Online in-processing
Your welcome email from the Commandant and the G‑1/Personnel Office includes a personalized key (“token”) for Online In‑Processing. Use this link to complete required steps before you arrive at Carlisle Barracks.
Online In‑Processing will ask only for information needed to support your transition and early success, and it will explain why each item is requested. Examples include:
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Demographic information to help build balanced seminar groups
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Your on‑post housing application
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A baseline military knowledge survey (for military students)
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A brief writing diagnostic
Key details about your token
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The key is one‑time use and is valid for 30 days.
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If you create your account within 30 days, you can return anytime using your CAC or User ID.
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If you do not use the key within 30 days, email G‑1 at usarmy.carlisle.awc.mbx.atwc-chr@army.mil to request a new one.
What to pack: dress and uniforms
Over the course of the year, expect to rotate through several uniform and dress requirements, sometimes with multiple options in a single week.
You should plan to be prepared for:
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Army Service Uniform / Class A or service equivalent – occasional events
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ASU Class B or service equivalent – weekly use
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Civilian coat and tie / business dress – weekly use
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Combat / functional uniform – weekly use
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“Carlisle Casual” – dress slacks with a collared shirt, or equivalent. This is likely for early/summer academic weeks and most Army War College‑sponsored travel.
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Dress Mess – optional, for events like the Joint Ball or other formal occasions of your choice.
Military clothing tip
The Carlisle Barracks Exchange carries very limited military clothing and primarily takes orders. The nearest full Military Clothing Sales is at Fort Indiantown Gap (about an hour away in Annville, PA). Students from earlier classes strongly recommend arriving with all the uniform items you expect to need.
Class dues and social fees
Each resident class decides how to handle class dues and social activities.
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You can expect some combination of:
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The resident student body will form a non‑profit organization with representation from each seminar to set norms, determine dues, and plan whole‑class events.
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As a planning figure, anticipate a range from $0 to about $350 over the year, depending on class decisions.
Social and athletic activities
Social and athletic activities are part of the Carlisle experience, not an afterthought.
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Many events are held on post and are casual and family friendly.
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Remote families can plan weekend visits to join geo‑bachelor students and seminar colleagues for key events.
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Each class shapes the social calendar to reflect its own character.
Most student socials:
Joint Ball
Pennsylvania-specific requirements
Before you travel, it is helpful to review a few Pennsylvania‑specific rules and resources:
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Getting on Base
Ashburn Gate, from Route 11: DOD ID card holders only: Open daily 06:30 a.m. – 08:30 a.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.
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 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 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 (571) 821-7517 if you need assistance. Details and guidelines for visitor access.
Your first stop on post: sign‑in at Anne Ely Hall
All Army students will report their official travel orders to Carlisle Barracks. Sister Service students will report NET July 15, 2026, and NLT July 22, 2026. Civilian students will report NET on July 22, 2026, and NLT on July 23, 2026.
When you arrive at Carlisle Barracks, follow signs to Anne Ely Hall and sign in with the G‑1/Personnel Office.
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Location: Anne Ely Hall, Room 233, 46 Ashburn Drive
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Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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Uniform: None required for sign‑in
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Bring: Orders and identification
At sign‑in you’ll receive your appointment time for Centralized In‑Processing at Collins Hall. The time between sign‑in and that appointment is yours to start initial tasks and get settled.
For questions before or after arrival, contact:
USARMY.CARLISLE.AWC.MBX.ATWC-CHR@ARMY.MIL
Centralized In‑Processing at Collins Hall (required)
Centralized In‑Processing is your one‑stop administrative appointment with multiple offices. You will be assigned a specific date and time window after you sign in.
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Location: Collins Hall, 650 Wright Avenue
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Parking: Follow “special event” signs and park at the ASEP Building, 632 Wright Avenue
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Dates: One appointment per student during the assigned in‑processing window (for example, late July dates listed on the current page)
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Duration: Plan on approximately 3 hours
What to bring
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Student Security Badge (see next section)
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Military ID/CAC
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Military medical and dental records (for military students)
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Required security training forms per Online In‑Processing instructions
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Uniform or attire for official photo:
This appointment completes most of the in‑person administrative requirements so you can focus on orientation and academics in the following days.
Student Security Badge (required)
You need a student security badge before you report to Centralized In‑Processing.
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Location: Security Office, Collins Hall, Room B087
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Typical hours: Weekdays 8:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:00–3:30 p.m.
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Dates: Badge issuance period (e.g., mid–late July dates listed on the current page)
What to bring
The student security badge is required for entry to Centralized In‑Processing at Collins Hall and for access to some academic and support facilities.
Specialized student orientations
In addition to the main orientation activities, several communities conduct focused orientation sessions.
U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard students
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Purpose: Introduce service‑specific expectations, academic overview, and community resources
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Dates/Location: Orientation sessions in the joint service common area (room number 3089 and dates July 27 - 29)
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Point of contact: Senior Navy Representative CAPT David Collins david.s.collins3.mil@army.mil, (571) 821-8225.
US Air and Space Force students
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Purpose: "re-blueing" orientation introducing service‑specific expectations, academic overview, and community resources
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Dates/Location: Orientation sessions July 27 - 29
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Point of contact: Senior Air Force Rep Col. Kate Nelson Kathryn.nelson.mil@armywarcollege.edu , (571) 821-8254
Civilian students (DA, DoD, interagency)
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Purpose: Introduction to professional military education, course overview, and professional development topics tailored to civilian national security professionals
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Dates: July 28 - 29
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Point of contact: Civilian student orientation lead Jennifer Bower – jennifer.bower@armywarcollege.edu (570) 939-2625.
