2026 PCS Guide BAH Verified · Augusta GA MHA America's 250th

PCS to Fort Gordon, Augusta GA

If you've ever rolled through Gate 5 on Tobacco Road at 4:50 a.m. — Grovetown still asleep, the pine canopy heavy with dew, your phone pinging the Visitor Control Center hours as you wait for the Force Protection light to flick green — and then crossed the post toward Fortitude Hall as the early shift rotates through the cyber operations floor, that's a Tuesday at Fort Gordon. You're heading to a post with a genuinely consequential naming history and a genuinely unique mission. The post reverted from Fort Eisenhower back to Fort Gordon on June 11, 2025, but now honoring a different namesake: Master Sergeant Gary Ivan Gordon (1960-1993), a Medal of Honor recipient and Delta Force operator killed at the Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia on October 3, 1993. MSG Gordon and SFC Randall Shughart inserted under fire to defend wounded crew at the second Black Hawk crash site, fighting off overwhelming enemy forces and delaying capture long enough for pilot CWO Michael Durant to survive. Both Gordon and Shughart were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on May 23, 1994 — the first MOH awards since the Vietnam War. Their actions were depicted in the 2001 film "Black Hawk Down." Maj. Gen. Ryan Janovic, Commanding General of the Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon, announced the change effective immediately on June 11, 2025. The post's full naming history: established October 1941 as Camp Gordon, redesignated Fort Gordon in March 1956, redesignated Fort Eisenhower on October 27, 2023, then reverted to Fort Gordon on June 11, 2025 under President Trump's broader installation renaming reversal. Notably, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) on post retains the Eisenhower name even after the broader post reverted.

The mission depth is genuinely unique. Fort Gordon's official name is the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon (CyberCoE&FG). The post is home to the U.S. Army Signal Corps, U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) — relocated from Virginia in March 2020 to Fortitude Hall co-located with NSA Georgia headquarters — and the Cyber Center of Excellence. ARCYBER is the Army headquarters beneath U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). Plus the NSA Georgia (NSA/CSS Georgia) cryptologic center (the East Coast NSA presence), Naval Information Operations Command Georgia, the Joint Mission Operations Center — Georgia (JMOC-G), the Cyber Military Intelligence Group (CMIG), and the Information Warfare Operations Center (IWOC). With ARCYBER's relocation, Fort Gordon shifted from a focus on institutional training to becoming a 24/7 operational installation. Approximately 30,000 military and civilian employees with an estimated $1.1 billion economic impact on Augusta-Richmond County. Fort Gordon currently hosts the largest military construction program in the continental United States$1.6 billion through 2028 with 25 individual projects, the largest single piece being the new Cyber Center of Excellence campus building at approximately $934 million. The tradeoffs are real: the recent name reversal creates ongoing administrative confusion (older PCS orders, military records, and partner organization domains still reference Fort Eisenhower); Hurricane Helene in September 2024 caused major impact with Safe Haven evacuation, multi-day water and electricity disruption, and base closure for ~2 weeks (operations resumed October 11, 2024) — proving inland Augusta is no longer outside the hurricane corridor; and the GA vs. SC tax decision is genuinely consequential, with the Aiken County SC alternative offering full SC retirement exemption plus 100% disabled vet TOTAL property exemption. Georgia HB 266 (signed May 2025) provides a $65,000 military retirement income tax exemption at any age for TY 2026. As America marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, Fort Gordon anchors the U.S. Army's cyber and signal warfare capability for the modern fight.

Last updated April 28, 2026 · BAH verified via DTMO 2026 rate tables · Distances via Google Maps · Schools via Richmond County School System, Columbia County School District, Aiken County Public School District · Rent via Apartments.com / Zumper

⚡ Quick Answer

The 2026 BAH for an E-5 with dependents at Fort Gordon is approximately $1,602/month (Augusta MHA covering Richmond + Columbia counties + parts of SC). 2026 BAH increased ~6% from 2025. Augusta-area is one of the more affordable Army markets in the southeast: Augusta $200K-$325K, Hephzibah $175K-$275K, Grovetown $275K-$425K, Evans $325K-$525K, Martinez $300K-$475K. Renamed back to Fort Gordon June 11, 2025 honoring MSG Gary I. Gordon (Medal of Honor, Mogadishu 1993). GA HB 266 $65K military retirement exemption at ANY age for TY 2026.

Cyber Center of Excellence + ARCYBER HQ + NSA Georgia. Hosts the LARGEST CONUS military construction ($1.6B through 2028, 25 projects). Major tenants: CCoE, ARCYBER, 15th Signal Brigade, NSA-G, INSCOM (116/513 MI Brigades + 706 MI Group), JMOC-G. Balfour Beatty Communities operates ~1,000 on-base homes across 6 neighborhoods. DDEAMC on post (Eisenhower name retained — full Army medical center, 24/7 ER). Augusta University Medical Center (Level I trauma + Children's Hospital of Georgia, ~15 min). Columbia County schools genuinely strong (Lakeside + Greenbrier zones). The Masters at Augusta National every April. Hurricane Helene September 2024 caused Safe Haven evacuation; recovery proved Fort Gordon's institutional resilience.

