H2F Program Locations: Every Installation Where You Can Serve

If you are an athletic trainer, strength and conditioning coach, physical therapist, dietitian, or cognitive performance specialist considering a career in military healthcare, one of your first questions is likely the most practical: where would I actually work?

The Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program is the largest coordinated investment in human performance optimization in the Department of Defense's history. As the program scales toward full implementation across all brigade-sized units by FY2030, the map of H2F program locations is expanding rapidly — and with it, the number of career opportunities for credentialed professionals.

This guide provides the most comprehensive look available at every installation where H2F performance teams are active, building, or planned. Whether you are narrowing down where to apply or simply trying to understand the program's footprint, the information here will help you make an informed decision about your next career move.

What Is the H2F Program and Why Does Location Matter?

Overview of the Army's Holistic Health and Fitness System

The Holistic Health and Fitness system is the Army's primary investment in soldier readiness and lethality, established under HQDA EXORD 219-21 and codified in FM 7-22. H2F addresses five dimensions of human performance — physical, nutritional, mental, spiritual, and sleep — through embedded, multidisciplinary teams that work directly alongside service members at the brigade level.

Unlike centralized wellness programs, H2F embeds professionals within operational units. That means your duty station, your daily environment, and the types of service members you support are all shaped by which installation hosts your team.

How H2F Performance Teams Are Structured at Each Installation

Each H2F performance team typically consists of approximately 15 professionals, including:

• Athletic trainers — injury prevention, musculoskeletal assessment, and rehabilitation support
• Strength and conditioning coaches — programming physical training for unit readiness
• Physical therapists — clinical care and return-to-duty protocols
• Occupational therapists — functional performance and ergonomic support
• Registered dietitians — nutritional counseling and fueling strategies
• Cognitive performance specialists — mental skills training, stress management, and resilience

Because H2F teams are assigned at the brigade level, large installations hosting multiple brigades may have several H2F teams operating simultaneously. Fort Bragg, for example, supports multiple brigade combat teams under the XVIII Airborne Corps and could have numerous H2F teams on a single post.

Why Choosing the Right Installation Impacts Your Career

Location is not a minor detail in an H2F career — it shapes your professional experience in meaningful ways. The type of unit you support (infantry, armor, aviation, support), the operational tempo of the installation, the cost of living in the surrounding community, and the maturity of the H2F program on post all influence your daily work and long-term development.

A fully operational H2F site with established infrastructure offers mentorship and well-defined workflows. An installation still building out its teams provides the chance to help shape protocols from the ground up. Both paths have distinct value depending on your career stage and goals.

Complete List of H2F and SMIP Program Installations

The following is the most current compilation of H2F and SMIP program locations across the Army's and Marine Corps' footprint. Installations are categorized by operational status.

Currently Active Army H2F Installations

These installations have H2F performance teams embedded and operational now:

• Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska — Anchorage, AK — Active
• Fort Wainwright, Alaska — Fairbanks, AK — Active
• Fort Huachuca, Arizona — Sierra Vista, AZ — Active
• Fort Benning, Georgia — Columbus, GA — Active
• Fort Stewart, Georgia — Hinesville, GA — Active
• Fort Riley, Kansas — Manhattan, KS — Active
• Fort Campbell, Kentucky/Tennessee — Hopkinsville, KY / Clarksville, TN — Active
• Fort Knox, Kentucky — Radcliff, KY — Active
• Fort Polk, Louisiana — Leesville, LA — Active
• Fort Bragg, North Carolina — Fayetteville, NC — Active
• Fort Drum, New York — Watertown, NY — Active
• Fort Jackson, South Carolina — Columbia, SC — Active
• Fort Bliss, Texas — El Paso, TX — Active
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington — Tacoma, WA — Active

Currently Active Marine Corps SMIP Installations

PSI also supports the Marine Corps' Special Military Individual Program (SMIP) through the Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM). The following USMC installations currently have active SMIP teams:

