Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss Relocation Information
Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael West DVIDS
Welcome to Fort Bliss
Easily one of the Army’s top five largest bases in both size and population, depending on the method of measurement, Fort Bliss is widely known as the home to the 1st Armored Division—America’s Tank Division, also affectionately known as “Old Ironsides.” The division’s storied and patriotic past ties to most significant modern American military operations. In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) reassigned the 1st Armored Division to Fort Bliss, Texas.
Fort Bliss is named in honor of Army officer and son-in-law of President Zachary Tyler, William Wallace Smith Bliss. Bliss taught at West Point and ultimately served as Tyler’s Presidential Secretary. Bliss also took a strong interest in Native American tribes and invested time learning their cultures and languages, which is fitting given where his namesake Army post is located.
Soldiers test M1A2 Abrams tanks during a live-fire accuracy screening test at Fort Bliss, Texas, Oct. 18, 2019. Image via defense.gov.
West Texas is rich in indigenous and Native American history, which later expanded to include Spanish, Mexican, and American influence. The lands around El Paso, and eventually Fort Bliss, were colonized initially by the Spanish, who were on their way to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Later, a newly independent Mexican government claimed the land, but the United States stepped in by the mid-1850s.
Today, Fort Bliss is a U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) installation, comprising approximately 1.12 million acres of land in Texas and New Mexico.
The post’s tenants include:
- 1st Armored Division
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams
- 1AD Combat Aviation Bde
- 1AD Divarty
- 1AD Division Sustainment Bde
- Fort Bliss Garrison Command
- CONUS Replacement Center
- Mobilization Brigade
- The 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command
- 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
- Joint Modernization Command
- Joint Task Force North
- 5th Armored Brigade
- 93d Military Police Battalion
- Army Field Support Battalion-Bliss
- The NCO Leadership Center of Excellence
- William Beaumont Army Medical Center
Image from army.mil
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Bliss
1) Is El Paso a safe place to live?
For a city of its size, El Paso appears to have lower crime statistics than the national average. In addition to the military presence, the DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and the FBI have offices in El Paso. For safety concerns, it’s always best to contact the local police department.
2) Where do military families live in El Paso?
You’ll have several popular areas and neighborhoods to choose from within El Paso. Many military families find homes on the east edge of town near Eastview and Horizon City.
3) How many gates does Fort Bliss have?
Fort Bliss currently operates 15 gates that are open to civilian and/or military personnel. The Buffalo Soldier and Chaffee gates offer visitor center services. Cassidy, Constitution, MSG Espinoza, MSG Pena, Fred Wilson, and McGregor Front gates provide 24/7 access, and the remaining gates are opened around typical work and school hours to relieve congestion.
4) What is the zip code for Fort Bliss?
Fort Bliss's zip code is 79906. Nearby zip codes include 79904, 79908, 79924, 79934, 79930, and 79936.
5) What is the BAH for Fort Bliss?
BAH for Fort Bliss ranges from $1,491 for E-1 to $2,076 for E-9 with dependents, and from $1,671 for O-1 to $2,283 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
Photo from Canva
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Base Location and Information
Military Installations Near Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss is located at 1 Pershing Road, Fort Bliss, TX 79916. The post lies at the far western tip of Texas, adjacent to El Paso, bordering the Rio Grande River. Over 90% of its training area is located in New Mexico.
The Chihuahuan desert mountain landscape, specifically the Franklin Mountain Range, is the backdrop of Fort Bliss, El Paso, and the western corner of Texas. This isn’t to discount the importance of the Rio Grande River, which borders Mexico. Speaking of the U.S/Mexican border, it's a newcomer’s rite of passage to almost drive into Mexico, while learning the interstate and street systems of El Paso.
Mexican heritage hugely influences the culture in El Paso. From the droves of people who line up for authentic Mexican cuisine (you’ll hear about Carlos and Mickey’s amazing food and margaritas) to the impromptu and planned cultural events.
