plan for fees to range from $0-$350

Social and athletic activities: These ARE part of the Carlisle experience. Remote families can plan weekend visits to join geo-bachelor students and socialize with seminar colleagues for key events, highlighted below. Each year's social activities reflect the character of the student body. Most are held on base, most call for casual dress. (The Joint Ball is an exception: optional, held off base, formal). Other than the Joint Ball, student socials are typically family-friendly OR parents-night-out with babysitting available through Child, Youth & School Services for those who register.

Pennsylvania has specific, unique requirements - check before you travel:
Pa Department of Motor Vehicles Military Personnel/Veterans Information Center
Pa Department of Education overview of homeschooling
Firearms information - Pa State Police (All post residents must register firearms, call 717.245.4929)

Contacts for pre-arrival questions, interests

 

Arrival

Ashburn Gate, from Route 11: DOD ID card holders only: Open daily 6:30 – 5:30 p.m., closed on federal holidays. Visitors proceed to Claremont Gate on Claremont Road. Set your navigation to 870 Jim Thorpe Road because you must proceed through security before entering bases.


 

Non- DOD ID card holders:

All non-DOD ID card holders over 18 require an access pass from the Visitor Center at the Claremont/ Visitors Gate: 870 Jim Thorpe Road, open Mon- Fri 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., closed on federal holidays. The gate guard does after-hours processing. Visitors must present a valid photo ID for a background check. Please call the Visitor Center (717) 245-3721 or -3733 if you need assistance. Details and guidelines for visitor access: https://www.armywarcollege.edu/visitorcenter/

Sign in

All Army students will report their official travel orders to Carlisle Barracks. Sister Service students will report NET July 17, 2024, and NLT July 21, 2024. Civilian students will report NET on July 24, 2024, and NLT on July 26, 2024.

Follow signs to Anne Ely Hall and sign in on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Army War College G1/Personnel Office in Anne Ely Hall, Room 233, 46 Ashburn Drive. There is no uniform requirement to sign in. Send your questions to USARMY.CARLISLE.AWC.MBX.ATWC-CHR@ARMY.MIL

What to expect:
Bring your orders. You'll receive your appointment time for Centralized In-Processing.

 

Settle in: Actions to complete before academic classes

The period between signing in and your scheduled Centralized In-processing appointment is your time to complete you initial in-processing tasks and to get settled. Once complete with initial arrival tasks, use the remainder of the time to unpack, settle in, try the post pool and golf course, register kids in CYSS, and check out Pennsylvania tourist destinations.

NOTE1: It's wise to start the registration process for Child & Youth Services registration AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The process will take a few days and could take up to 21 days depending on the child's level of need. CYSS registration IS NECESSARY for CDC, Youth Sports, Youth Camp, Youth Services. CYSS registration is NOT necessary for participation in the family picnics and welcome jams planned for all age groups. Learn more at Experience/Families.

NOTE2: As a reminder, any travel outside the local area, 250 miles, will require the Service member to be on a Service approved Absence/Leave request. Army personnel can coordinate with the USAWC G1 for this approval, all other students will need to coordinate with the appropriate Senior Service Representative office.

 

Key dates for students and families during August, September

This list lays out all required (in BOLD) and optional (underlined) actions to complete before REP Week, when you will begin formal seminar sessions in Root Hall.

Optional: Transportation Office Assistance (Logistics Readiness Center LRC) for inbound goods,
717.245.4968. alyssia.n.peterson.ctr@army.mil
Date: as needed
What to Expect: office at 46 Ashburn Drive, Rm 227

Required: Student Security Badge
Dates: 17 - 28 July
What to Expect: Security Office, Collins Hall Rm B087, weekdays, 8 to 11:30 am and 1-3:30 pm. Bring hardcopies of security training forms IAW Online In-Processing instructions. Security badges are needed for entry to Central In-Processing at Collins Hall.