• Camp Pendleton — Oceanside, CA — Active
• Camp Lejeune — Jacksonville, NC — Active
• Twentynine Palms (MCAGCC) — Twentynine Palms, CA — Active
• Mountain Warfare Training Center — Bridgeport, CA — Active
• Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni — Iwakuni, Japan — Active
• Camp Hansen / Camp Courtney — Okinawa, Japan — Active
• Camp Schwab — Okinawa, Japan — Active

Forecasted Locations: Army H2F and USMC SMIP Expansion (Coming September 2026)

The following locations are forecasted to come online in September 2026, representing a significant expansion of both the Army H2F program and USMC SMIP:

Army H2F Forecasted Sites:

The following installations are expected to add or expand H2F performance teams as the Army scales toward full implementation across all 110+ brigade-sized units by FY2030:

• Fort Carson — Colorado Springs, CO
• Fort Hood — Killeen, TX
• Fort Irwin — Barstow, CA
• Fort Leonard Wood — Waynesville, MO
• Fort Sill — Lawton, OK
• Fort Leavenworth — Leavenworth, KS
• Schofield Barracks — Wahiawa, HI
• Goodfellow AFB — San Angelo, TX

Additional sites are expected as contracts are awarded, including further brigade combat teams at existing installations, National Guard and Army Reserve brigade-level units, and additional OCONUS locations.

USMC TECOM SMIP Forecasted Sites (September 2026):

• Marine Corps Air Station Yuma — Yuma, AZ
• Camp Del Mar — Camp Pendleton, CA
• Camp Mateo — Camp Pendleton, CA
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego — San Diego, CA
• Marine Detachment Fort Leonard Wood — Fort Leonard Wood, MO
• Marine Corps Air Station New River — Jacksonville, NC
• Marine Detachment Fort Sill — Lawton, OK
• Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort — Beaufort, SC
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island — Parris Island, SC
• Camp Foster — Okinawa, Japan
• Camp Kinser — Okinawa, Japan
• Marine Corps Air Station Futenma — Okinawa, Japan

H2F Installations in the Eastern United States

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Status: Active | Primary Units: XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Special Operations Command

Fort Bragg is the spiritual home of the H2F program. As one of the original pilot sites, it has the most mature infrastructure, the deepest institutional knowledge, and some of the highest demand for qualified professionals. The installation supports multiple brigade combat teams, meaning several H2F performance teams operate concurrently.

Quality of life: The Fayetteville-Fort Bragg metro area offers a moderate cost of living relative to national averages. Raleigh-Durham, with its robust healthcare and research community, is approximately an hour's drive. The region's mild winters and proximity to both the coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains appeal to many candidates.

Career note: Working at Fort Bragg provides exposure to elite airborne and special operations units. The professional learning environment here is among the most developed in the H2F system.

Fort Drum, New York

Status: Active | Primary Units: 10th Mountain Division

Fort Drum is home to the 10th Mountain Division, one of the most frequently deployed divisions in the Army. H2F professionals here support service members who train in demanding cold-weather and mountainous conditions, creating unique challenges in injury prevention and physical performance programming.

Quality of life: Located in northern New York near Watertown, Fort Drum experiences significant winter weather. The cost of living is low, and the surrounding Adirondack region offers extensive outdoor recreation. Candidates who thrive in close-knit, mission-focused communities tend to do well here.

Fort Stewart, Georgia

Status: Active | Primary Units: 3rd Infantry Division

Fort Stewart is the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River. The 3rd Infantry Division's brigade combat teams maintain a high operational tempo, and H2F performance teams play a central role in sustaining readiness across a geographically dispersed post.

Quality of life: Hinesville and the surrounding area offer a low cost of living. Savannah, with its historic downtown and coastal access, is approximately 40 minutes away. The subtropical climate means year-round outdoor training opportunities.

