Fort Jackson’s motto is “Victory Starts Here,” and it is a motto it has taken very seriously since it first opened in 1917 just as the U.S. entered World War I. From its inception, Fort Jackson’s main mission has been training: first as a training post for soldiers before they were sent overseas to fight in Europe and now as the largest and most active initial entry training center in the Army. Fort Jackson trains 50% of all soldiers who join the Army and around 60% of all Army women. In fact, its primary mission is “providing the Army with new soldiers.”

Home of the 165th and 193rd Infantry Brigades and the U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute, Fort Jackson also hosts the Department of Defense Chaplain Center and School, the National Center for Credibility Assessment, and the Drill Sergeants Training School. In addition to all the training programs, Fort Jackson houses the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum. Admission is free and the museum focuses on the history of the post since its founding in 1917.

Fort Jackson was incorporated into the city of Columbia in 1968 and is located midway between New York City and Miami. The post is a significant contributor to the city’s economy, both as an employer and as a “tourist” attraction. Over 100,000 family members descend on the city each year to witness graduations and to spend time exploring Columbia.

Given that Fort Jackson trains 50% of all Army soldiers, it is no wonder that is boasts its fair share of notable figures. Desmond Doss, the only conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor, trained at Fort Jackson during World War II. His military service was the subject of the 2016 movie Hacksaw Ridge. Singer-songwriter Jim Croce also spent time here, as did actor, singer, and dancer Ken Berry. Of particular note to all Star Trek fans, Spock himself once called Fort Jackson home; actor Leonard Nimoy was stationed in the Special Services division. So perhaps in addition to “Victory Starts Here,” Fort Jackson will continue to “Live long and prosper” just as it has since 1917.