Honest intel from families who've lived it — not a brochure.
WATERTOWN AREA · NORTH COUNTRY NY
$1,665
BAH E5 w/ Dependents
-20°F
Winter Lows (Prepare)
18k+
Active Duty Soldiers
10th
Mountain Division
Neighborhoods Off-Post
Watertown is the main hub with the most amenities and home selection. Evans Mills sits closest to the gates and is the top choice for families wanting a short commute. Carthage and Black River offer lower prices. Lowville is scenic and quiet, about 30 min out.
Most popular: Evans Mills & Watertown
The Winter Reality
Fort Drum gets 100–180 inches of snow annually — one of the snowiest bases in the US. Budget for a 4WD vehicle, quality winter gear, and heating costs. Natural gas is cheapest; avoid oil/kerosene. The NY HEAP program can help with utility bills.
Avg snowfall: 140 in/year
Schools
On-post housing feeds into Indian River CSD or Carthage CSD depending on your neighborhood. Off-post, General Brown CSD (Evans Mills/Dexter area) is highly rated. Watertown City SD serves most of the city. Contact the Fort Drum School Liaison at (315) 772-3214.
Top rated: General Brown CSD
Cost of Living
Watertown is very affordable by national standards. Median home prices around $204k (2026). Groceries and dining are reasonable. BAH goes further here than at most bases — many families pocket money after housing. Factor in heating costs during winter months.
Median home price: ~$204k
Things to Do
Thousand Islands is stunning in summer — boating, fishing, camping. Adirondack Park is under 2 hours. Tug Hill for snowmobiling. Ottawa and Montreal are 2–3 hours for long weekends. Syracuse is 90 min south for concerts and city amenities.
Closest city: Syracuse, 90 min
Getting Around
A car is essential — 4WD highly recommended. Multiple base gates; your unit's location matters for commute. Most off-post neighborhoods are 5–20 minutes from the main gate. Watertown International Airport (ART) is a recently renovated regional hub right in town — convenient for soldiers traveling home or receiving family visitors. For major airlines, Syracuse Hancock (SYR) is about 90 min south with Southwest, Delta, American, and United service.
On-post housing is managed by Lend Lease. There is always a waitlist — families should call before they receive final orders, not after they arrive.
Pros of On-Post
No utility bills — electric, gas, water, trash included
No snow removal — base handles it
Tight-knit community of military families
Walking distance to post services, PX, commissary
No lease-breaking penalties for PCS orders
Cons of On-Post
Waitlist — E1–E4 typically wait longest (months)
Older housing stock in many neighborhoods
Less square footage per dollar vs. off-post
Less privacy — shared walls, close neighbors
BAH goes directly to housing — no leftover savings
The honest take
For most families whose rank supports it, buying or renting off-post puts more space in your home and more money in your pocket. On-post is a strong option if you're single, junior enlisted, or prefer the built-in community — but don't wait to get on the list either way.
Fort Drum sits at the edge of the Adirondacks, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Thousand Islands — one of the most naturally beautiful regions in the country.
Neighborhood Map
Every town, commute & school district — in one view.
Click any pin for commute times, school district, home prices, and insider notes.
Map requires an internet connection
The interactive map loads correctly when hosted online.
Most Popular
Evans Mills
4-6 min to gate · General Brown CSD · $140k–$210k
Most Amenities
Watertown
12-18 min · Hospital, shopping, dining · $130k–$280k
Step-by-step school enrollment for military families at Fort Drum.
Every document, every phone number, every deadline. Written for the spouse who needs to enroll their kids — ideally before they even arrive.
4
School Districts
MIC3
Interstate Compact
Yes
Pre-enroll remotely
(315) 772-3214
School Liaison
Step 1: Call the Fort Drum School Liaison Officer
This is your single most important call. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) helps military families navigate every aspect of school transitions -- enrollment, IEP transfers, high school credit issues, sports eligibility, and mid-year moves. Contact them as soon as you have orders, especially if your child has special education needs, is in high school, or is mid-season in sports.
