When it comes to career management in the U.S. Army, look no further than Fort Knox, Kentucky. From recruiting to branch managers to leaving the service, this installation is in the business of serving soldiers. But would it surprise you to learn that there are a lot of civilian employment opportunities there? Or that it’s an affordable place to live? Here are five things everyone should know about Fort Knox and the surrounding area.
1. Career Hub.
Fort Knox is home to power players like the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, U.S. Army Recruiting Command and U.S. Army Cadet Command. This installation is responsible for the career management of all soldiers from swearing in to retirement. Other units include the 19th Engineer Battalion, Ireland Army Community Hospital and a Civilian Personnel Advisory Center. There are approximately 40,000 soldiers, family members and civilians on post during working hours. The installation, which covers about 109,000 acres, is actually a certified Kentucky city. It’s also located next to the city of Radcliff, is about 15 miles north of Elizabethtown and is only 35 miles south of the major city of Louisville.
2. Civilian jobs.
The post may be geared toward taking care of soldiers’ careers, but there are a lot of civilians and contractors helping get the job done. Common positions in the area include information technology jobs, human resources slots and administrative professionals. Current openings include a business systems analyst, senior software developer and a systems administrator. An economic impact study also predicted that for every two jobs created on post, one job is created outside the gates. There is a robust manufacturing base with Ford and General Electric in the area as well as a large network of health care services. The unemployment rates as of October 2014 were 5.2 percent in Radcliff, 4.5 percent in Elizabethtown and 5.2 percent in Louisville. For comparison purposes, the national unemployment rate was 5.8 percent during that time.
3. Location Matters.
Most of the areas surrounding the installation have a cost of living that is significantly below the national average. For example, Radcliff is 12.4 percent less and Louisville is 10 percent less than the national average. And while the median home prices are also on the low side, there is a notable difference between locations. Radcliff homes average about $124,000, Elizabethtown homes ring in around $173,000 and surprisingly, Louisville has the lowest median home price at only $109,900. For those concerned about military retirement being taxed, there’s good and bad news. The good news is that if you retired in or before 1997, your military retirement pay is exempt from taxes. The bad news is that if you retired after 1997, your military retirement pay is subject to state taxes if it exceeds $41,000.
4. Higher Education.
Opportunities in the realm of higher education are a mixed bag at Fort Knox. Many universities offer onsite classes, but the degree plans are limited to three or four options. Western Kentucky University offers bachelor’s and graduate degrees as well as course credit for military experience and training. Central Texas College offers associate’s degrees and certifications in areas like automotive repair and supervision management. Other institutions worth looking into include Sullivan University, University of Louisville and Elizabethtown Community & Technical College.
5. Find Your Fun.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, there’s Mammoth Cave National Park, which is the world’s largest underground cavern system, as well as Saunders Springs Nature Preserve. Those who prefer a little buzz in their nature should check out the bourbon trail, which is home to Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve. For more historical events, there’s the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, or you can make your way over to Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace. And if you’re looking for family fun, Louisville is home to a zoo, nature center and the Louisville Mega Cavern, which houses the world’s only fully underground zip line and rope challenge course.
Overall, Fort Knox is a great place for those interested in the fields of information technology and human resources. And with an affordable cost of living and nearby entertainment options, it may be the perfect fit for you.