Photo from Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss Facebook Page
Fort Bliss’s size also influences the resources the post offers. Because of its large family population, Fort Bliss has five Child Development Centers and three School-Age Service Centers. All school-age education is provided off-base in the 10 surrounding school systems.
The installation also provides on-post activities. Families rave about Freedom Crossing, Fort Bliss’s exclusive entertainment complex. The outdoor shopping and eating center is a local hangout and a center of activity all year long. From ice skating and fire pits in the winter to concerts in the spring, there’s always some sort of action going on. Families also appreciate the central location of the commissary, Exchange, class six, barbershop, and dry cleaner.
Also notable is the William Beaumont Army Medical Center— a 1.1 million-square-foot medical facility that opened in 2021. The new building replaced a 50-year-old structure and consists of a seven-story hospital with a Level III Trauma Center 10 operating rooms, 269 exam rooms, 30 primary and specialty care clinics, 135 patient beds, 16 intensive care rooms, and eight labor and delivery rooms.
The significance of Mexican heritage and influence cannot be denied in El Paso. From the droves of people who line up for authentic Mexican cuisine (you’ll hear about Carlos and Mickey’s amazing food and margaritas) to the cultural events, both impromptu and planned, Mexican heritage is on full display to include the fact that much of the population is bilingual.
White Sands National Park — Photo from Canva
Fort Bliss is an ideal location to travel from, either for day or weekend trips. Military travelers seek out getaways to Tucson, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe, which are all at about five hours away, while Phoenix is closer to a six-hour drive. For a faster trip and chance to cool down, families head to Ruidoso, New Mexico, for skiing in the winter and pleasant outdoor activities in the warmer months.
Fort Bliss Map via Fort Bliss MWR
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Arrival Lodging
Fort Bliss offers two on-base lodging through IHG Army Hotels. To make reservations, visit the IHG Army Hotel site or call 1-877-711-TEAM.
Holiday Inn Express Guesthouse
Address: 1744 Victory Avenue, Fort Bliss, TX 79906
Phone: (915) 565-7777
Candlewood Suites Building 11193
Address: 11193 Duncan Street, Fort Bliss, TX 79908
Phone: (915) 800-8870
Fort Bliss Housing
Photo from Fort Bliss Family Homes
On base housing is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, serving as Fort Bliss Family Homes. 17 neighborhoods offer 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom floor plans. Pets are welcome with some restrictions, and amenities include pools, sport courts, and playgrounds.
In addition to active duty members, Fort Bliss Family housing fills vacancies with military retirees, DOD civilian employees, and the general public.
Fort Bliss Family Homes
1991 Marshall Road
EL Paso, Texas 79906
(915) 564-0795
Fort Bliss Housing Services Office (HSO)
Bldg. T0070 Carter Rd.
Fort Bliss, TX 79916
(915) 568-2898
Fort Bliss Off Post Housing
City of El Paso via Visit El Paso
Base Search
City Search
In addition to your family’s wish list, there are two key factors to remember when searching for a home near Fort Bliss.
1) El Paso and Fort Bliss are huge and cover miles of roadways.
The Franklin Mountains split El Paso into east and west sides, and this separation dictates the Fort Bliss commute to and from locations on either side. Because Fort Bliss and El Paso are so large, learning where the service member will report for duty is often a principal factor in the family’s decision on where to live. Commutes range from under 15 minutes to more than 40.
Review the property descriptions for mention of these areas: Downtown, Central, East, Far East, Horizon City, Northeast, Northwest, and West to determine if they are compatible with your priority list of housing needs and wants.
2) Fort Bliss is one of the Army’s busiest installations.
The training and deployment rotation calendar should also factor into which area provides convenience for the family left behind. There are plenty of neighborhoods that have a great mix of local El Pasoans and military families. Many rental homes have pools, as they are a way of life in the desert. Easy access to hiking trails is another amenity families appreciate.
Of note: Newcomers are often taken aback by the high utility bills that amass from the intense heat. The occasional, but regular, power outages also take time to get used to.