• Pre-enrollment before you arrive
• IEP / special education transfers
• High school credit & graduation issues
• Sports eligibility under the Interstate Compact
• Connecting you to the right registrar
• After-school & youth programs on post
Know Your Rights: Interstate Compact (MIC3)
New York adopted the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) in 2014. This law protects your children during school transitions. If any school gives you pushback on these rights, contact the NY State Compact Commissioner at MilitaryCompact@nysed.gov.
Pre-Enrollment by Remote
Districts must allow preliminary enrollment without charge using PCS orders as proof of residency -- even before you arrive.
Course Placement Protected
If your child was in AP, honors, or gifted programs, the new school must honor that placement if an equivalent exists. No repeating coursework.
IEP / Special Ed Continuity
Schools must provide comparable services from your child's existing IEP immediately, then work with you to develop a new one.
Extracurriculars & Sports
Your child's eligibility for extracurricular activities and sports tryouts cannot be denied due to transfer timing or enrollment dates.
Graduation Flexibility
Principals can accept equivalent courses from your prior school in lieu of NY requirements. Your child graduates on time with their peers.
Records Transfer
Unofficial records must be accepted for enrollment. Sending schools must process official records within 10 business days of request.
Which district will your kids attend?
This depends entirely on where you live. On-post housing is split between two districts. Off-post, your address determines the district.
On-Post Housing
Adirondack Creek, Crescent Woods, Monument Ridge → Indian River CSD Rhicard Hills → Carthage CSD
Off-Post (Most Popular)
Evans Mills / Dexter / Brownville → General Brown CSD Watertown → Watertown City SD Carthage / Natural Bridge → Carthage CSD
The top-rated district in the Fort Drum area and the most popular choice for military families living off-post. Excellent academics, experienced staff accustomed to PCS transitions, strong community involvement, and a Military & Family Life Counselor (MFLC) assigned to the schools. Approximately 40% military-connected enrollment.
Required Documents for Enrollment
1. Proof of age (birth certificate)
2. Proof of residency (lease, utility bill, or PCS orders)
3. Immunization records (NYS-compliant)
4. Last report card / transcript (if transferring)
5. IEP / 504 Plan (if applicable)
6. Custody documentation (if applicable)
How to Enroll (Step by Step)
1. Download registration forms from gblions.org/central-registration -- you can print and fill these out before you arrive. 2. Contact the Registrar -- Michele Groff at (315) 779-2312 or mgroff@gblions.org. Let her know you are a military family PCSing in. She can guide you through pre-enrollment. 3. Pre-enroll remotely -- Under the MIC3 Interstate Compact, you can begin enrollment using PCS orders as proof of residency before you have a local address. Call or email the registrar to start this process. 4. Complete in-person registration -- Bring all original documents to the Central Registration office at the district office once you arrive. 5. Bus transportation will be arranged during registration. The district provides busing for all students within the district.
Mid-Year Enrollment
General Brown is highly experienced with mid-year enrollment due to its large military population. Students are welcomed at any point during the school year. The MFLC program provides counselors specifically trained to help military children adjust to new schools during transitions.
IEP / Special Education
Bring your child's current IEP. Under the MIC3 Compact, the district must provide comparable services immediately using the transfer IEP, then work with you to develop a new plan. Contact the Fort Drum SLO before arrival if your child has an IEP -- they will coordinate with the district.
Lunch Program
General Brown participates in the Free and Reduced Price Lunch (FRPL) program. Families should complete the annual application -- forms are available at school offices or through the district website.
Before & After School Care
Watertown Family YMCA operates SACC (School Age Child Care) at Brownville Elementary for General Brown families. Contact YMCA SACC at (315) 755-2005 or sacc@watertownymca.org. Scholarships available.
Quick Reference
Registrar: Michele Groff Phone:(315) 779-2312 Email:mgroff@gblions.org Address: 17643 Cemetery Rd, Dexter, NY 13634 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Main Office:(315) 779-2300 Superintendent: Brian Moore
Ratings
Rating: Top-rated in the area Students: ~1,370 (PK-12) Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Strength: Strong academics, tight-knit community Military Families: ~40%
Communication & Portal
Parent Portal: Available during the school year. Request an application at any main office. Communication: ParentSquare (email, text, and app notifications)
School Calendar 2025-26
Calendar available at gblions.org/calendar. NYS districts typically start the first week of September and end the last week of June.