Fort Benning, Georgia

Status: Active | Primary Units: Maneuver Center of Excellence, various infantry and armor units

Fort Benning is the Army's center for infantry and armor training. H2F professionals here work with both operational units and a significant training base population, offering a unique blend of clinical volume and performance programming opportunities.

Quality of life: Columbus, Georgia, provides an affordable cost of living and a mid-size city's amenities. The installation's location along the Chattahoochee River and proximity to Atlanta — approximately two hours northeast — make it an accessible and comfortable duty station.

Fort Jackson, South Carolina

Status: Active | Primary Units: U.S. Army Training Center, 193rd Infantry Brigade

Fort Jackson is the Army's largest initial entry training installation, responsible for training approximately 50 percent of all soldiers entering the Army. H2F professionals here support a unique population — recruits and trainees in the most physically demanding phase of their military careers — as well as the permanent party cadre who sustain the training mission.

Quality of life: Columbia, South Carolina, is a mid-size state capital with a moderate cost of living. The University of South Carolina anchors a vibrant downtown scene. The climate is humid subtropical, with mild winters and warm summers.

Fort Campbell, Kentucky/Tennessee

Status: Active | Primary Units: 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

Fort Campbell straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee border and hosts the storied 101st Airborne Division. As one of the original H2F pilot sites, Fort Campbell has well-established performance teams and a strong culture of integration between H2F professionals and unit leadership.

Quality of life: Clarksville, Tennessee, has grown rapidly and offers an affordable cost of living. Nashville, one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, is approximately an hour's drive. This combination of affordability and urban access makes Fort Campbell consistently popular among H2F candidates.

Fort Knox, Kentucky

Status: Active | Primary Units: 1st Theater Sustainment Command, U.S. Army Cadet Command, Army Human Resources Command

Fort Knox is best known as the Army's historic armor training home and the site of the U.S. Bullion Depository, but today it serves as a major installation for sustainment, cadet development, and Army-wide administrative commands. H2F professionals here support a diverse soldier population with a wide range of physical demands and occupational profiles.

Quality of life: Radcliff and Elizabethtown offer a low cost of living. Louisville is approximately 35 miles north, providing access to a major city's cultural, culinary, and professional resources. The region's central location in the mid-South makes it convenient for travel across the eastern United States.

H2F Installations in the Central and Southern United States

Fort Bliss, Texas

Status: Active | Primary Units: 1st Armored Division

Fort Bliss, adjacent to El Paso, is a massive installation hosting active H2F teams. Its desert environment creates unique hydration, heat acclimatization, and altitude considerations for performance professionals.

Quality of life: El Paso offers a low cost of living and a distinctive cultural landscape along the U.S.-Mexico border. The climate features over 300 days of sunshine annually. For athletic trainers with an interest in environmental physiology, Fort Bliss provides a compelling setting.

Fort Riley, Kansas

Status: Active | Primary Units: 1st Infantry Division

Fort Riley, home of the Big Red One, is located in the Flint Hills region of eastern Kansas. The 1st Infantry Division maintains a steady deployment cycle, and H2F teams here are well integrated into the division's readiness model.

Quality of life: The Junction City-Manhattan area has a very low cost of living. Kansas State University, located nearby in Manhattan, creates a college-town atmosphere with cultural and recreational amenities that might surprise candidates unfamiliar with the region.

Fort Polk, Louisiana

Status: Active | Primary Units: Joint Readiness Training Center, 3rd Brigade Combat Team (10th Mountain Division)

Fort Polk serves a dual role: home station for an active BCT and site of the Joint Readiness Training Center, where units from across the Army rotate through intensive training exercises. H2F professionals at Fort Polk may support both resident units and rotational training populations.

Quality of life: Leesville and DeRidder are small communities with a low cost of living. Candidates should be comfortable with a rural setting. The professional trade-off is exposure to a wide variety of units and training scenarios through JRTC rotations.

