Fort Hood is serviced by area code 254. There are several DSN prefixes on post. The DSN prefix corresponds to the commercial numbers assigned.

566 is the DSN prefix for numbers with a 286 prefix.
663 is the DSN prefix for numbers with a 553 prefix.
725 is the DSN prefix for numbers with a 285 prefix.
737 is the DSN prefix for numbers with a 287 prefix.
738 is the DSN prefix for numbers with a 288 prefix.
259 is the DSN prefix for numbers with a 618 prefix.

 Free hourly child care for all ranks is available at the Fort hood Child Development Center while you in-process. Plus, E-1s through E-4s get 10 – 20 hours of free hourly child care per month at the CDC and family child care homes. For details and locations call: (254) 287-8029 or DSN: 737-8029.

 If you're driving a vehicle without a DoD vehicle registration sticker, you'll need to enter Fort Hood through the Main Gate. Take the Fort Hood Main Gate exit off U.S. Hwy. 190 on the west side of Killeen. Temporary passes are available at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center. A state registration document for the vehicle, a valid state driver's license and proof of insurance will be required to drive on the installation. The Marvin Leath Visitor Center hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. After hours, military ID card holders who don't have a pass or DOD decal must go to the Main Gate and show military ID to gain access. Civilian visitors without a government ID card must go to Main Gate and show the guard a driver's license, current insurance card and provide purpose of their visit to Fort Hood.

 If arriving by bus at the Killeen Bus Terminal, there are Taxis that will transport you for a small fare. Direct phones are located in the terminal.

If you fly in to the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport, ground transportation is available to Fort Hood. If you need help at the airport, contact the Liaison NCO located near the baggage claim area.

Should you encounter any difficulties, or have any questions upon your arrival, contact the Soldier Welcome & Care Center by calling (254) 287-7486. This office is open 24 hours daily.

The year-round duty uniform for most soldiers at Fort Hood is the ARMY Combat Uniform (ACU). When reporting during duty hours, you may do so in either ACUs, the Class A or B uniform. After duty hours, you may report in civilian clothes.

In-Processing Section hours of operation and points of contact are available online at

www.hood.army.mil/ag/iop_inproc.htm

Upon arrival at Bldg. 18010, you will furnish the information desk attendant 5 copies of your orders, leave form, military personnel file, medical and dental records. CW5s, lieutenant colonels and colonels with pinpoint assignments should still report to Bldg. 18010.

During in-processing, Soldiers – privates through majors – will follow schedules for mandatory events. Actual in-processing lasts approximately three working days.

Master sergeants (P) and sergeants major are directed to III Corps HQ for further assignment processing. All other officers, NCOs and enlisted Soldiers will be processed through the 21st Replacement Detachment. After signing in, you will be directed or transported to the Replacement Detachment or transient quarters for sleeping accommodations and directions for the next day.

Personnel staff members at Fort Hood will need copies of your orders and new addresses so they can update your militaryrecords, insurance, emergency data card and change of address card. Your ID card will be checked and a new one issued, if necessary.

Medical and dental specialists will screen your records for special considerations and immunization needs. You'll be given a dental examination and an appointment for a hearing screening. Your unit will provide the name and location of the servicing medical clinic. Emergency care is always available at Darnall Medical Center. Family dental care is not provided by the Army at Fort Hood. Family member dental emergencies may be treated at the dental clinic servicing the sponsor. Soldiers are encouraged to enroll their family members in the TRICARE Dental Program.

Finance specialists will need more copies of orders, leave form and receipts. All calculations will be made for any money that may need to be collected. If you are due money, you'll be directed to a cashier for payment.

Local banking representatives will be available in Bldgs. 18010 and 16008 for any soldier who wishes to open an account. A list of area financial institutions will also be made available.

Army Community Service staff members provide welcome packets, one-on-one counseling, access to the ACS Loan Closet, as well as the Office of Citizenship & Immigration information for family members. Hours of operation are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The housing staff located on the second floor of Copeland, Bldg. 18010 will provide a complete list of available off-post housing. Those eligible may be placed on a list for on post housing at this time.

Once you get settled in your unit, or have obtained housing, you must notify the Transportation Office. Household goods and hold baggage will be delivered by appointment and you will need a copy of your inventory sheet completed by the carrier at your last location.
www.hood.army.mil/doltransportation/home.html

The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is a worldwide database of active duty, family members, and retirees and their family members.

Verify eligibility for the Uniformed Services benefits (such as health care).
Automatically enroll active duty and retirees for benefits.
Register family members and legal dependents for benefits (sponsors must show proof of eligibility
    and dependent parents must meet legal criteria).
Update information when events (promotion, marriage, divorce, births, deaths, etc.) affect benefits.
Register children of dual military parents and dependent children under age who must have
ID cards (All children must be enrolled in DEERS to verify eligibility for medical care).

Active duty and their family members — see your Personnel Actions Center.
Retirees and their family members —Contact the ID Card Section, Copeland Soldier Service Center,
    Bldg. 18010.
To verify DEERS enrollment call: 800-538-9552