Red River Army Depot
Red River Army Depot (RRAD), located in Texarkana, Texas, plays a crucial role in providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for military vehicles and equipment.
The depot specializes in the maintenance of combat vehicles, including the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), and other tactical vehicles.
Red River is essential to maintaining the readiness of the U.S. Army’s fleet and ensuring that equipment is fully operational for both domestic and international operations.
Red River Army Depot Veterans Guide
Whether you’re stationed at Red River Army Depot or preparing for a move, our all-inclusive guide has you covered. From finding the best housing options both off-base and nearby, to discovering local attractions, financial resources, and businesses offering military discounts, this guide is your ultimate resource for everything related to Red River Army Depot.
Red River Army Depot Base Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (903) 838-9011
- Housing Office: +1 (903) 838-9050
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (903) 838-9120
- Family Support Office: +1 (903) 838-9200
- Legal Office: +1 (903) 838-9300
Address: Red River Army Depot, 100 Main St, Texarkana, TX 75507, United States
Mission
Red River Army Depot specializes in the maintenance, repair, and remanufacture of military equipment.
Known for its work on tactical vehicles, including the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, the depot plays a vital role in sustaining the readiness of U.S. military forces.
History
- Established: 1941
- Historical Significance:
- Began as an ammunition storage and supply facility during World War II.
- Transitioned to vehicle repair and remanufacturing during the Vietnam War.
- Continues to support global military operations with advanced equipment repair and refurbishment.
Location
- City: Texarkana, Texas, USA
- Coordinates: 33.4550° N, 94.1113° W
- Website: Red River Army Depot Official Website
- Phone: +1 (903) 334-2000
Hours of Operation
- Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; Closed on weekends and holidays.
- Main Gate: Open 24/7 for authorized personnel.
Base Location and Directions
- Address:
Red River Army Depot
100 James Carlow Dr, Texarkana, TX 75507 - Driving Directions:
- From Texarkana Regional Airport: Take I-49 N and exit onto US-59 S to Red River Army Depot (approx. 20 minutes).
- From Downtown Texarkana: Take US-59 S to the depot’s main gate (approx. 15 minutes).
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 500
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 4,000
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 1,000
- Total Population Served: Over 5,500
Texas VA Loan Guide
View our complete VA loan guide for Texas. From local homebuyer assistance programs for Veterans to VA loan requirements and eligibility this guide has everything you need to know if you are considering getting a VA loan in Texas.
Base Resources and Information
- Housing Options: While Red River Army Depot does not offer on-base housing, military personnel and their families can find housing in nearby Texarkana. The Housing Office provides guidance and support in finding off-base accommodations. Popular housing options include apartments, rental homes, and single-family homes in Texarkana and the surrounding areas. Contact the Housing Office at +1 (903) 838-9050.
- Off-base housing in Texarkana offers a variety of options, including affordable rentals and family homes.
- Current median home prices in Texarkana: $190,000 (as of 2024).
- Base Transportation: Red River Army Depot provides limited on-base transportation services for personnel. The depot is located near major highways, providing easy access to Texarkana and surrounding areas.
- Medical and Emergency Services: Medical services are available through the Red River Army Depot Health Clinic, offering basic healthcare services for military personnel. More extensive medical care can be accessed in nearby Texarkana at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System and Wadley Regional Medical Center. Contact the Health Services Coordinator at +1 (903) 838-9120 for assistance.
- Dining Facilities: Red River Army Depot features on-base dining options at the Depot Canteen and other smaller food outlets. Off-base, Texarkana offers a wide range of dining experiences, from casual eateries to national chain restaurants.
- Fitness and Wellness Programs: The depot offers a fitness center for military personnel, which includes a gym, workout equipment, and fitness classes. Nearby Texarkana also provides various recreational options, such as sports fields, parks, and walking trails.
Education:
- On-Base Schools: There are no on-base schools at Red River Army Depot. Children of military personnel attend schools in the Texarkana Independent School District.
- Off-Base Schools: Families living off-base have access to schools in the Texarkana Independent School District or other nearby districts. Higher education opportunities are available at Texas A&M University-Texarkana and Texarkana College.
- Child Development Center (CDC): While the depot does not have an on-base Child Development Center, nearby Texarkana offers several childcare options and preschools. Families can contact the Family Support Office for assistance in finding local childcare services.
Things to Do:
- Outdoor Activities: Red River Army Depot has recreational facilities for military personnel, including a gym and sports fields. Off-base, popular outdoor destinations include Spring Lake Park and Wright Patman Lake, which offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.
- Shopping and Dining: While the depot has a Commissary and Exchange (BX) for on-base shopping, nearby Texarkana offers more extensive shopping options, including the Central Mall and several local shopping centers. Dining options off-base range from local favorites to popular chains.
Local Support and Resources:
- Veterans Service Organizations: Local VFW and American Legion posts in Texarkana offer support and resources for veterans and their families.
- Family Support Office: The Family Support Office offers deployment assistance, financial counseling, and family advocacy services. Contact the Family Support Office at +1 (903) 838-9200.
- Legal Services: Red River Army Depot provides legal assistance, including services such as wills, powers of attorney, and other legal matters. Contact the Legal Office at +1 (903) 838-9300 for more information.
Base History and Mission: Established in 1941, Red River Army Depot plays a critical role in U.S. military logistics and vehicle maintenance. The depot specializes in the repair, storage, and distribution of military vehicles, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and tactical vehicles. In addition to its maintenance mission, the depot provides training and logistical support for active-duty military units. The depot is essential for ensuring the readiness of the U.S. Army’s ground forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the primary mission of Red River Army Depot? | RRAD’s primary mission is to sustain the combat power of the Joint Warfighter by providing ground combat and tactical systems sustainment maintenance operations. |
| Where is Red River Army Depot located? | RRAD is located 18 miles west of Texarkana, Texas, near the Texas-Arkansas border. |
| How large is Red River Army Depot? | The depot spans over 15,375 acres and has more than 8 million square feet of floor space, hosting more than 1,400 buildings. |
| What vehicles are maintained at Red River Army Depot? | RRAD is the Army’s Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence (CITE) for various tactical wheeled vehicles, including the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). |
| How long has Red River Army Depot been in operation? | RRAD was established in 1941, originally to serve as an ammunition storage facility, and expanded its mission during World War II. |
| What services does Red River Army Depot offer the military? | RRAD provides maintenance, rebuild, and overhaul services for a wide range of military vehicles and equipment. |
| How many people work at Red River Army Depot? | More than 3,500 people work at the depot, with additional personnel deployed to support military operations worldwide. |
| What is the economic impact of Red River Army Depot? | RRAD contributes approximately $1.6 billion annually to the local economy. |
| Does Red River Army Depot support other branches of the military? | Yes, RRAD supports the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy by providing inter-service maintenance and overhaul services. |
| What certifications does Red River Army Depot hold? | RRAD is certified with ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management systems. |
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