Required: Student Centralized In-processing Appointment at Collins Hall, 650 Wright Ave. Follow ‘special event’ signs and find parking at the ASEP Building, 632 Wright Avenue.
Date: one appointment assigned to each student beginning 29 – 31 Jul.
What to Expect: Plan on 3 hours, on average: Bring security badge, ID card/CAC, military medical and dental records. Military wear or bring ASU/Class A service unifor(or service equivalent) for bio book photo; coat & tie/ business attire for civilian students.
Note: At Centralized In-Processing, you'll receive an appointment for medical screening at Dunham Army Health Clinic and can make appt. for optional Army Wellness Center assessment. Spouses welcome to attend & have bio photo taken, no kids. Bring additional supporting documentation that will ease your in-processing timeline, e.g., Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) orders and testing scores (DA Form 330).

Specialized student orientations:

US Navy and USCG student orientation, date 29 - 31 July, Orientation sessions for Navy and Coast Guard students, Rm 3089 joint service common area. Senior Navy Rep CAPT Michael Hritz michael.hritz@armywarcollege.edu 717.245.3238.

US Air and Space Force students "re-blueing" Orientation, 29 - 31 July., Classes & icebreaker among Air Force colleagues, and briefings from the Air Staff. Senior Air Force Rep Col. Kate Nelson Kathryn.nelson.mil@armywarcollege.edu , 717.245.4575

Civilian Student Orientation, July 30 - 31, Intro to Professional Military Education, course overview/prof development topics for DA, DOD, Interagency students; POC Assoc. Dean Julie Manta, Root Hall Rm 3059, julie.manta@armywarcollege.edu 717.245.4872.

Reserve officer and National Guard officer liaisons for students:

Required: Army Housing Office
Date: as needed
What to Expect: ALL students will contact Army Housing, Shughart Hall, 460 Sumner Rd, before entering into housing agreement--for neutral, experienced guidance and advocacy.
POC, Lisa White, 717-245-4959; usarmy.carlisle.imcom-atlantic.mbx.imne-clb-pwh@army.mil



Required: Weapons registration
Date: walk in
What to Expect: Mandatory upon moving into on-base housing: Emergency Services Building, bldg. 400 (lower level police desk) Forbes Ave; 717-245-4115

Optional: Army Community Services, as needed
Date: as needed
What to Expect: Visit ACS at 46 Ashburn Dr. for orientation to the Exceptional Family Member Program, EFMP, and to learn about its signature programs: Family Advocacy, Army Emergency Relief, and Survivor Outreach Services. 245.4357. https://home.army.mil/carlisle/index.php/Carlisle-Barracks/all-services/armed-forces-commu

Optional: Rent RV lot space for RVs, boats, utility trailers
Date: as needed
What to Expect: MWR has two lots for RV Storage with 20, 30 & 40 spaces -- one next to the Exchange behind the MWR Outdoor Recreation warehouse, and a lot next to Barracks Crossing MWR Skills Development Center & Visitors’ Center. Call now, 717-245-3020, to be placed on the waiting list. Note: RV, boats and trailers cannot be parked in housing areas on base more than 48 hours.

Optional Event: Summer Soccer Academy
The Summer Soccer Academy (12 - 16 Aug ) is an annual sports camp that is offered at McConnell Youth Center. Youth learn the skills and get physical conditioning that will assist them with their upcoming season or future sporting activity
Registration Opens: 1 June, 2024
Registration Deadline: 1 Aug, 2024

Little Strikers (ages 4-6): $85
- 8 - 9:00 a.m. Monday - Friday
- Delaney Field location next to McConnell Youth Center

P.M. Academy (Ages 11-14): $100
- 12 - 2 p.m. Monday - Friday
- Delaney Field Location next to McConnell Youth Center
*Note… all participants will receive a camp jersey and soccer ball

Optional: Memorial Chapel Vacation Bible School – "Camp Fire and Light”
Date: Mon-Fri, 29 July – 3 August, Morning session kindergarten – grade 2, Afternoon session grades 3 – 6. Call about registration: 717.245.3318.
What to Expect: Takes place on post at the Memorial Chapel for Kindergarten to 6th grade.

Optional Family Event: CYS Middle School & Teen Welcome Jam (rising 6th-12th graders)
Date: Tuesday, 30 July 2024, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the McConnell Youth Center, 459 Bouquet Rd
What to Expect: Informal, fun, and free for Middle School 6th – 8th graders and High School rising 9th-12th graders. Find old friends and meet new ones through icebreakers, group games, dancing, and food. Open to all teens living on- or off-base. You do NOT need to be a CYS member to attend!

