Being an
Army brat, I have been stationed a number of places; including Fort Carson. I must say that despite it's stunning back drop and it's
proximity to
NORAD and the
Air Force Academy, Ft. Carson is perhaps one of the worst military bases I can remember.
Let's put it this way, it was the last place my father was stationed before he retired with the rank of Colonel. He thinks that being stationed in Sinop, Turkey during the height of the Cold War was a better place to be.
I remember Ft. Carson as being almost devoid of any vegitation. Instead of grass there was lava rock, which gave the place a nice post-apocalyptic feel. The presence of "temporary" buildings dating back to World War II did not help. Buildings are old and run down, peeling paint is everywhere. Ft. Carson also had one of the most poorly run hospitals I have ever seen. However, they were so proud because of the design awards it won. It looked like a brand new shopping mall inside and out. I was never sure if I was supposed to get my perscription or order a slice of pizza.
When we were stationed in Colorado Ft. Carson was poorly managed. The post was never squared away and it looked and felt like a back-water assignment. A pitty, the post could be a jewel, instead they built a stone. The only reason it's there is as a proving ground and tank training facility. However, with the addition of NORAD it has become a support base for the installation, only a few miles away.
If you are ever in Colorado Springs go to NORAD, Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy. If you want to gamble, take the Old Stagecoach Road to Cripple Creek. But don't go to Fort Carson.