H2F Installations in the Western United States

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington

Status: Active | Primary Units: I Corps, 2nd Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Division elements, Joint forces

JBLM is one of the premier power projection platforms on the West Coast and an original H2F pilot site. Its large, multi-component population means robust demand for H2F professionals across several brigades.

Quality of life: The Tacoma-Lakewood area offers access to the broader Seattle-Puget Sound region, one of the most desirable metropolitan areas in the Pacific Northwest. The cost of living is higher than many military communities, but the natural environment — with the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier, and Pacific coastline all within reach — is exceptional. Washington state has no income tax, which partially offsets the higher housing costs.

Fort Huachuca, Arizona

Status: Active | Primary Units: U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, various intelligence and cyber units

Fort Huachuca is the Army's premier installation for intelligence training and operations. Situated in the high desert of southeastern Arizona near the town of Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca's H2F teams support a population that skews toward technical military occupational specialties with distinct physical performance profiles.

Quality of life: Sierra Vista offers a low cost of living and a pleasant high-desert climate at approximately 4,600 feet elevation. Tucson is about 70 miles to the northwest, providing access to a university city with extensive amenities. The surrounding Huachuca Mountains and San Pedro River valley are popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

Fort Wainwright and JBER, Alaska

Status: Active | Primary Units: 11th Airborne Division (Fort Wainwright), various units (JBER)

Alaska's military installations present some of the most extreme environmental conditions in the H2F portfolio. Fort Wainwright, near Fairbanks, experiences winter temperatures well below zero. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), near Anchorage, offers a somewhat milder but still demanding subarctic climate.

Quality of life: Alaska is not for everyone, and that honesty serves candidates well. The cost of living is above average, and winter darkness can be challenging. However, Anchorage offers a mid-size city's amenities, and the outdoor opportunities — from fishing to mountaineering — are extraordinary. Professionals who serve in Alaska often describe it as a career-defining experience.

USMC SMIP: Active and Forecasted Locations

PSI also recruits athletic trainers and performance professionals for the Marine Corps' Special Military Individual Program (SMIP), administered through Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM). SMIP mirrors H2F's embedded model, placing credentialed professionals directly within Marine units to support physical readiness and injury prevention.

Currently Active USMC SMIP Locations

The following USMC installations currently have active SMIP teams:

• Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni — Iwakuni, Japan
• Camp Hansen / Camp Courtney — Okinawa, Japan
• Camp Schwab — Okinawa, Japan

USMC SMIP Forecasted Locations (September 2026)

A significant expansion of SMIP is forecasted for September 2026, adding the following installations:

Continental United States (CONUS):

• Marine Corps Air Station Yuma — Yuma, AZ
• Camp Del Mar — Camp Pendleton, CA
• Camp Mateo — Camp Pendleton, CA
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego — San Diego, CA
• Marine Detachment Fort Leonard Wood — Fort Leonard Wood, MO
• Marine Corps Air Station New River — Jacksonville, NC
• Marine Detachment Fort Sill — Lawton, OK
• Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort — Beaufort, SC
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island — Parris Island, SC

Outside Continental United States (OCONUS):

• Camp Foster — Okinawa, Japan
• Camp Kinser — Okinawa, Japan
• Marine Corps Air Station Futenma — Okinawa, Japan

The September 2026 SMIP expansion represents a substantial increase in available positions and geographic options for qualified professionals. If you are interested in USMC SMIP roles — particularly at OCONUS locations in Okinawa or at major West Coast installations — now is the time to begin the application process so that credentialing and placement can be completed ahead of the expansion date.

What to Expect at Each Type of Installation

Large Power Projection Platforms vs. Smaller Installations

Large installations like Fort Bragg, Fort Bliss, and JBLM host multiple brigades and, by extension, multiple H2F performance teams. Working at these locations means access to a larger professional peer group, more institutional resources, and greater opportunities for collaboration. The scale can also mean more administrative complexity and less individual autonomy.