Reserve and National Guard officers
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Purpose: Orientation for Reserve Component students, including advisors, academic overview, administration, and housing tour
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Dates: RC orientation window July 28 - 29
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Points of contact:
These specialized sessions complement the main Resident Education orientation and help you connect quickly with service or community‑specific resources.
Student Security Badge
Dates: 17 - 30 July
What to Expect: Security Office, Collins Hall Rm B087, weekdays, 8:00 - 11:30 am and 1:00 - 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.
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 July 29 – 31.
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 uniform (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).
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.
(520) 673-7870 / 7742; usarmy.carlisle.imcom-atlantic.mbx.imne-clb-pwh@army.mil
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; (520) 821-7510
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. - 4:30 p.m. at the Knowledge Commons. Pick up your books as needed or all at once.
Library Tutorial
Date: TBD scheduled by seminar
What to Expect: introduction to research tools and to Library staff assistance.
Convocation
Date: August 3 - 08:00 a.m. - 09:00 a.m.
What to Expect: Convocation in Bliss Hall is the formal beginning of the Class of 2027 year. Seating is limited and spouses are welcome to view broadcasts in seminar rooms.
UNIFORM: Class B/Service equivalent for students.
Opening Ceremony
Date: August 3 - 10:00 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
Seminar icebreakers Required for students optional/encouraged for all family members
Date: August 2 – 4, 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.
Special Programs Brief
Date: August 13
What to Expect: full day, Bliss Auditorium: 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
Read, Write, Reflect & Collaborate (RWRC) Day
Date: September 4 and 9
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.)
Senior Leader Sustainment Program Assessments begins
Date: scheduled by seminar, August thru November
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 2027: US and International, military, and civilian
Student & Family
Army Community Services
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. (5741) 821-7509. https://home.army.mil/carlisle/index.php/Carlisle-Barracks/all-services/armed-forces-commu
Transportation Office Assistance (Logistics Readiness Center LRC) for inbound goods,
(520) 672-7181. usarmy.carlisle.usag.mbx.imne-clb-pwt@army.mil
Date: as needed
What to Expect: office at 46 Ashburn Drive, Rm 227
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 ft 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, (571) 821-7930, to be placed on the waiting list. Note: RV, boats and trailers cannot be parked in housing areas on base more than 48 hours.
Welcome Expo
Date: August 5 - 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 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 War College and Carlisle Barracks Welcome Social
Date: August 7 - 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.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
Carlisle Experience Welcome Briefing
Date: August 7 - 11:30 a.m. - 13:00 p.m. in Bliss Auditorium
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 who attend) will also hear about the educational and developmental offerings available through the Military Spouse and Family Studies Program.
Welcome Picnic/ Boatyard Wars
Date: August 7 - 4:00 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).
Fall Yard Sale
Date: September 19
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.
Spouses
Carlisle Barracks Spouses' Club Super Sign-Up
Date: August 10, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 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.
Spouse Project Interest Meeting
Date: Date: September 20, 10:00 a.m. - 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.
Youth
Summer Soccer Academy
The Summer Soccer Academy (Aug 11 - 15) 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: June 1
Registration Deadline: Aug 1
Little Strikers (ages 4-6): $85
- 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Monday - Friday
- Delaney Field location next to McConnell Youth Center
P.M. Academy (Ages 11-14): $100
- 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
- Delaney Field Location next to McConnell Youth Center
*Note… all participants will receive a camp jersey and soccer ball
Memorial Chapel Vacation Bible School – "Camp Fire and Light”
Date: Mon-Fri, July 27 – 31, Morning session kindergarten – grade 2, Afternoon session grades 3 – 6. Call about registration: (571) 821-7512.
What to Expect: Takes place on post at the Memorial Chapel for Kindergarten to 6th grade.
CYS Middle School & Teen Welcome Jam (rising 6th-12th graders)
Date: Tuesday, July 28, from 6:00 p.m. – 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!
Elementary Ice Cream Social (rising K-5th graders)
Date: July 31, 6:00 p.m. – 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!
HERD 100 Carlisle High School Freshman Orientation
Date: In August - Home - Carlisle High School (carlisleschools.org)
What to Expect: This popular freshman orientation and ice-breaker is planned for new Carlisle High School Freshmen.
CYS Babysitter Course #1
TBD – 08:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., 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: (571) 821-8450
CYS Babysitter Course #2
TBD, 0800-3:00 P.M. 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: (571) 821-8450
Fall Youth Soccer League - Fall Youth Soccer League
Registration Opens: Saturday, May 30
Registration Deadline: Friday, August 28
Season Starts: Week of September 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 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Use your free time to settle in and explore
After you sign in and before or between appointments, use your time to get settled and start exploring the area.
Suggestions include:
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Unpack and set up your home
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Register children with Child, Youth, and School Services (CYSS)
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Visit the post pool, fitness facilities, and golf course
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Explore Carlisle and nearby Pennsylvania destinations
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Review “The Carlisle Experience” and newcomer resources for insider tips
The goal of these first days is to complete required tasks without rushing and to begin building your routine and connections on and off post.
NOTE: 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.