On-post housing (most areas) / Philadelphia / Theresa / Antwerp
Serves most on-post housing at Fort Drum. Approximately 54% of the student body is military-connected — one of the highest rates in the country. Benefits from significant federal Impact Aid funding due to the Fort Drum military population. Dedicated military family resources, a Military Families FAQ, and staff experienced in PCS transitions.
Required Documents for Enrollment
1. Proof of age (birth certificate or equivalent)
2. Proof of residency (lease, mortgage, utility bill, or PCS orders)
3. Immunization records (NYS-compliant)
4. School records from previous school
5. IEP / 504 Plan (if applicable)
6. Custody documentation (if applicable)
How to Enroll (Step by Step)
1. Pre-register online at ircsd.org/student-registration using the K-12 Student Registration button. You can start this before arriving. 2. Central Registration will contact you via email after your online submission to continue the process and schedule any needed appointments. 3. If you have trouble with online registration, call Central Registrar Helen Brotherton at (315) 642-3696. 4. Military families can pre-enroll using PCS orders under the MIC3 Interstate Compact. Contact the registrar or the Fort Drum SLO to start this process before arrival. 5. Bus transportation info is mailed home in mid-August via postcard with your child's bus stop, times, and route. For changes or questions, call Transportation at (315) 642-0331 or email indianriver.durham@gmail.com.
Mid-Year Enrollment
With 54% military-connected students, Indian River is one of the most PCS-ready districts in the country. Mid-year enrollment is routine. The district has Military & Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) available on and off the installation to help children adjust.
IEP / Special Education
Bring your current IEP. The district must provide comparable services immediately and then develop a new IEP. The Fort Drum EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) office and the SLO can help coordinate this transition before you arrive.
Lunch Program
Breakfast and lunch menus are posted on the district website. Free/reduced meal applications are available through the district. Check ircsd.org for current menus and application forms.
Before & After School Care
On-post families can use the Fort Drum School Age Center (SAC) for grades K-5 before/after school care and grade 6 before school. Register through Parent Central Services at (315) 772-6518. Fee-based with income sliding scale.
Niche: B+ to A (varies by school) GreatSchools: IR High School 9/10 Students: ~3,500 (PK-12) Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Military Families: ~54%
Communication & Portal
Parent Portal: SchoolTool -- account created automatically at registration using your email on file. Communication: Peachjar flyer distribution; SchoolTool for grades and attendance.
Military-Specific Resources
IRCSD has a dedicated Military Family Resources page with FAQ, school contacts, and chain-of-command info for military parents.
East side of Fort Drum / Carthage / Natural Bridge / Rhicard Hills (on-post)
Covers the east side of the installation (Rhicard Hills on-post housing) and the Carthage community. Known for tight-knit school culture, solid academic performance, and strong community support. Approximately 15% military-connected enrollment.
Required Documents for Enrollment
1. Proof of residence (lease, utility bill, PCS orders)
2. Birth certificate (or other approved documentation)
3. Current NYS physical examination
4. Proof of immunizations (NYS-compliant)
5. IEP / 504 Plan (if applicable)
6. Custody paperwork (if applicable)
How to Enroll (Step by Step)
1. Get registration forms from any school office, or request them by email at data@carthagecsd.org. 2. Complete and return forms with supporting documents by regular mail, email, fax, or in-person drop-off. The district accepts remote registration. 3. Military families can pre-enroll before arriving under the MIC3 Interstate Compact. Email data@carthagecsd.org with your PCS orders to start the process. 4. After registration is processed, the individual school building will contact you regarding teacher assignment, transportation, and orientation information. 5. Bus information is available through ParentSquare notifications beginning late August with bus stop locations, times, and route numbers.
Mid-Year Enrollment
Carthage accommodates mid-year enrollment for military families. While the military-connected percentage is lower than Indian River, the district is accustomed to PCS transitions and welcomes students at any point during the school year.