Smaller installations or single-brigade posts offer a different dynamic. You may be one of only a few H2F professionals on post, which demands greater independence and versatility. The relationships you build with unit leadership tend to be closer, and your direct impact on the brigade's readiness is more visible.

Cost of Living and Quality of Life by Region

The following table summarizes cost-of-living considerations across active H2F and SMIP program locations:

| Installation | Region | Cost of Living | Nearest Metro Area | Climate | |---|---|---|---|---| | Fort Bragg, NC | Southeast | Moderate | Raleigh-Durham (1 hr) | Mild four-season | | Fort Campbell, KY/TN | Mid-South | Low-Moderate | Nashville (1 hr) | Humid subtropical | | Fort Stewart, GA | Southeast | Low | Savannah (40 min) | Subtropical | | Fort Benning, GA | Southeast | Low-Moderate | Columbus (adjacent) | Humid subtropical | | Fort Jackson, SC | Southeast | Moderate | Columbia (adjacent) | Humid subtropical | | Fort Knox, KY | Mid-South | Low | Louisville (35 min) | Humid continental | | Fort Drum, NY | Northeast | Low | Syracuse (1.5 hr) | Cold, snowy winters | | Fort Bliss, TX | Southwest | Low | El Paso (adjacent) | Arid desert | | Fort Riley, KS | Central Plains | Low | Manhattan/Topeka | Continental | | Fort Polk, LA | South | Low | Leesville (adjacent) | Humid subtropical | | Fort Huachuca, AZ | Southwest | Low | Tucson (70 mi) | High desert | | JBLM, WA | Pacific NW | Moderate-High | Seattle-Tacoma (adjacent) | Marine/oceanic | | Fort Wainwright, AK | Interior AK | Above Average | Fairbanks (adjacent) | Subarctic | | JBER, AK | Southcentral AK | Above Average | Anchorage (adjacent) | Subarctic | | MCAS Iwakuni, Japan | Western Pacific | Varies | Hiroshima region | Humid subtropical | | Okinawa installations, Japan | Western Pacific | Varies | Naha | Subtropical |

Unit Types and How They Affect Your Day-to-Day Role

The brigade you are embedded with fundamentally shapes your work. In an infantry brigade combat team, you may focus heavily on lower-extremity injury prevention, ruck march programming, and field-expedient care. In an armored brigade, the injury profiles shift toward upper-body and spine concerns related to vehicle operations and maintenance. Aviation brigades present yet another set of demands, including the physical stresses of rotary-wing flight and the cognitive performance requirements of pilot readiness. At training installations like Fort Jackson, Fort Benning, or the Marine Corps Recruit Depots, you will work with high volumes of initial-entry personnel experiencing the transition from civilian to military fitness demands.

Understanding these distinctions before you apply allows you to align your professional interests with the right position.

How to Get Hired at an H2F or SMIP Installation Through PSI

Current H2F and SMIP Job Openings by Location

PSI maintains active job postings for H2F and SMIP positions across the installations listed in this guide. Openings fluctuate as contracts are awarded, teams are built out, and positions turn over. The most reliable way to see current availability is to visit the PSI careers page and filter by H2F or SMIP program and location.

Qualifications and Certifications Required for H2F and SMIP Positions

Requirements vary by role, but for athletic trainers seeking H2F or SMIP positions, the standard qualifications include:

• Board of Certification (BOC) certification as an Athletic Trainer (ATC)
• A master's degree in athletic training or a related field (increasingly preferred)
• State licensure or eligibility for licensure in the state where the installation is located
• Current CPR/AED certification
• Experience in sports medicine, orthopedic rehabilitation, or human performance (military or civilian)

Additional certifications — such as CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist), or tactical strength and conditioning credentials — can strengthen your candidacy and may be required for certain positions.