2026 E-5 BAH (w/dep)
$1,602
Augusta MHA · Up ~6% from 2025 · GA HB 266 $65K retirement exempt
Cyber + Signal Workforce
30K+
CCoE + ARCYBER + NSA-G · $1.1B economic impact
Largest CONUS Construction
$1.6B
Through 2028 · 25 projects · $934M CCoE campus
🎖️ Why Fort Gordon matters — major tenant commands
U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE)
Senior mission partner · TRADOC · Signal + Cyber schoolhouse
The U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE) is the senior mission partner at Fort Gordon — includes the U.S. Army Signal School (Advanced Individual Training for Signal Corps military occupational specialties), the Signal Leadership Development College, the U.S. Army Cyber School, the Cyber Battle Lab, and the Cyber Capability Development and Integration Directorate (CDID). CCoE develops, educates, trains, and integrates the future force for the Cyber Corps and Signal Corps. Cyber Quest — held annually — is a world-class CCoE-led prototype assessment that informs capability development requirements.
U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER)
USCYBERCOM component · Fortitude Hall · Relocated March 2020
U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) is the Army headquarters beneath United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) — operates and defends Army networks and delivers cyberspace effects against adversaries. ARCYBER officially relocated from Virginia to Fort Gordon's new Fortitude Hall in March 2020 — co-located with NSA Georgia headquarters. Subordinate ARCYBER units at Fort Gordon include the Cyber Protection Brigade, 11th Cyber Battalion, 1st Cyber Battalion, 782nd Military Intelligence Battalion, and 60th Signal Battalion (Offensive Cyber Operations).
15th Signal Brigade + 335th Signal Command
Active duty + Army Reserve · Signal/Cyber operations
The 15th Signal Brigade at Fort Gordon includes the 369th Signal Battalion, 401st Cyber Battalion, 442nd Signal Battalion, and 551st Signal Battalion. The 335th Signal Command (Army Reserve) plus the 359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade and 324th Expeditionary Signal Battalion provide additional signal capability. Fort Gordon's command structure includes one three-star general, one two-star general, and five one-star generals — reflecting the depth of leadership at the post.
NSA Georgia + INSCOM Tenants
Multi-service · Cryptologic + Intelligence · East Coast NSA
NSA Georgia (NSA/CSS Georgia), formerly known as the Gordon Regional Security Operations Center, is the East Coast NSA cryptologic center co-located with ARCYBER at Fortitude Hall. INSCOM tenants include the 116th Military Intelligence Brigade, the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, and the 706th Military Intelligence Group. Plus the Joint Mission Operations Center — Georgia (JMOC-G), the Cyber Military Intelligence Group (CMIG), and the Information Warfare Operations Center (IWOC). Plus Naval Information Operations Command Georgia (formerly Naval Network Warfare Command).
Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC)
Full Army medical center · Eisenhower name retained
Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) is a full-service Army medical center on post providing 24/7 emergency department, full inpatient services, surgical, OB/GYN with L&D, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, behavioral health, dental, EFMP coordination, and comprehensive specialty care. The DDEAMC retains the Eisenhower name even after the broader post reverted from Fort Eisenhower to Fort Gordon in June 2025 — a deliberate decision to preserve the longstanding Eisenhower honor at the hospital. DDEAMC is one of the larger Army medical centers in the southeast.
MSG Gary I. Gordon Heritage + Berlin Wall Display
Heritage · Battle of Mogadishu 1993 · Medal of Honor
The post's namesake Master Sergeant Gary I. Gordon (1960-1993) was a Delta Force operator killed at the Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia on October 3, 1993. MSG Gordon and SFC Randall Shughart volunteered three times to insert under fire to defend wounded crew members at the second Black Hawk crash site. Both posthumously received the Medal of Honor on May 23, 1994 — the first MOH awards since Vietnam. Their actions are depicted in the 2001 film "Black Hawk Down." Plus, in Freedom Park on Rice Road across from Barton Field, the post displays two sections of the Berlin Wall that separated East and West Berlin during the Cold War — a meaningful Cold War heritage memorial.
💰 How much is BAH at Fort Gordon in 2026?

Fort Gordon sits in the Augusta Military Housing Area covering Richmond County (Augusta, Hephzibah, Blythe), Columbia County (Grovetown, Evans, Martinez, Harlem), McDuffie County, plus parts of South Carolina (Aiken County, Edgefield County). The 2026 E-5 with dependents BAH is approximately $1,602/month — the 2026 Fort Gordon BAH rates increased approximately 6% from 2025. Augusta-Richmond County is one of the more affordable Army markets in the southeast — a meaningful contrast to coastal southeastern bases like Beaufort SC or Tampa FL. Median home prices vary substantially across the MHA: Augusta proper $200K-$325K, Hephzibah $175K-$275K, Sims Landing $250K-$375K (immediately outside the gate), Grovetown $275K-$425K (Columbia County family destination), Evans $325K-$525K (premier Columbia County), Martinez $300K-$475K, Harlem $250K-$375K, Aiken SC $275K-$450K, North Augusta SC $250K-$425K. 3-bedroom rentals run $1,200-$1,900/month across the MHA.

Critical Georgia tax structure dramatically expanded in 2025-2026: Georgia HB 266 (signed by Governor Brian Kemp in May 2025) provides a $65,000 military retirement income tax exemption at any age for TY 2026 — meaningfully expanded from the prior age-restricted exemption (which had been limited to ages 62-plus). SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP annuities also exempt up to the same threshold. Active-duty pay IS subject to GA income tax for GA residents (combat zone pay exempt with 180-day filing extension). National Guard and Reserve drill pay receives a $17,500 exemption. Standard Georgia retirement income exclusion: $65,000 for taxpayers age 65-plus, $35,000 for ages 62-64. Georgia state income tax flat 5.39% in 2026 (down from 5.49% in 2025, currently phasing toward 4.99% under SB 56). Combined sales tax 8% in Richmond and Columbia counties. Disabled veteran homestead exemption: 100% service-connected disabled veterans receive complete property tax exemption on home plus 5 acres up to approximately $50,000 of fair market value — a capped exemption meaningfully less generous than New Jersey's COMPLETE exemption or South Carolina's TOTAL exemption. Important consideration for retirees: families living in Aiken County SC (~30-35 min E across the Savannah River) fall under SC tax structure with H.3247 full retirement exemption (no income cap, any age) plus 100% disabled vet TOTAL property exemption — meaningfully more generous for long-term retirees. Many Fort Gordon retirees relocate across the river to Aiken County for the SC tax structure while retaining proximity to the post and DDEAMC. Balfour Beatty Communities operates the on-base privatized housing — approximately 1,000 family housing units across six pet-friendly neighborhoods with 2-5 bedroom single-family homes; active-duty members forfeit BAH in exchange for on-base housing. CDC waitlists run 6-12 months — register on MilitaryChildCare.com immediately upon receiving orders.

RankWith DepNo DepSuggested Off-Base
E-1 to E-4$1,440$1,203Hephzibah / Augusta
E-5$1,602$1,341Augusta / Sims Landing
E-6$1,815$1,512Sims Landing / Grovetown
E-7$1,944$1,617Grovetown / Martinez
E-8$2,037$1,695Grovetown / Martinez
E-9$2,109$1,758Martinez / Evans
W-2$1,944$1,620Grovetown / Martinez
O-3$2,037$1,695Martinez / Aiken SC
O-4$2,166$1,803Evans / Martinez
O-5$2,265$1,884Evans / Aiken SC
O-6$2,334$1,941Evans / Aiken SC
O-7+$2,400$1,995Evans / Aiken SC
Source: 2026 DoD BAH rate tables (DTMO), effective January 1, 2026. Single MHA: Augusta GA covers Richmond + Columbia + parts of SC. 2026 BAH increased ~6% from 2025. GA HB 266 (May 2025) $65K military retirement exemption at any age for TY 2026. NG/Reserve drill pay $17,500 exempt. Active-duty pay IS taxed (combat zone exempt). GA flat 5.39% income tax 2026 (phasing to 4.99%). 100% disabled vet homestead capped at ~$50K FMV (less generous than NJ/SC). Aiken County SC residents get SC's full retirement exemption + TOTAL disabled vet exemption. Verify your specific BAH at the official DTMO BAH calculator.
🏘️ Which neighborhoods work for Fort Gordon?