IEP / Special Education
Contact the Pupil Services Office at (315) 493-5067 if your child has an IEP or you believe they may need special education services. The district must provide comparable IEP services upon enrollment under the Compact.
Lunch Program
Carthage CSD participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) -- all students eat breakfast and lunch at no cost. No application needed.
Before & After School Care
Watertown Family YMCA operates SACC programs at Black River, Carthage, and West Carthage locations. Contact the Carthage YMCA at (315) 493-3286. On-post families can also use the Fort Drum School Age Center.
The largest district in the area, serving the city of Watertown. Recipient of Department of Defense Educational Activity (DoDEA) Grant Funding, which supports academic programming, transition services, counseling, extracurricular clubs, and special education for military-connected students. Watertown offers the widest selection of housing, shopping, and medical services.
Required Documents for Enrollment
1. Proof of residency (lease, utility bill, real estate tax bill)
2. Birth certificate
3. Parent/guardian photo ID
4. Immunization records (NYS-compliant)
5. IEP / 504 Plan (if applicable)
6. Previous school records / transcripts
How to Enroll (Step by Step)
1. Visit the Student Registration office at 1351 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Phone: (315) 661-8338. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM. 2. Military families can pre-enroll under the MIC3 Interstate Compact using PCS orders as proof of residency. Call the registration office or the Fort Drum SLO to begin the process before arrival. 3. Bring all required documents to your registration appointment. The office will process your enrollment and assign you to the appropriate school. 4. Bus transportation is provided through First Student. The district offers the FirstView app for real-time bus tracking. Routes are published before school starts. 5. Join the Military-Connected Community Group -- Watertown CSD has a dedicated group for military families. Ask at registration or contact your child's school principal.
Mid-Year Enrollment
Watertown CSD accepts new students throughout the year. The district uses DoDEA grant funding specifically to support military-connected students with transition programming and counseling services. Contact the school-based MFLC through your child's principal.
IEP / Special Education
Watertown CSD has a dedicated Special Education department. Bring your child's current IEP. Comparable services must begin immediately. DoDEA grant funding provides additional special education supports for military-connected students.
Lunch Program
46% of students qualify for free/reduced meals. The Food Service department posts menus online. Apply for free/reduced meals through the district. My School Bucks is available for online meal payments.
Before & After School Care
YMCA SACC operates at multiple Watertown schools (Knickerbocker, Ohio, North, Sherman, Wiley). Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H also runs after-school programs. Contact YMCA SACC at (315) 755-2005.
Quick Reference
Registration Office: 1351 Washington St, Watertown, NY 13601 Phone:(315) 661-8338 Fax: (315) 785-6855 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Main Office:(315) 785-3700 Website:watertowncsd.org
Parent Portal: PowerSchool Meal Payments: My School Bucks Bus Tracking: FirstView app Military Families:Military Connection page
School Calendar 2025-26
First day: Sep 4, 2025. Last day: Jun 25, 2026. 186 instructional days. Winter recess: Dec 23-31. Spring recess: Apr 6-10. Full calendar at watertowncsd.org/calendar.
Fort Drum School Age Center (On-Post)
The SAC offers before- and after-school care for grades K-5, and before-school care for grade 6. Programs include sports, fitness, arts, life skills, and partnerships with Boys & Girls Club and 4-H. Summer camps and hourly care available during school vacations.
Register through Parent Central Services at (315) 772-6518. You can also register online at MilitaryChildCare.com -- do this as soon as you have orders because waitlists can be long.
Pro Tips from Military Families
• Call the SLO first. Before you do anything else, call Wendy at (315) 772-3214. She will walk you through everything.
• Get your immunization records in order early. NYS has strict requirements. Get copies before you leave your current duty station.
• If your child has an IEP, bring 3 printed copies. Give one to the SLO, one to the school, and keep one for yourself.
• Register for CYSS childcare immediately. Waitlists fill fast. Do not wait until you arrive.
• Join your school's Facebook group before you PCS. Other military spouses are the best source of current, real-world info.
Family Resources
Everything your family needs — not just a house.
Whether you're the service member, the spouse, or both — Fort Drum has support systems built for military families. Here's what you need to know.