The Application and Placement Process with PSI

PSI's application process is designed to match your qualifications and preferences with available H2F and SMIP positions. After submitting your application and credentials, you can expect:

1. Initial review — PSI's recruiting team evaluates your certifications, experience, and location preferences
2. Interview — A conversation to assess fit, discuss available openings, and answer your questions about specific installations
3. Credentialing — Verification of licenses, certifications, background checks, and any required security clearances
4. Placement — Matching you with an open position at an installation that aligns with your qualifications and goals
5. Onboarding — Orientation to the installation, the specific unit, and the H2F or SMIP team you will join

Tips for Choosing the Best Location for Your Career Goals

Selecting where to serve is both a professional and personal decision. Consider these factors:

• Career stage: Early-career professionals benefit from large installations with multiple H2F teams, where mentorship and peer learning are more accessible. Mid-career professionals seeking leadership experience may prefer smaller sites where they can shape program development.
• Clinical interests: If you are drawn to high-intensity operational units, installations hosting airborne or air assault divisions (Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell) or Marine Corps recruit depots align well with different professional priorities. If environmental physiology interests you, consider Fort Bliss, Fort Huachuca, or the Alaska installations.
• Family and lifestyle: Proximity to family, school systems, spousal employment opportunities, and climate preferences are legitimate considerations. A sustainable, satisfying personal life supports long-term professional performance.
• Advancement potential: Ask during the interview process about leadership opportunities, continuing education support, and the trajectory of the H2F or SMIP program at each site.
• OCONUS interest: For professionals open to overseas service, the active and forecasted SMIP positions in Japan and Okinawa offer a distinctive career experience. OCONUS positions involve additional logistical considerations, including Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) provisions and overseas housing allowances, which PSI's team can walk you through.

The Future of H2F and SMIP: Expansion Through 2026 and Beyond

Army Budget and Funding for H2F Growth

The Army has demonstrated sustained budgetary commitment to the H2F system, allocating approximately $175 million annually in recent budget cycles. Congressional support has remained strong, with the H2F program frequently cited in National Defense Authorization Act language as a readiness priority. While individual budget years may fluctuate, the trajectory is clearly toward continued growth through the FY2030 mandate.

The September 2026 SMIP Expansion

The forecasted September 2026 SMIP expansion represents the most significant near-term growth in PSI-supported positions. With twelve new USMC TECOM installations coming online — spanning CONUS sites from California to South Carolina and OCONUS sites throughout Okinawa — this expansion will substantially increase the number of available positions and the geographic diversity of the program.

Professionals who apply and complete the credentialing process well in advance of September 2026 will be positioned to secure their preferred locations before they fill. PSI's recruiting team is actively preparing for this expansion and can provide timeline guidance based on your target installation.

National Guard and Reserve H2F Implementation

The H2F system is designed to support all three Army components: Active, National Guard, and Reserve. Active Duty installations received priority in the initial rollout, but the expansion timeline through FY2030 includes National Guard brigade combat teams and Reserve units. This represents a significant future growth area for H2F professionals, potentially creating positions that are geographically dispersed across the country rather than concentrated at major installations.

How Expansion Creates More Opportunities for Athletic Trainers

With 110+ brigade-sized units targeted for H2F teams — and each team requiring approximately 15 professionals — the total demand represents thousands of positions across the force. Add the SMIP expansion across the Marine Corps, and the career landscape for credentialed performance professionals in the military sector is expanding faster than at any point in the programs' history. For athletic trainers specifically, this expansion means:

• More geographic options as new installations come online
• Greater role specialization as programs mature
• Increasing leadership opportunities as experienced professionals are needed to guide newer teams
• Career stability driven by long-term programmatic investment across both Army and Marine Corps programs

Frequently Asked Questions About H2F and SMIP Locations

Your Next Step

The map of H2F and SMIP program locations is large and growing. With fourteen active Army H2F installations, three active USMC SMIP sites, and twelve additional SMIP locations forecasted for September 2026, somewhere on that map is an installation where your skills, your career goals, and your life outside of work can align. The question is not whether opportunities exist — the Army's and Marine Corps' commitment to fielding performance teams across the entire force has settled that. The question is where you want to contribute.