About Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas, is one of the largest military installations in the United States. Home to the 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss plays a critical role in the U.S. Army’s training and readiness.
The base’s unique terrain and vast desert environment allow for a wide range of military training exercises, including missile defense, air defense, and mechanized warfare. Fort Bliss also houses the William Beaumont Army Medical Center and provides operational and logistical support for various Army missions.
Fort Bliss Veterans Guide
Whether you’re currently stationed at Fort Bliss or preparing for a move, our all-inclusive guide provides everything you need. From on- and off-base housing options to local attractions, financial resources, and businesses offering military discounts, this guide is your go-to resource. Click the link below to explore the full guide and make the most of your time at Fort Bliss.
Fort Bliss Base Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (915) 568-0011
- Housing Office: +1 (915) 568-0050
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (915) 568-3438
- Family Support Office: +1 (915) 568-3633
- Legal Office: +1 (915) 568-3483
Address: Fort Bliss, 110 Sheridan Rd, El Paso, TX 79916, United States
Mission
Fort Bliss serves as a vital training and deployment center for U.S. Army operations. Its mission is to provide air defense artillery training, testing, and support for joint military operations.
Fort Bliss also supports operations for the 1st Armored Division, focusing on combat readiness and rapid deployment capabilities.
History
- Established: 1848
- Named After: Lt. Col. William Wallace Smith Bliss, a hero of the Mexican-American War.
- Historical Significance:
- Played a key role during World War II as a training center for armored units.
- Expanded post-Cold War to include missile defense training.
- Home to the Patriot Missile training program, vital for modern air defense.
Location
- City: El Paso, Texas, USA
- Coordinates: 31.8120° N, 106.4219° W
- Website: Fort Bliss Official Website
- Phone: +1 (915) 568-2121
Hours of Operation
- Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM; Closed on weekends and holidays.
- Main Gate: Open 24/7 for authorized personnel.
Base Location and Directions
- Address:
Fort Bliss
110 Sheridan Rd, Fort Bliss, TX 79916 - Driving Directions:
- From El Paso International Airport: Take Airway Blvd to I-10 E. Exit onto US-54 N and follow signs to Fort Bliss Main Gate (approx. 20 minutes).
- From Downtown El Paso: Follow I-10 E to US-54 N. Exit Cassidy Rd and follow signs to the base (approx. 15 minutes).
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 30,000
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 10,000
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 40,000
- Total Population Served: Over 80,000
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: Fort Bliss offers on-base housing through the Corvias Military Living. Off-base housing is available in El Paso and the surrounding areas. The Housing Office provides assistance with both on- and off-base housing options. Contact the Housing Office at +1 (915) 568-0050.
- Off-base housing in El Paso includes a variety of apartments and single-family homes.
- Current median home prices in El Paso: $210,000 (as of 2024).
- Base Transportation: Fort Bliss offers shuttle services on base to support transportation needs for personnel. The base is located near U.S. Highway 54, providing easy access to the city of El Paso and nearby areas.
- Medical and Emergency Services: Fort Bliss is served by the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, which provides primary care, specialty services, and emergency care for military personnel and their families. For medical assistance, contact the Health Services Coordinator at +1 (915) 568-3438.
- Dining Facilities: Fort Bliss offers a variety of dining options on base, including the Centennial Club and several fast-food outlets. Off-base, El Paso provides a wide range of restaurants, from local favorites to national chains.
- Fitness and Wellness Programs: Fort Bliss features multiple fitness centers, including the Stout Physical Fitness Center and the Soto Physical Fitness Center. The base also has outdoor recreational areas for running, cycling, and other activities.
Education:
- On-Base Schools: Children living on base attend schools within the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD).
- Off-Base Schools: Families residing off-base can access schools in the El Paso Independent School District or other nearby districts, depending on their location. Higher education opportunities are available at The University of Texas at El Paso and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso.
- Child Development Center (CDC): Fort Bliss operates several Child Development Centers that provide daycare, preschool, and after-school care for children. Contact the CDC for enrollment information.
Things to Do:
- Outdoor Activities: Fort Bliss offers several outdoor recreational facilities, including parks, sports fields, and trails. Popular off-base attractions include Franklin Mountains State Park and El Paso Zoo for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
- Shopping and Dining: Fort Bliss features a Commissary and Exchange (BX) for on-base shopping. Off-base, El Paso offers shopping centers like Bassett Place Mall and numerous dining options, from fast food to local and international cuisine.
Local Support and Resources:
- Veterans Service Organizations: Local VFW and American Legion posts in El Paso provide 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 (915) 568-3633.
- Legal Services: Fort Bliss provides legal assistance, including services such as wills, powers of attorney, and other legal matters. Contact the Legal Office at +1 (915) 568-3483 for more information.
Base History and Mission: Established in 1849, Fort Bliss is one of the U.S. Army’s largest installations. It is home to the **1st Armored Division** and serves as a key training and deployment center for U.S. forces. The base also supports the Air Defense Artillery School and provides training facilities for joint and multinational forces. Fort Bliss plays a critical role in national defense, while also supporting military families with housing, healthcare, and recreational services.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the primary mission of Fort Bliss? | Fort Bliss serves as a key training center for the 1st Armored Division and supports a variety of operations and units. |
| How large is Fort Bliss? | Fort Bliss spans over 1.12 million acres across Texas and New Mexico, making it one of the largest military bases. |
| What is the weather like at Fort Bliss? | The weather is hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F in summer and mild winters, rarely seeing snow. |
| Is El Paso a safe place to live near Fort Bliss? | El Paso is one of the safest large cities in the U.S., consistently ranking in the top 10 for safety among major cities. |
| What are the housing options at Fort Bliss? | Fort Bliss offers both on-post and off-post housing, with a variety of neighborhoods and pet-friendly options. |
| What amenities does Fort Bliss offer? | Amenities include modern fitness centers, pools, Freedom Crossing shopping mall, and William Beaumont Army Medical Center. |
| What are the best things to do near Fort Bliss? | Popular attractions include the Franklin Mountains, White Sands National Park, and the rich cultural scene in El Paso. |
| What schools are available near Fort Bliss? | There are several on-post schools as well as many off-post schools in El Paso, spread across ten school districts. |
| What is the BAH rate at Fort Bliss? | The BAH rate varies by rank, but generally covers affordable housing in the El Paso area. |
| What are the outdoor recreation options? | Fort Bliss offers hiking, golfing, paintball, rock climbing, and various community events through its Outdoor Recreation programs. |
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