13ASOS Newcomer Information
We have enclosed some information in your sponsor package to help you become acquainted with the local area. If you need any additional information, please contact your sponsor and he/she will be glad to obtain it for you.
Keep in touch with your sponsor. Coordinate your arrival date and time with them & let them assist you in making lodging arrangements.
13th Air Support Operations Squadron Welcome Packet
Lodging
Lodging
Lodging can be very tight during certain periods, so be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible. You will be forwarded a sheet with very good information on local hotels and motels in the area. In addition to your sponsor, use the resources available at your current location to make your move easier. Be sure to contact your local Relocation Assistance Manager & your Airman Family Readiness Center. Both can greatly help you ease the pain and confusion of a PCS move.
Getting Here
Getting Here
Fort Carson is located 60 miles south of Denver on Interstate 25, exit 135, or Nevada Avenue (State Highway 115), Exit 140A.
The Colorado Springs Airport is located about 10 miles from Fort Carson. The USO booth, located near baggage claim area #4, is available for assistance.
Climate & Altitude
Climate & Altitude
The Colorado Springs area has a mild year-round climate. Temperatures in January, the coldest month, average a high of 43 degrees and a low of 23 degrees, with a mean of 33 degrees. August, the warmest month, has an average high of 84 degrees and a low of 61 degrees, with a mean of 73 degrees. The area averages 42.4 inches of snow annually. Some patterns to be aware of are: during the summer, thunderstorms can develop every afternoon with the possibility of severe storms, but usually produce a few showers and move on. Winter storms can develop quickly and make driving very hazardous. If you will be arriving from November to March, be prepared for inclement weather. Fort Carson’s elevation is above 6,000 feet and the U.S. Air Force Academy is at an elevation of above 7,000 feet. Some newcomers experience slight fatigue at first & this will take a while to get used to.
Housing Information
Housing Information
You are eligible to live on the USAF Academy. The benefits of Academy housing are the conveniences of living on base, pleasant surroundings, Academy District 20 schools & convenient childcare. A drawback includes the distance required to drive to work. It is a 25-mile one-way trip from the Academy to Ft Carson & takes approximately 30 minutes. Driving times vary with the amount of traffic and weather conditions.
To get on the waiting list, call the housing office at DSN 259-2100. The waiting list can range from a short delay to one of approximately 10 months. We are not eligible to get housing on Peterson AFB, except for dormitory space for E-5 and below, on a case-by-case basis.
We are eligible for Fort Carson housing, but the waiting list is 12-36 months. Contact their housing at DSN 691-4715 to get on the waiting list.
Included in your sponsor package are several links to websites dealing with Colorado Springs housing. Colorado Springs is a high-cost living area, and your BAH will normally not cover all your living expenses. The Academy & Fort Carson housing offices will help you with getting off-base housing. Be sure to use their expertise and advice.
Vehicle Registration
Vehicle Registration
Fort Carson does require you to register your vehicles on post or the Academy to obtain base access. Military personnel are exempt from the requirement to have Colorado license plates within 30 days of arrival if they have valid plates from their home of record state.
To obtain Colorado plates, you must have verification of your vehicle’s identification number (VIN), the title or current registration, proof of insurance & a copy of your military orders.