Fort Gordon families have meaningfully different housing market choices because the post sits at the GA/SC border with neighborhood tiers spanning Richmond County (Augusta proper, Hephzibah, Sims Landing), Columbia County (Grovetown, Evans, Martinez, Harlem — the school-priority destinations), and across the Savannah River into Aiken County, South Carolina (Aiken, North Augusta). The most consequential decision for school-priority families is between the Columbia County GA destinations (genuinely strong GA schools, GA tax structure with HB 266 $65K retirement exemption) and the Aiken County SC option (SC's H.3247 full retirement exemption plus 100% disabled vet TOTAL property exemption, but requires SC residency). Many Fort Gordon retirees specifically relocate to Aiken County for the SC tax structure while retaining proximity to the post and DDEAMC. The seven options below cover the full Augusta-area metro plus the SC alternative; choose by commute preference, school zone, and whether the GA HB 266 or the SC H.3247 long-term tax math is more favorable for your career arc.

On-Base Balfour Beatty Communities
~1,000 family homes · 6 pet-friendly neighborhoods · 2-5BR · BAH forfeited
On-base · BAH = rent
Hephzibah
~10-15 min · Richmond County · $175K-$275K · Most affordable rural option
Lowest median price adjacent
Augusta proper
~10-15 min · Richmond County · $200K-$325K · Historic city ~137,700
Lower-tier price · urban
Grovetown
~10-15 min · Columbia County · $275K-$425K · Growing rapidly
Mid-range price · Columbia County
Aiken (Aiken County SC)
~30-35 min E · SC tax benefits · $275K-$450K · Retiree-popular
Mid-range price · SC tax structure
Martinez (Columbia County)
~15-20 min · Columbia County Schools · $300K-$475K
Higher median price · strong schools
Evans (Columbia County)
~20-25 min · Lakeside + Greenbrier zones · $325K-$525K
Highest median price · top-rated district
⚠ The June 2025 name reversal administrative tail, the cyber 24/7 operational tempo, and Hurricane Helene plus the GA vs. SC tax decision — three realities every Fort Gordon family plans for

The recent name reversal creates ongoing administrative confusion. The post officially reverted from Fort Eisenhower to Fort Gordon on June 11, 2025 — change announced effective immediately. As of mid-2025 to early 2026, signage, official documents, addresses, and references continue updating. Some addresses, military records, and online references still show "Fort Eisenhower" — particularly older PCS orders, school district paperwork, or housing applications. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) retains the Eisenhower name even after the broader post reverted — important for medical record references. The current namesake is Master Sergeant Gary I. Gordon (Medal of Honor, Battle of Mogadishu October 3, 1993) — NOT President Eisenhower (the prior 2023-2025 name) and NOT Confederate Lt. Gen. John Brown Gordon (the original 1941 namesake). The Alliance for Fort Gordon (formerly Alliance for Fort Eisenhower) still uses the eisenhoweralliance.com domain — community partner organization names lag the official change.

Fort Gordon operational tempo is genuinely different from combat arms posts. With ARCYBER's relocation to Fortitude Hall in March 2020 and the Cyber Center of Excellence consolidation, Fort Gordon has shifted from a focus on institutional training to becoming a 24/7 operational installation. Cyber operators conduct continuous defensive cyber operations, offensive cyber operations, and signal intelligence missions from the operational facilities at Fort Gordon — most cyber and signal mission work is conducted from the post rather than through traditional overseas deployment. Some signal and cyber soldiers do deploy globally in support of Army operational requirements, but the deployment tempo is generally lower than for combat arms units. For instructor positions at the Army Signal School, Cyber School, and Cyber Battle Lab — schedule is institutional and home-based. For NSA Georgia, Naval Information Operations Command, and the various intelligence operational tenants — schedule is operational but home-based at Fort Gordon. PCS rotations typically run 3 years for permanent party.

Hurricane Helene September 2024 plus the GA vs. SC tax decision plus Augusta climate are the regional realities. Hurricane Helene (September 2024) caused major impact on Fort Gordon — Safe Haven evacuation order, base closed to non-essential personnel, water and electricity disruption for days. Fort Gordon resumed normal operations on October 11, 2024 after recovery. Hurricane risk is genuinely meaningful even for inland Augusta — the storm's path through interior Georgia caused unprecedented inland hurricane damage, with Augusta Regional Airport recording peak gusts of 71 knots (~82 mph). The storm caused $5.5 billion-plus in regional timber and agricultural losses and threatened the City of Augusta water supply pump system serving 160,000 residents. Fort Gordon activated as a Safe Haven evacuation site for thousands of military families across the Helene impact corridor — kept lodging, dining, fuel, and medical facilities operational for evacuees even with its own impact. The Augusta-based 878th Engineer Battalion (Georgia Army National Guard) diagnosed and brought back online the City of Augusta water pump system, preventing a regional water crisis. Honest framing: inland Augusta is no longer "outside the hurricane corridor" — Helene proved that interior Georgia can take direct Category 2 hurricane damage. But Fort Gordon and Augusta demonstrated they can absorb, evacuate, host evacuees, and recover faster than coastal regions did. Hurricane preparedness should be on every Fort Gordon family's PCS checklist (generators, evacuation kits, flood insurance evaluation), but the post's institutional resilience and Augusta's mil-civ partnership are genuine compensating factors. Summer heat and humidity intense (95-100°F plus GA humidity June-September). Pollen season notable in spring. Mild winters with occasional ice events. The GA vs. SC tax decision is genuinely consequential: Georgia HB 266 provides $65K retirement exemption at any age plus 5.39% flat tax — solid but capped. South Carolina H.3247 fully exempts ALL military retirement income at any age (no income cap) plus 100% disabled vet TOTAL property exemption. Aiken County SC (~30-35 min E) provides full SC tax benefits with reasonable commute. GA disabled vet homestead exemption capped at ~$50K FMV — meaningfully less generous than SC's TOTAL exemption.