School Districts
Fort Drum spans 3 school districts. General Brown CSD (Evans Mills) is the most popular with military families — experienced staff, strong community, and high military-family enrollment.
CYSS offers on-post childcare (infant through school-age), before/after school programs, summer camps, and youth sports. Waitlists can be long — register through MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as you have orders.
ACS is your first stop for relocation help, financial counseling, spouse employment assistance, and the Lending Closet (free household items while you wait for your shipment). They also run newcomer orientations.
Your unit's FRG is the fastest way to meet other families, get deployment updates, and find support. Ask your sponsor or unit rear-detachment for the FRG leader's contact before you arrive.
Tip: Join the FRG Facebook group before you PCS
Medical & TRICARE
Guthrie Ambulatory Healthcare Clinic is on post. Off-post, Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown is the main hospital. Transfer your TRICARE region and enroll with a PCM as soon as you arrive — pediatrician waitlists fill fast.
ACS Employment Readiness helps spouses find local jobs, build resumes, and access remote work resources. Fort Drum also participates in the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) with hundreds of partner employers.
Fort Drum Veterinary Treatment Facility is AAHA-accredited and handles wellness visits, vaccines, and PCS health certificates. Off-post, Watertown Animal Hospital welcomes military families. Note: some rentals have breed restrictions — ask before you sign.
This is more common at Drum than most posts. Connect with your FRG leader early, register for CYSS childcare immediately, and make sure ACS has your contact info. The rear-detachment and Family Readiness Group will be your primary support network during deployment. You are not alone — thousands of families at Drum navigate this every year.
Spouse Resources
Spouse Employment & Career Resources
Your career doesn't have to stall because of a PCS. Here's what's available at Fort Drum.
NY License Reciprocity
New York honors out-of-state professional licenses for military spouses in 10+ fields including nursing, teaching, real estate, cosmetology, and more. 6-month temporary permit while your transfer processes. Learn more →
ACS Employment Readiness
Free resume help, interview prep, and job search assistance on post. Located in the Army Community Service building, Fort Drum. Call (315) 772-9224
Remote Work
High-speed internet (Spectrum) is available throughout the Watertown area. Many spouses at Fort Drum work fully remote. If you're bringing a career from a previous duty station, remote work is a viable and common path here.
Local Hiring
Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown school districts, Jefferson County offices, and local small businesses actively hire military spouses. Jefferson County has a reputation for being military-family friendly.
Spouse Community Groups
Local Facebook groups for Fort Drum spouses are active and frequently post job leads, childcare swaps, and local business opportunities. Search "Fort Drum Spouses" on Facebook to connect before you arrive.
Have a lead on spouse-friendly employers or job openings? Share it with us at (315) 221-4857 — we keep this list updated.
Healthcare
Medical Care & TRICARE at Fort Drum
Know your options before you arrive — especially if you have kids or a specialist you need to see.
Guthrie Health Clinic
Primary care for active duty, located on Fort Drum. For routine care and sick call, this is your first stop. Family members are seen here for some services but most specialist and family care is off-post.
Samaritan Medical Center
Main civilian hospital in Watertown. Level III trauma center. Accepts TRICARE. Address: 830 Washington St, Watertown NY 13601. (315) 785-4000
TRICARE Plans
Most Fort Drum families are on TRICARE Prime (referral-based) or TRICARE Select (more flexibility, small co-pays). Enroll or update coverage at tricare.mil or call 1-800-874-2273
Note: TRICARE coverage and referral requirements change. Always verify your plan details at tricare.mil before scheduling non-emergency care.
VA Loan Tools
Make the most of your VA benefit at Fort Drum.
With home prices well below the national average, your VA loan goes a long way here.
BAH Payment Calculator
Select an interest rate or enter your own, then see how your payment compares to your BAH.
INTEREST RATE
HOME PRICE
DOWN PAYMENT (VA allows $0)
YOUR BAH RATE
Est. Monthly Payment
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BAH Coverage
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Your VA Benefit at Fort Drum
Fort Drum's housing market is one of the most favorable in the Army for VA loan buyers.
$0 Down at Fort Drum
Most homes near Drum are well under the conforming loan limit — full entitlement covers 100% with no down payment required.