Fort Bliss BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Fort Bliss is in El Paso, TX, with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Fort Bliss BAH rates for zip code:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,491
- E-1 without dependents: $1,176
- E-9 with dependents: $2,076
- E-9 without dependents: $1,797
- O-1 with dependents: $1,671
- O-1 without dependents: $1,356
- O-7 with dependents: $2,283
- O-7 without dependents: $2,052
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Area Weather & Climate
Photo from Canva
Sunshine, heat, and low humidity are the main elements you need to know about Fort Bliss's weather and climate. About 300 days of sunshine allow for plenty of time spent outside during the pleasant months of October through April. Even the hottest months, from May to September (97°F and low of 72° on average), have tolerable evenings because of the very low humidity.
November through April are the months that offer potential snowfall, but El Paso sees only about 3 inches per year, mostly in December.
June 15 through September 30 is the monsoon season. During this year's stretch, the city sees about half of its yearly 9 inches of rainfall.
For those who prefer or are used to four seasons, the transition to the desert climate takes some time to get used to. Newcomers are often taken aback by the wind and sand storms that can cause brownouts.
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Fort Bliss Area Schools
Students who live on and off Fort Bliss are served by 10 school districts, nine of which are in El Paso and one in Gadsden, New Mexico. Because there are so many options to choose from, it's important to review your chosen district’s policy for registration; most prefer online registration as early as possible. Do note that Socorro ISD administers a modified calendar year-round.
El Paso area school districts via Ft. Bliss MWR
School Districts that Support Fort Bliss:
- El Paso ISD
- Socorro ISD
- Ysleta ISD
- Clint ISD
- Canutillo ISD
- Tornillo ISD
- Fabens ISD
- Anthony ISD
- San Elizario ISD
- Gadsden, NM ISD
The Parent Student Guide to El Paso Area School Districts answers many questions incoming military families have. This is in addition to the advice and guidance that the Student Liaison Officer can provide: (915) 569-5064.
A strong homeschool community resides on and off Fort Bliss. Find general Texas state laws regarding homeschooling from the Texas Education Agency.
If you’re looking for a private school education for your children, Private School Review is a great tool to help you find the right fit for you and your family.
For any questions or concerns, contact the Fort Bliss School Liaison Office.
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Support for Military and Families
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Army 1st Sgt. Doranda Denetclaw holds her daughter after returning to Fort Bliss, Texas, following a nine-month deployment to Iraq, Oct. 23, 2019.Image via defense.gov.
Due to Fort Bliss's dense population and size, there’s plenty of support for military families. Not only are there organizations that actively support on- and off-base activities, but the local civilians have a strong reputation for friendliness and willingness to work with base command on projects that serve both communities because they are so intertwined.
Families rave about Freedom Crossing, Fort Bliss’s exclusive entertainment complex. The outdoor shopping and eating center provides a local hangout and is a center of activity all year long. From ice skating and fire pits in the winter to concerts in the spring, there’s always some action going on. Families also appreciate the central location of the commissary, Exchange, class six, barbershop, and dry cleaner.
Take a look at some of the helpful resources available for Fort Bliss area families:
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Things to Do
Franklin Mountains State Park: Explore rugged desert landscapes and scenic vistas on extensive hiking trails in the largest urban park in the United States.
El Paso Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in a diverse collection of artwork spanning centuries and cultures, housed in a beautiful building in downtown El Paso.
Wyler Aerial Tramway: Soar above the Franklin Mountains in a cable car for breathtaking views of the city and the Chihuahuan Desert below.
El Paso Mission Trail: Discover centuries-old Spanish missions and churches that trace the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
Plaza Theatre: Step back in time at this beautifully restored historic theater, showcasing a variety of live performances and events in an elegant setting.
Chamizal National Memorial: Learn about the complex history of the U.S.-Mexico border at this site commemorating the peaceful resolution of a century-old boundary dispute.
El Paso Zoo: Encounter exotic animals from around the world at this family-friendly zoo.
Scenic Drive Overlook: Enjoy panoramic views of El Paso and its surroundings from this iconic viewpoint along Rim Road.
More Fort Bliss Area Information
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Base Address:
1 Pershing Road
Fort Bliss
,
79916