🏫 Which schools are best for military families?

Augusta-area school districts have meaningful quality variation. Fort Gordon has ONE on-post school: Freedom Park School (K-8), operated by Richmond County School System. There are NO DoDEA schools at Fort Gordon — all on-post students attend Richmond County or Columbia County schools based on residence. Three district systems serve Fort Gordon families: Richmond County School System (Augusta-area), Columbia County School District (Grovetown/Evans/Martinez/Harlem — widely considered superior to Richmond County and genuinely one of Georgia's top-performing systems with 28,854 students district-wide and 98.7% licensed teachers), and Aiken County Public School District (Aiken/North Augusta SC, the SC tax-structure alternative). Notable private school options include Augusta Christian Schools, Aquinas High School (Augusta), Westminster Schools of Augusta. Higher education within reasonable distance: Augusta University (~15 min — comprehensive university with the Medical College of Georgia and Augusta University Health), Augusta Technical College, University of South Carolina Aiken (~30 min E), Clemson University (~1.5 hr N), University of Georgia (~2 hr NW), Georgia Tech (Atlanta, ~2 hr W). The Georgia HOPE Scholarship plus South Carolina LIFE/Palmetto Fellows/HOPE provide significant in-state tuition assistance for residents. The Fort Gordon School Liaison Office at (706) 791-7270 coordinates enrollment, records transfers, IEPs, and EFMP. School assignments are address-specific — verify zoning at rcboe.org (Richmond), ccboe.net (Columbia), and acpsd.net (Aiken SC) before signing a lease or making an offer; Columbia County rezones periodically and most recently moved several Grovetown-Evans corridor neighborhoods between zones in the 2023-2024 school year.

Columbia County School District · Lakeside HS zone (Evans)
9-12 · Lakeside HS · Largest of three Columbia County HS · School zone is a real estate marketing keyword in Augusta market · Strong AP · Niche A grade
High-rated
Columbia County School District · Greenbrier HS zone (Evans Riverwood corridor)
9-12 · Greenbrier HS · 1,905 students 20:1 ratio · Niche A grade · 97% graduation rate · K-12 quality on Riverwood Parkway corridor
Top-rated
Columbia County School District · Evans / Grovetown / Harlem HS zones
9-12 · Evans HS + Grovetown HS + Harlem HS · All Columbia County system · Strong vocational + dual-credit at Augusta Tech
High-rated
Richmond County School System · Davidson Fine Arts Magnet
6-12 magnet · Augusta · Premier RCSS magnet · Competitive admission · Strong arts + academic
Top-rated
Richmond County School System · Freedom Park (on-post)
K-8 on-post · Freedom Park School · Operated by RCSS · HS to RCSS zoned school
Mid-range
Aiken County Public School District (SC alternative)
K-12 · South Aiken HS + North Augusta HS · SC tax structure alternative · Verify zoning per address
High-rated

Ratings reflect GreatSchools test-score percentiles and do not capture school culture, military family support programs, special education depth, or extracurriculars. Verify per address with the district before enrollment decisions. Higher ed: Augusta University (Medical College of Georgia, ~15 min), Augusta Technical College (~10 min), University of South Carolina Aiken (~30 min E), Clemson University (~1.5 hr N), University of Georgia (Athens, ~2 hr NW), Georgia Tech (Atlanta, ~2 hr W), Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (downtown Augusta, ~15 min). Notable private K-12: Augusta Christian Schools (K-12), Aquinas High School (Augusta, Catholic 9-12), Westminster Schools of Augusta (K-12). School Liaison through the Fort Gordon Fort Gordon Army Community Service plus the School Liaison Office at (706) 791-7270.

🏥 What medical care is available?

Fort Gordon is genuinely well-resourced for medical care given the on-post Army medical center plus the academic medical anchor at Augusta University. Unlike many bases without full ER on post, Fort Gordon has DDEAMC providing 24/7 ER plus full inpatient services on installation — a meaningful quality-of-life advantage for PCS families. The DDEAMC retains the Eisenhower name even after the broader post reverted from Fort Eisenhower to Fort Gordon in June 2025. For specialty care beyond DDEAMC scope, Augusta University Medical Center / Wellstar MCG Health (~15 min) provides academic specialty escalation including Level I trauma, Children's Hospital of Georgia, and the Georgia Cancer Center. The Augusta-area TRICARE network is genuinely strong with Augusta University as the academic medical anchor for east Georgia.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC)
On-installation · Full Army medical center · 24/7 ER + inpatient · Eisenhower name retained
Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) is a full-service Army medical center on Fort Gordon — provides 24/7 emergency department, full inpatient services, surgical, OB/GYN with L&D, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, behavioral health, dental, EFMP coordination, and comprehensive specialty care. One of the larger Army medical centers in the southeast. The DDEAMC retains the Eisenhower name even after the broader post reverted from Fort Eisenhower to Fort Gordon in June 2025 — a deliberate decision to preserve the longstanding hospital honor at the medical center.
24/7 ER + InpatientFull L&D + PediatricsEFMP
Augusta University Medical Center / Wellstar MCG Health
~15 min · Level I Trauma · Academic Medical Center · TRICARE
Augusta University Medical Center / Wellstar MCG Health is the comprehensive academic medical center for east Georgia — affiliated with the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Level I trauma center, Children's Hospital of Georgia, the Georgia Cancer Center, and comprehensive specialty including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and transplant medicine. The default escalation for the most complex specialty cases beyond DDEAMC scope. TRICARE Network. Plus the broader Augusta University Health system.
Level I TraumaAcademic Medical CenterTRICARE Network
Children's Hospital of Georgia + Doctors + University Hospital
~10-15 min · Pediatric Academic + Burn Center + Community
Children's Hospital of Georgia (part of Augusta University Health, ~15 min from Fort Gordon) is the regional pediatric academic medical center for east Georgia — comprehensive pediatric subspecialty care including pediatric cardiology, neurology, oncology, NICU/PICU. Doctors Hospital of Augusta (HCA-affiliated, ~10 min) is a comprehensive community hospital with 24/7 ER, full inpatient, surgical, L&D, ICU, plus the Joseph M. Still Burn Center (one of the largest burn centers in the country). University Hospital (Augusta) is another comprehensive community hospital with 24/7 ER, full inpatient, and broader specialty.
Pediatric AcademicBurn CenterTRICARE Network
Charlie Norwood VA + Aiken Regional Medical Centers
~10 min VA · ~30 min E SC community hospital
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta (~10 min from Fort Gordon) is one of the larger VA medical centers in Georgia — provides full inpatient and complex specialty VA care for the broader Augusta-area veteran population. Includes the Downtown Division and the Uptown Division, plus VA community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) across east Georgia. Aiken Regional Medical Centers in Aiken SC (~30 min E across the Savannah River) is the comprehensive community hospital for Aiken County SC — 24/7 ER, full inpatient, surgical, L&D, ICU. Serves the SC-side Fort Gordon families. Part of the Universal Health Services network. TRICARE Network.
VA MedicalSC CommunityTRICARE Network
🏃 What MWR and athletic programs are available?