Required: Student book issue pick-up
Students can pick their self-service textbooks any time after they have picked up their library card 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Knowledge Commons. Pick up your books as needed or all at once.


Optional Family Event: Elementary Ice Cream Social (rising K-5th graders)
Date: 31 July 2024, 6 – 8 p.m. McConnell Youth Center 459 Bouquet Road
Welcome Event for all Rising K-5th Graders!
Ice Cream, Carnival Games, and FUN! Hope to see you there! PLEASE NOTE: One parent/guardian must attend with child(ren)!
You do NOT need to be a CYS member to attend!

Optional H.S. student event: HERD 100 Carlisle High School Freshman Orientation
Date: In Aug - Home - Carlisle High School (carlisleschools.org)
What to Expect: This popular freshman orientation and ice-breaker is planned for new Carlisle High School Freshmen.

Seminar icebreakers Required for students optional/encouraged for all family members
Date: 4 – 6 Aug. evening event, date, time/ location announced by seminar faculty team
Your seminar faculty team will sponsor an evening seminar icebreaker as an informal meet-and-greet for students and families.

Required: Library Tutorial
Date: TBD scheduled by seminar
What to Expect: introduction to research tools and to Library staff assistance.

Optional Event: Downtown Carlisle hosts Restaurant Walk & 'Welcome Jam' for new War College families
Date: 12 Aug. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
What to Expect: Welcome activities for Students & Families: Restaurant walk, food tastings, and family activities.

Resident Education Program (REP) Orientation Week, Aug 5-9

Required Event: Convocation
Date: 5 Aug. 0800-0900
What to Expect: Convocation in Bliss Hall is the formal beginning of the Class of 2025 year. Seating is limited and spouses are welcome to view broadcasts in seminar rooms.
UNIFORM: Class B/Service equivalent for students.

Required Event: Opening Ceremony
Date: 5 Aug. 10 a.m.
What to expect: Opening Ceremony on Thorpe Field is an inspiring event for the whole family that features the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the Army Drill Team, and the Army Band in a ceremony that reflects the significance of the student year at the Army's center for strategic thought

Optional Event: Welcome Expo
Date: 7 Aug. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
What to Expect: Welcome Expo is a one-stop information fair to learn about on-post recreation; registration for fitness classes, youth sports, Scouts, trips; AND downtown churches, restaurants, arts, retailers, community-based non-profits, 'deals' and more. In a very informal yet organized setting, students and spouses and kids will enjoy the helpful laydown of all the activities you can consider for your year. Welcome Expo take place in the Thorpe Gym, the LVCC, and the connecting road

US Army WarCollege and Carlisle Barracks Welcome Social
Date: 8 Aug. 12:45 - 13:15 p.m.
What to expect: Social event that precedes AWC/CBks Welcome Briefing for students and their spouses to connect and begin building relationships for the AWC year. Light refreshments served. This event will take place in Bldg 651 - Lecture Hall Social, Rm 1145

AWC/Carlisle Barracks Welcome Brief
Date: 8 Aug. 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
What to expect: US Army War College and Garrison Leaders welcome student families to the AWC and Carlisle Barracks. Students are encouraged to attend with their spouses to hear how spouses and families are integrated into the AWC academic year, and about many of the family life programs and functions on Carlisle Barracks. Spouses (and students woh attend) will also hear about the educational and developmental offerings available through the Military Spouse and Family Studies Program. Briefing will be in Bliss Hall

Event: Welcome Picnic/ Boatyard Wars
Date: 9 Aug. 5 p.m. - until completion
What to Expect: this event is a class-wide welcome picnic and, simultaneously, an informal team-building activity for seminar students, at the swimming pool/picnic site behind the LVCC. For students, spouses & kids, recommended dress is casual shorts, flip flops, beachwear (really).