BAH Often Exceeds Payment
With median home prices around $204k, many E6+ families find their mortgage is close to or below their BAH — building equity instead of paying a landlord.
Buy Now, Rent Later
The Watertown rental market is strong with constant military demand. Many Fort Drum buyers convert to rentals after PCSing — creating passive income.
No PMI Required
Save $100–200/month vs. conventional loans. Over a 3-year assignment that's $3,600–7,200 back in your pocket.
Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Compare the real monthly cost of buying vs. renting at Fort Drum.
Fill in your numbers — including utilities — to see a side-by-side picture of both paths. Both have real advantages depending on your situation.
Home Purchase Price
Median near Drum: ~$204,000 (Mar 2026)
Monthly Rent (if renting)
Typical Watertown range: $1,100–$1,700
Your BAH Rate
E5 w/dep: $1,665 · O3 w/dep: $2,469
Est. Monthly Electric + Heating
Electric avg ~$191/mo (National Grid, $0.17/kWh)
Est. Monthly Water / Sewer
Est. Monthly Trash / Other
If You Buy
Est. mortgage + property taxes—
Utilities (heating, water, trash)—
Total est. monthly cost—
BAH leftover after housing + utils—
Principal paid over 3 years—
Est. appreciation over 3 years—
Est. equity built (3 yrs)—
If You Rent
Monthly rent—
Utilities (if not included)—
Total est. monthly cost—
BAH leftover after housing + utils—
Equity built over 3 years$0
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Est. equity built (3 yrs)$0
Buying at Fort Drum — Pros & Cons
✓Mortgage often comes in under your BAH, especially for E5+
✓$0 down with VA loan — no PMI, no large cash requirement
✓You build equity instead of paying someone else's mortgage
✓Strong rental demand — easy to convert to investment property after PCS
✓No landlord restrictions — pets, paint, modifications are your call
✗You're responsible for repairs, maintenance, and unexpected costs
✗Utilities (heating especially) can be $200–500/mo in winter
✗Short tours (<2 years) may not allow enough time to recoup closing costs
✗Being a landlord from a distance after PCS requires planning
Renting at Fort Drum — Pros & Cons
✓Maximum flexibility — easier to move quickly if orders change
✓Utilities sometimes included, reducing your out-of-pocket costs
✓Lower commitment — good option for first assignments or short tours
✓Lets you learn the area before committing to a neighborhood
✗Every payment goes to someone else — zero equity built
✗Pet restrictions are common and can be a real challenge
✗Rental inventory near Drum is limited — good units go fast
✗Landlord can sell or not renew — less stability for families
Bottom Line
Enter your numbers above to see a side-by-side cost comparison for your situation.
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Estimates only. All figures are approximations for illustrative purposes. Mortgage calculations use a 6.25% interest rate over 30 years with $0 down. Property tax estimate is ~1.5% annually (Jefferson County avg). Appreciation assumes ~3%/year — actual values may be higher or lower. Utility estimates are based on typical Fort Drum area costs and will vary by property, usage, and season. This tool is not a substitute for a formal mortgage pre-approval or financial advice. Speak with a licensed lender and real estate professional before making any decisions.
PCS Move Planner
Your family's Fort Drum PCS starts here.
A Fort Drum–specific checklist with real links and resources built into every step.
120+ Days Out
Orders & Research
Research Watertown neighborhoods, check on-post housing waitlist (typically 6–18 months), start your VA pre-approval.
90 Days Out
Housing Decisions
Connect with a PCSHomes partner, decide buy vs. rent, schedule a house-hunting trip or remote viewing with an agent. Book early -- spring/summer slots fill fast.
60 Days Out
Prepare for the Cold
Order winter gear, plan your HHG move, research 4WD vehicles. Check if your arrival overlaps with snow season (Oct–Apr).
30 Days Out
Final Steps
Transfer TRICARE to Samaritan Medical Center, notify kids' schools, confirm closing or lease start, schedule utilities.
Arrival Week
In-Processing
Report to Mountain Reception Company, Bldg. 10720. Complete in-processing, register vehicles in NY, enroll dependents in schools.