Fort Gordon sits in the Augusta area of east Georgia — the famous home of The Masters golf tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club every April. The location offers an unusually strong combination of golf heritage, Savannah River outdoor recreation, and regional access to Atlanta, Charleston, and Columbia. Plus a unique Augusta-only assignment perk: many Fort Gordon military families in Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, and North Augusta routinely rent their primary residences to Masters visitors during Tournament Week and pocket the income completely federal-income-tax-free under IRS Section 280A(g) (the Augusta Rule) — typical $5K-$15K weekly rental rates for a ~178% short-term rental price surge.

⛳ The Masters + Augusta National + Augusta Rule
Augusta National GC · 1st week April · IRS Section 280A(g)
The Masters Tournament is held at Augusta National Golf Club the first week of April every year — genuinely one of the most iconic events in golf and one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. Tickets are notoriously difficult to obtain (limited to club members and their guests, plus a small public lottery), but the entire Augusta region embraces Masters Week. Augusta Rule (IRS Section 280A(g)): any homeowner can rent their primary residence for up to 14 days per calendar year without reporting the income on federal taxes. Augusta sees the highest rental price surge in the U.S. during peak — short-term rates spike 178% during Masters Week. Typical Evans/Martinez/Grovetown 3BR home commands $5,000-$10,000 for the week; 5BR close to Augusta National $9,000-$11,000; 8-10BR estates $25,000-plus. Genuinely unique Augusta-only assignment perk — a 4-8% effective annual income boost for an E-7 or O-3 that no other Army installation can match.
⛳ Gordon Lakes Golf Club + On-Base MWR
27-hole on-post · Auto Hobby + Outdoor Rec + Berlin Wall
Gordon Lakes Golf Club at Fort Gordon is a well-maintained 27-hole championship golf course on post — genuinely impressive for an Army installation. Plus multiple fitness centers, swimming pools, the bowling center, the Auto Hobby Shop, the Outdoor Recreation rental fleet (boats, RVs, camping equipment for Clarks Hill Lake), and dedicated youth programs. The Fort Gordon MWR is reasonably robust. Plus the Freedom Park Berlin Wall display (two original Cold War sections plus an associated sign) on Rice Road across from Barton Field.
🚣 Clarks Hill Lake / J. Strom Thurmond Lake
~30-45 min N · 71,000-acre reservoir · Largest GA/SC lake
Clarks Hill Lake / J. Strom Thurmond Lake (~30-45 min N) is the largest lake in Georgia/South Carolina — 71,000-acre reservoir spanning the GA/SC border. Provides fishing, boating, swimming, and camping at multiple Corps of Engineers parks plus state parks. Mistletoe State Park (Clarks Hill — hiking, beach, camping). Elijah Clark State Park (Clarks Hill). Hickory Knob State Resort Park (SC side, lakefront resort with cabins plus 18-hole golf course). Plus the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park in Augusta. Genuinely one of the strongest freshwater outdoor recreation anchors in the southeast.
🚵 FATS + Augusta Riverwalk
IMBA Epic Ride · Savannah River Riverwalk · James Brown
Forks Area Trail System (FATS) (~30 min N near Modoc SC) is one of the premier mountain biking trail systems in the southeast — designated an IMBA Epic Ride. Extensive single-track mountain biking plus hiking trails through Sumter National Forest. Augusta Riverwalk along the Savannah River (downtown Augusta — riverfront restaurants, dining, the Augusta Common, Riverfront Marina, riverfront concerts and events). Plus the James Brown statue downtown (Augusta is the Godfather of Soul's hometown), the Augusta Museum of History, and the broader downtown Augusta cultural scene.
⚾ Augusta GreenJackets + SRP Park
SF Giants Single-A · SRP Park North Augusta
The Augusta GreenJackets are the San Francisco Giants Single-A minor league baseball affiliate — playing at SRP Park in North Augusta SC (right across the Savannah River). Affordable family entertainment with regular promotional nights, fireworks, and family-friendly atmosphere. Plus the broader Augusta sports scene including local college games at Augusta University and the various recreational sports leagues.
🌆 Atlanta + Charleston + Savannah Weekend Trips
ATL 2 hr 15 min W · Charleston 2.5 hr E · Savannah 2 hr S
Atlanta (~2 hr 15 min W via I-20) — Atlanta Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Civil Rights Museum, Falcons/Hawks/Braves/United, the High Museum of Art. Charleston SC (~2.5 hr E — historic Lowcountry city with Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter, plantation tours). Columbia SC (~1.5 hr NE — University of South Carolina, Riverbanks Zoo). Savannah GA (~2 hr S — Savannah Historic District, Forsyth Park, River Street, Bonaventure Cemetery). Hilton Head Island SC (~3 hr SE — premier resort island). The Smoky Mountains (~5 hr N).
🚗 What are the commute realities?

Honest take: Fort Gordon commutes are short for off-base families in immediate Richmond County (Augusta proper 10-15 min, Hephzibah 10-15 min, Sims Landing immediately outside gate). Columbia County destinations require 10-25 minute drives but are genuinely manageable: Grovetown 10-15 min, Martinez 15-20 min, Evans 20-25 min. Aiken County SC destinations require longer drives but provide SC tax benefits. Interstate 20 is the primary east-west corridor connecting Augusta to Atlanta (W) and Columbia (E). I-520 (Bobby Jones Expressway) is the Augusta loop. State Route 232 plus Wrightsboro Rd are key Fort Gordon access roads. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) provides regional commercial service at 15 min. Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL) is the major hub at 2 hr 15 min W. Critical traffic reality: Fort Gordon rush hour mirrors Army shift changes (06:30-08:30 inbound, 16:00-18:00 outbound). Masters Week (1st week of April) creates massive regional traffic, hotel, and logistics surge — plan around it for any move during late March or early April. The Gate 5 (Tobacco Road) Grovetown-side commute hack: for Columbia County families with cyber/signal duty assignments on the west or central post (CCoE, Cyber School, Cyber Battle Lab, NSA-G, JMOC-G), route via Tobacco Road to Gate 5 rather than down I-520 to Gate 1 — Gate 5 is open 4:45 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily and avoids the Gate 1 DoD-only 5-9 a.m. shift-change window.