Optional Event: CYS Babysitter Course #1
6 – 8 Aug. 2024, 0800-1500, Must attend both days.
Memorial Chapel, 452 Mara Circle
13-18 years old (12-year-olds taken on a space available basis)
CPR/1st Aid & Babysitter Basics. Must be a CYS member to attend.
Only 20 slots available. More info: 717-245-4638

Optional Event: Coffee Social
Date: 8 Aug. 12:45
What to Expect: Informal coffee social on the Root Hall Patio, a meet-and-greet for all students & spouses.

Optional Event: Command Welcome to Spouses & Military Family Program Introduction
Date: 8 Aug. 1:30 p.m.
What to Expect: Bliss Hall: Commandant Maj. Gen. David Hill and his wife will greet spouses of the Class of 2023, and discuss expectations for families during the academic year, with Q&A. MFP Director will introduce the wide range of developmental programming offered to spouses, including two programs unique to USAWC: the Executive Spouse Leadership Development Course, and much-valued FLAGS program (Facilitating Leadership and Group Skills).

Optional Event: CYS Babysitter Course #2
13-14 August 2024, 0800-1500 Must attend both days.
Memorial Chapel, 452 Mara Circle
13-18 years old (12-year-olds taken on a space available basis)
CPR/1st Aid & Babysitter Basics Must be a CYS member to attend.
Only 20 slots available. More info: 717-245-4638

Optional Event: 'Dress for Success'
Date: 28 Aug. 12:30 - 2 p.m. in Bliss Hall
What to Expect: Sponsored by Military Family Program, the session offers expert guidance on executive clothing choices for military and civilian men and women.

Optional Event: Fall Youth Soccer League - Fall Youth Soccer League
Registration Opens: Saturday, 1 June 2024
Registration Deadline: Friday, 26 Aug. 2024

Season Starts: Week of Sept 3rd
Season Ends: Week of October 31st

U6 Developmental Program (3–5-year-olds): $30
5-week Instructional Soccer Program held at Delaney Field
50-minute sessions that meet once per week

U8 and U11 Leagues: $50
Monday Practices & Wednesday Games for approx. 8 weeks
All Practices and Games held at Delaney Field
Practices and Games scheduled between 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

U15 League: $50
Tuesday Practices & Thursday Games for approx. 8 weeks
Practices and Games held at Delaney Field
Practices and Games scheduled between 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Event: Read, Write, Reflect & Collaborate (RWRC) Day
Date: Aug 28 and 30
What to Expect: RWRC Days are embedded into the academic calendar to provide additional opportunity for in-depth study, research and writing, and collaborative project development. Typically, each week includes an RWR or SRP day, often a Wednesday; exceptions will occur. (SSR = Strategy Study Requirement Project Day.)

Required: Senior Leader Sustainment Program Assessments begins
Date: scheduled by seminar, Aug thru Nov
What to Expect: This unique program of individualized assessments and expert feedback is required for all US Army students, and highly recommended for all students in the Class of 2020: US and International, military, and civilian

Optional Event: Carlisle Barracks Spouses' Club Super Sign-Up
Date: 10 Aug., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Letort View Community Center
Join the CBSC and learn about the CBSC sub-clubs, luncheons, trips, and activities. Strollers welcome. Vendors and refreshments will be provided. Come join the fun! Please contact cbscpresident@gmail.com for questions.

Optional Event: Spouse Project Interest Meeting
Date: Date: Sep. 20, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
What to Expect: Each academic year, volunteer spouses of USAWC students (U.S. and International) produce a Spouse Project that contributes to the family readiness body of knowledge based on their senior spouse experience. Spouses involved in previous Spouses Projects report high satisfaction with the project work because they enjoy, "being a part of the something bigger than me," and creating something with "a positive impact across the force." Attend this interest meeting to hear more about what joining the Spouse Project Committee entails, and to help generate ideas for the AY25 project.

Required: Special Programs Brief
Date: 20 Aug.
What to Expect: afternoon session starts at 1 pm, Bliss Hall: Introduces unique academic courses and activities for student selection, e.g., special electives like the Eisenhower Speaking program the National Security Policy Program, Advanced Strategic Art Program

Optional Event: Fall Yard Sale
Date: Sep. 21
What to Expect: All homes on post invited to participate; space available for off-post residents. The yard sale is open to the public. Spring Yard Sale is in May