Info Current as of 26 November 2003
NOTE: My family has left the Fort Hood area. The cache should stay in place. I cannot testify to the validity of building numbers, and phone numbers after this date. Since September 11, this cache also requires a temporary vehicle permit in order to get onto Fort Hood. Temporary vehicle passes can be obtained at the front gate at Fort Hood. If all else fails call 254-287-1110. This is the Fort Hood telephone operator. Press 0.
The cache is located on the Fort Hood Military Reservation. In order to access the cache you must follow several steps. First you have to obtain an Area access permit.
Area Access Control Center phone number 254-287-8398 Located in BLDG 1937, on "Rod and Gun Loop". (This info updated on 26 November 2003) WARNING: After 1 September 2003, there is a $10 fee for the area access permit unless you also get a Fort Hood hunting and fishing permit. (no idea on cost there) Sorry! :(
Anyone can obtain an access permit. Just walk in, sign some forms and they give you the permit. When you get your permit also ask for a free Fort Hood Training Area topo map! You'll need it for the next step!
Next you have to plot the cache on the free map they give you. Use the MGRS coordinates to do that. The guy at the Area Access Office should be able to help you if you are completely lost (but try to keep the cache site a secret!). The reason you have to plot the cache on the map is because Fort Hood is divided into several numbered training areas. In order to go to one of these training areas you have to tell the Area Access Office which one you are going to. Once you see which area you are going to, tell the Area Access Office where you are going, what you are going to be doing ("hiking"), and when you plan on being out of the training area. Now you are ready to go find the cache!
Input the cache coordinates into your GPS and good hunting!
The cache is a Yellow Ammo Can. Take something, leave something, and sign the log book.
When you are done, make sure you call or go back by the Area Access Control Center to tell them you are out of the training area. If you don't they'll call you. After they call you 3 times you can't go back out in the training area any more.
Good luck! Now you know how to play in the woods at Fort Hood and, if nothing else, you got a free map out of the deal!