DestinationDistanceOff-Peak Drive
Augusta proper ↔ Fort Gordon main gate8-10 mi10-15 min*
Hephzibah ↔ Fort Gordon8-12 mi10-15 min
Sims Landing ↔ Fort Gordon main gate2-3 mi5 min
Grovetown ↔ Fort Gordon (via Gate 5)10-12 mi N10-15 min
Martinez ↔ Fort Gordon15-18 mi N15-20 min
Evans ↔ Fort Gordon20-22 mi N20-25 min
North Augusta SC ↔ Fort Gordon15-18 mi E20-25 min
Aiken SC ↔ Fort Gordon25-30 mi E30-35 min
Augusta Regional (AGS) ↔ Fort Gordon12 mi15 min
Columbia SC ↔ Fort Gordon75 mi NE1.5 hr
Atlanta (ATL) ↔ Fort Gordon145 mi W2 hr 15 min
Charleston SC ↔ Fort Gordon170 mi E2.5 hr
Distances via Google Maps. *Fort Gordon rush hour mirrors Army shift changes (06:30-08:30 + 16:00-18:00). I-520 + Bobby Jones Expressway are primary corridors. Hurricane Helene (September 2024) caused Safe Haven evacuation + ~2-week base closure. Summer heat 95-100°F + humidity. Pollen season notable in spring. Masters Week (1st week of April) creates massive regional traffic, hotel, and logistics surge — plan around it. Random vehicle inspections at gates can add 15-30 minutes (strict security given cyber/intel mission). Gate 5 (Tobacco Road) is the Grovetown-side commute hack for Columbia County families.
🎓 Who else is nearby in the Augusta-Aiken cyber and signal warfare cluster ecosystem?

The east Georgia plus South Carolina military presence is genuinely deep — Fort Gordon plus Fort Jackson plus Shaw AFB (Columbia/Sumter SC) plus Savannah River Site (DOE/NNSA, Aiken SC) plus Joint Base Charleston (Air Force + Navy) plus Hunter Army Airfield plus Fort Stewart (Hinesville GA) plus NSB Kings Bay. The Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center in downtown Augusta (~15 min from Fort Gordon) is a state-funded cybersecurity research and education facility that complements Fort Gordon's cyber mission. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) provides regional service with connections to Atlanta hub at 15 min; Atlanta Hartsfield is the major hub 2 hr 15 min W.

🪖 East GA + SC Military / Federal Ecosystem
  • Fort Jackson + Shaw AFBColumbia/Sumter SC · 1.5-2 hr NE
  • Savannah River Site (DOE/NNSA)Aiken SC · 30 min SE
  • Joint Base Charleston (AF + Navy)Charleston SC · 2.5 hr E
  • Hunter Army AirfieldSavannah GA · 2 hr S
  • Fort Stewart (3rd ID)Hinesville GA · 3 hr S
  • NSB Kings Bay (SSBN)Kings Bay GA · 4 hr SE
🎓 Universities + Healthcare + Recreation
  • Augusta University (Medical College of GA)Augusta · 15 min
  • Georgia Cyber Innovation + Training CenterAugusta · 15 min
  • Children's Hospital of GeorgiaAugusta · 15 min
  • Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterAugusta · 10 min
  • USC Aiken / Clemson / UGA30 min - 2 hr
  • Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL)Atlanta · 2 hr 15 min
💡 What 2026 changes for your PCS to Fort Gordon

The most consequential 2025-2026 change for Fort Gordon families is the name reversal on June 11, 2025 — the post officially reverted from Fort Eisenhower back to Fort Gordon, but now honoring Master Sergeant Gary I. Gordon (Medal of Honor recipient, Battle of Mogadishu October 3, 1993) rather than the original Confederate Lt. Gen. John Brown Gordon. Update PCS paperwork, military records, address, and reference materials accordingly. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) retains the Eisenhower name on post. The 2026 BAH for the Augusta MHA continues annual adjustments — E-5 with deps approximately $1,602/month, up approximately 6% from 2025. Augusta-area is one of the more affordable Army markets in the southeast (Augusta proper $200K-$325K, Hephzibah $175K-$275K, Grovetown $275K-$425K, Evans $325K-$525K). GA tax structure expanded significantly: Georgia HB 266 (signed May 2025) provides $65,000 military retirement income tax exemption at any age for TY 2026 — meaningfully expanded from the prior age-restricted exemption. SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP same exemption. NG/Reserve drill pay $17,500 exempt. Active-duty pay IS taxed (combat zone exempt). GA flat 5.39% income tax in 2026 (phasing toward 4.99% under SB 56). Disabled vet homestead capped at ~$50K FMV. Aiken County SC alternative: families across the Savannah River get SC H.3247 full retirement exemption (no age, no income cap) plus 100% disabled vet TOTAL property exemption — meaningfully more generous for long-term retirees, and many Fort Gordon retirees specifically relocate to Aiken County for this. Balfour Beatty Communities continues operating ~1,000 on-base family homes across 6 pet-friendly neighborhoods.

The Pentagon is cutting discretionary PCS moves 50% by 2030. Reduction starts fiscal 2027. Fort Gordon assignments for permanent party (CCoE, ARCYBER, NSA-G, 15th Signal Brigade, INSCOM tenants) typically run 3 years. With Augusta-area median home prices in the $175K-$525K range and 2026 BAH at $1,602 for E-5 with deps (up ~6% from 2025), the rent-vs-buy math is genuinely favorable for longer assignments. Largest CONUS military construction continues through 2028: $1.6 billion across 25 projects, $934M Cyber Center of Excellence campus building, bringing 17,000-plus new personnel, civilians, contractors, and family members to the greater Augusta region. Fort Gordon's economic and military profile expanding meaningfully through the late 2020s. Spouse employment: cyber/IT industry expansion plus Savannah River Site federal civilian plus Augusta University healthcare provide genuinely strong options. Both Georgia and South Carolina are Nurse Licensure Compact states; both participate in the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. GA HOPE plus SC LIFE/Palmetto Fellows in-state tuition. Security clearance is a major asset for spouse cyber/IT careers at Fort Gordon. Real ID and gate access: bring physical Real ID or CAC. Fort Gordon maintains strict security given the cyber/intelligence mission. Gate 5 (Tobacco Road) is the Grovetown-side commute hack — open 4:45 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily for DoD ID card holders. Medical reality: DDEAMC handles the full spectrum on post — 24/7 ER plus inpatient plus L&D plus pediatrics plus EFMP plus comprehensive specialty. Augusta University Medical Center at 15 min provides academic specialty escalation; Children's Hospital of Georgia at 15 min is regional pediatric academic.

🔗 Support Resources
🔍
TRICARE Provider Finder
Search local doctors and specialists accepting TRICARE
🏥
Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center
Full Army medical center · 24/7 ER · Eisenhower name retained
🏘️
Balfour Beatty Communities Fort Gordon
~1,000 family homes · 6 pet-friendly neighborhoods · 2-5BR
U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) Official
ARCYBER · USCYBERCOM component · HQ at Fortitude Hall Fort Gordon
🪖
Fort Gordon Official
Gate hours, in-processing, base directory, A&FRC/M&FRC, school liaison
📦
PPA.mil + 1-833-MIL-MOVE
2026 Personal Property Activity hub · HHG · POV · claims · 24/7 call center
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much is BAH at Fort Gordon in 2026?
The 2026 BAH for an E-5 with dependents at Fort Gordon is approximately $1,602/month (Augusta MHA — Richmond + Columbia counties + parts of SC). 2026 BAH increased ~6% from 2025. Augusta-area is one of the more affordable Army markets in the southeast: Augusta proper $200K-$325K, Hephzibah $175K-$275K, Grovetown $275K-$425K, Evans $325K-$525K (premier Columbia County), Martinez $300K-$475K, Sims Landing $250K-$375K, Aiken SC $275K-$450K, North Augusta SC $250K-$425K. 3BR rentals $1,200-$1,900/mo. Critical Georgia tax structure: Georgia HB 266 (May 2025) provides $65,000 military retirement income tax exemption at any age for TY 2026 (meaningfully expanded from prior age-restricted exemption). NG/Reserve drill pay $17,500 exempt. Active-duty pay IS taxed (combat zone exempt). GA flat 5.39% income tax in 2026 (phasing to 4.99%). Aiken County SC alternative: families across the Savannah River get SC H.3247 full retirement exemption (no income cap, any age) plus 100% disabled vet TOTAL property exemption — meaningfully more generous for retirees.
Why does Fort Gordon matter — what's stationed here?
Fort Gordon's official name is the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon (CyberCoE&FG). Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE) — senior mission partner — including the U.S. Army Signal School, Signal Leadership Development College, U.S. Army Cyber School, Cyber Battle Lab, and Cyber Capability Development and Integration Directorate (CDID). U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) headquarters — relocated from Virginia to Fortitude Hall in March 2020, co-located with NSA Georgia. ARCYBER is the Army headquarters beneath USCYBERCOM. Subordinate ARCYBER units include the Cyber Protection Brigade, 11th Cyber Battalion, 1st Cyber Battalion, 782nd Military Intelligence Battalion, and 60th Signal Battalion (Offensive Cyber Operations). 15th Signal Brigade includes 369th, 401st, 442nd, and 551st battalions. NSA Georgia (NSA/CSS Georgia), formerly Gordon Regional Security Operations Center, the East Coast NSA cryptologic center. INSCOM tenants: 116th MI Brigade, 513th MI Brigade, 706th MI Group. Plus Joint Mission Operations Center — Georgia (JMOC-G), Cyber Military Intelligence Group (CMIG), Information Warfare Operations Center (IWOC), Naval Information Operations Command Georgia. Plus DDEAMC. Approximately 30,000 military and civilian employees with $1.1B economic impact. Renamed back to Fort Gordon June 11, 2025 honoring MSG Gary I. Gordon (Medal of Honor, Battle of Mogadishu October 3, 1993).
Which Augusta or Columbia County or Aiken SC neighborhoods work for Fort Gordon families?
Fort Gordon families have meaningfully different choices because the post sits at the GA/SC border with neighborhood tiers spanning Richmond County, Columbia County, and across the Savannah River into Aiken County SC. For Richmond County GA: Augusta proper ($200K-$325K, ~10-15 min). Hephzibah ($175K-$275K, ~10-15 min, most affordable). Sims Landing ($250K-$375K, immediately outside gate). For Columbia County GA (school-priority destination): Grovetown ($275K-$425K, ~10-15 min, growing rapidly). Evans ($325K-$525K, ~20-25 min, premier school destination — Lakeside HS plus Greenbrier HS). Martinez ($300K-$475K, ~15-20 min). Harlem ($250K-$375K, ~25-30 min W). For Aiken County SC families (SC tax benefits): Aiken ($275K-$450K, ~30-35 min E, popular for retirees and tax-conscious families). North Augusta ($250K-$425K, ~20-25 min E, closer SC option). On-base housing: Balfour Beatty Communities with ~1,000 family homes across 6 pet-friendly neighborhoods, 2-5BR single-family homes. CDC waitlists 6-12 months.
What schools are best for military families at Fort Gordon?
Three district systems serve Fort Gordon. Fort Gordon has ONE on-post school: Freedom Park School (K-8), operated by Richmond County School System. NO DoDEA schools. Richmond County School System (Augusta-area) — Davidson Fine Arts Magnet is RCSS's premier magnet (competitive admission). Columbia County School District (school-priority destination — genuinely one of Georgia's top-performing systems with 28,854 students and 98.7% licensed teachers): Lakeside HS (Evans, premier Columbia County), Greenbrier HS (Evans, Niche A grade), Evans HS, Grovetown HS, Harlem HS. Aiken County Public School District (across the Savannah River): South Aiken HS, North Augusta HS. Notable private: Augusta Christian Schools, Aquinas HS, Westminster Schools of Augusta. Fort Gordon School Liaison Office at (706) 791-7270. Higher ed: Augusta University (Medical College of Georgia), Augusta Technical College, USC Aiken, Clemson, UGA, Georgia Tech. GA HOPE Scholarship + SC LIFE/Palmetto Fellows/HOPE in-state tuition. Verify zoning at rcboe.org, ccboe.net, and acpsd.net before signing.
What medical care is available at Fort Gordon and the Augusta area?
Yes — Fort Gordon is home to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC), a full-service Army medical center providing 24/7 emergency department, full inpatient services, surgical, OB/GYN with L&D, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, behavioral health, dental, EFMP coordination, and comprehensive specialty care. One of the larger Army medical centers in the southeast. The DDEAMC retains the Eisenhower name even after the broader post reverted in June 2025. For specialty care beyond DDEAMC scope: Augusta University Medical Center / Wellstar MCG Health (~15 min — comprehensive academic medical center for east Georgia, Level I trauma, Children's Hospital of Georgia, the Cancer Center). Doctors Hospital of Augusta (~10 min, HCA-affiliated, includes Joseph M. Still Burn Center). University Hospital Augusta (24/7 ER, comprehensive community hospital). Aiken Regional Medical Centers (~30 min E SC, TRICARE Network). Plus Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta (~10 min). The TRICARE network in Augusta is genuinely strong with Augusta University as the academic medical anchor.
What MWR and athletic programs does Fort Gordon have?
Fort Gordon sits in the Augusta area of east Georgia — the famous home of The Masters golf tournament (1st week of April every year at Augusta National Golf Club). Plus a unique Augusta-only assignment perk: IRS Section 280A(g) — the Augusta Rule — homeowners can rent their primary residence up to 14 days per year tax-free at the federal level; typical Evans/Martinez/Grovetown 3BR home commands $5,000-$10,000 for Masters Week (178% rate surge). On-base MWR: Gordon Lakes Golf Club (27-hole championship), multiple fitness centers, swimming pools, bowling, Auto Hobby Shop, Outdoor Recreation rental fleet. Plus Freedom Park Berlin Wall display (two original Cold War sections) on Rice Road. Off-base: Clarks Hill Lake / J. Strom Thurmond Lake (~30-45 min N — 71,000-acre reservoir, the largest lake in GA/SC). Forks Area Trail System (FATS) (~30 min N — IMBA Epic Ride mountain biking). Augusta Riverwalk. James Brown statue downtown. Augusta GreenJackets (SF Giants Single-A at SRP Park North Augusta). Regional access: Atlanta (~2 hr 15 min W), Columbia SC (~1.5 hr NE), Charleston SC (~2.5 hr E), Savannah GA (~2 hr S), Hilton Head Island (~3 hr SE).
What's the commute from Fort Gordon like?
Fort Gordon commutes are short for off-base families in immediate Richmond County (Augusta proper 10-15 min, Hephzibah 10-15 min, Sims Landing 5 min). Columbia County: Grovetown 10-15 min, Martinez 15-20 min, Evans 20-25 min. Aiken County SC: North Augusta 20-25 min E, Aiken 30-35 min E. I-20 is the primary east-west corridor (Atlanta W, Columbia E). I-520 (Bobby Jones Expressway) is the Augusta loop. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) at 15 min for regional service; Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL) at 2 hr 15 min W is the major hub. Fort Gordon rush hour mirrors Army shift changes (06:30-08:30 + 16:00-18:00). Hurricane Helene September 2024 caused major impact (Safe Haven evacuation + ~2-week base closure). Summer heat 95-100°F + humidity. Masters Week (1st week of April) creates massive regional traffic, hotel, and logistics surge. Gate 5 (Tobacco Road) is the Grovetown-side commute hack — open 4:45 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily for DoD ID card holders, avoids the Gate 1 DoD-only 5-9 a.m. shift-change window. Random vehicle inspections at gates can add 15-30 min during heightened security.
What 2026 changes affect a Fort Gordon PCS?
Several 2026 changes: 1) Post officially reverted from Fort Eisenhower to Fort Gordon June 11, 2025 honoring MSG Gary I. Gordon (Medal of Honor, Mogadishu 1993). DDEAMC retains the Eisenhower name. 2) BAH continues annual adjustments — E-5 w/dep ~$1,602/mo (up ~6% from 2025). 3) Georgia HB 266 (May 2025) provides $65K military retirement exemption at any age for TY 2026. NG/Reserve drill pay $17,500 exempt. GA flat 5.39% income tax 2026 (phasing to 4.99%). 4) Aiken County SC alternative: SC H.3247 full retirement exemption + TOTAL disabled vet property exemption. 5) Largest CONUS military construction continues through 2028: $1.6B across 25 projects, $934M CCoE campus, 17,000+ new personnel/civilians/contractors/families. 6) Pentagon discretionary PCS reduction 50% by 2030 starting FY2027. 7) Both GA and SC are Nurse Licensure Compact states; both participate in Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. 8) Balfour Beatty Communities continues ~1,000 on-base family homes. 9) DDEAMC continues 24/7 ER + full inpatient on post. Federal 2026 reforms apply on top of base-specific changes. The Personal Property Activity (PPA) stood up permanently May 1, 2026 at Scott AFB, IL reporting directly to the Secretary of War. PPA.mil is the new sole-source-of-truth hub for HHG, POV, claims, and PCS guidance — replacing fragmented legacy platforms. 24/7 PCS Call Center 1-833-MIL-MOVE (May 15 - Sept 15). Concrete 2026 policy changes: claims window 9 mo → 12 mo; PPM reimbursement back to 100% of government-constructed cost (down from 130% in 2025); dependent per diem for mover-caused delays now 75% of SM M&IE paid by carrier; DLA rates +3.8% for 2026. Pentagon discretionary PCS reduction 50% by FY2030: 10% FY27, 30% FY28, 40% FY29, 50% FY30 — fewer moves per career, longer tours, plan housing accordingly.

Ready to run your Fort Gordon numbers?

Run the Fort Gordon math: Balfour Beatty on-base BAH-100% coverage vs Augusta or Columbia County or Aiken SC purchase math, with the GA HB 266 $65K retirement exemption versus the SC H.3247 full retirement exemption decision framework that shapes long-term wealth-accumulation; Lakeside vs Greenbrier vs Davidson Fine Arts Magnet vs South Aiken HS school zones across the three district systems; DDEAMC full Army medical center on-post vs Augusta University Medical Center academic Level I trauma at 15 minutes; the Gate 5 (Tobacco Road) Grovetown-side commute hack vs the Gate 1 DoD-only 5-9 a.m. shift-change window; the cyber/signal/intel 24/7 operational tempo with ARCYBER at Fortitude Hall plus NSA Georgia; the Hurricane Helene September 2024 inland-hurricane reality plus the Masters Week 178% rental surge windfall opportunity. HomeScoop is an intelligence layer for comparing neighborhoods, school catchments, BAH-vs-rent math, and civilian medical depth — not an inventory listings platform.

Compare Fort Gordon Neighborhoods →