Fort Bliss

Fort Bliss is a Strategic Deployment Platform that executes deployment operations enabling rapid and efficient unit deployment and re-deployment. Simultaneously, Fort Bliss Garrison provides facilities and services through a professional workforce that assists units in sustaining their readiness and promotes a safe and secure installation, empowering Soldiers, Families, and Civilians to thrive.

Information obtained from https://home.army.mil/bliss/about/Garrison

In November 1848, the War Department ordered the establishment of a post at El Paso Del Norte. The first U.S. troops to arrive were six rifle companies of the 3rd Infantry Regiment. These troops established a military post known simply as "The Post Opposite El Paso." After closing and relocating the post, the Army officially renamed it Fort Bliss on March 8, 1854, in honor of Lieutenant Colonel William Wallace Smith Bliss. For more information go to the Fort Bliss home page https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php

• 36,711 Total Military
• 42,501 Family Members
• 11,737 Civilians
• 36,086 Retirees
• 44,902 Family Members Retirees
• 3,977 Survivors of Retirees
• 243 Survivors of Active Duty
• Total Population Supported over 175,515

Information Provided by Fort Bliss Chief of Plans Analysis & Integration Office (PAIO)

According to the US Census Bureau as of July 1^st,2023 the El Paso Population is as follows:

Population: 678,958

Veterans: 40,341

Demographics:

White: 39.3%

Black: 3.6%

American Indian & Alaska Native: .9%

Asian: 1.5%

Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander: .2%

2 or more Races: 38.6%

Hispanic or Latino: 81.3%

White/Not Hispanic or Latino: 12.2%

Fort Bliss is a large military installation that serves a diverse population, including:

• Active Duty Military Personnel: Fort Bliss is home to a significant active-duty population from all branches of the U.S. military, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines.
• Family Members: Thousands of family members, including spouses and children, reside on and off the installation.
• Retirees: The Fort Bliss area has a large retiree population due to its desirable location and amenities.
• Civilian Employees: A substantial number of civilian employees work on Fort Bliss in various capacities, supporting military operations and services.

Located in El Paso, TX, Fort Bliss is home to the 1^st Armored Division. We are a FORSCOM installation comprised of other commands: MEDCOM, JTF-NORTH, TRADOC, USAR, and other elements. Fort Bliss is comprised of approximately 1.12 million acres of land in Texas and New México. The Main Cantonment Area of Fort Bliss is located adjacent to El Paso, Texas. El Paso is a jewel in the desert. Nestled between the rugged Franklin Mountains and the historic Rio Grande, this border community combines the advantages of a major city with the charm of a modern western town. El Paso is a major transportation hub with abundant cultural and entertainment opportunities. El Paso has a low crime rate and an extremely favorable cost-of-living index. Seven in ten El Pasoans are bilingual in English and Spanish.

You can also review the complete Fort Bliss Directory at https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/contact/phonebook.

The El Paso International Airport is located just East of the Main Installation and South East of East Fort Bliss. The number to the El Paso International Airport Military Desk is 915-228-8796 hours 6 a.m. to midnight. Between 12 a.m.-6 a. m. please call Transportation at 915-568-5098. Free shuttle service is offered through the Fort Bliss Soldier Support Center to inprocessing Soldiers and families; however, the families MUST BE TRAVELING WITH THE SERVICE MEMBER. To take advantage of this, service Soldiers must see the Military desk located in the El Paso International Airport.

To access Main Fort Bliss from the airport, Service Members and their families can leave the airport traveling West on Airway and they will enter the Buffalo Soldier Gate.

To access East Bliss from the airport, Service Members and families can leave the Airport and travel west on Airway Blvd making a right hand turn onto Airport Rd. by staying in the right lane, Airport will curve into Sgt. Major Blvd and the MSG Pena Gate will be the main entrance to East Bliss. Staff Duty for Airport transportation call 915-569-5261 24/7 for Reception Company.

All Soldiers arriving to Fort Bliss, Texas, will in-process through the Fort Bliss Reception Detachment. You can expect to be with the Reception Detachment for five days and complete finance, medical, dental in-processing, CIF draw along with the installation welcome brief, A tour of the installation, R2 leader performance class for soldiers in the ranks of CPL-1LT, intermediate drivers training class for soldiers under 26 and H2F screenings.

Uniform: Operational Camouflage Pattern, if signing in Monday through Friday during duty hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Soldiers need the following on arrival/processing:

• Copy of DA 31 (leave request)
• Assignment Orders with all amendments, to include DD 1610’s, if applicable
• Health and Dental records
• Military Personnel records (as required)
• Common Access Card
• Government purchased travel itineraries/invoices and any receipts for any travel costs greater than $75.

*Recommend bringing extra copies of assignment orders and DA 31’s.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

All incoming Soldiers will report to the staff duty desk of the Fort Bliss Reception Detachment (Building 1006) located on Carter Street no later than the required report date stated on their assignment instructions. The Fort Bliss Reception Detachment staff duty is manned 24 hours daily. The staff duty phone number is 915-569-5261.

Reception Detachment will not approve Permissive Temporary Duty/House Hunting Leave upon arrival. We recommend you have your departing unit authorize PTDY prior to departure. If a Soldier wishes to take PTDY after their report date, it needs to be requested through their gaining unit. Once a Soldier has signed in, he/she will complete in-processing before signing out on PTDY through their gaining unit. Housing is located at BLDG T-0070 Carter Road (corner of Pleasonton and Carter) and their operating hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (Closed from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.). The Housing Office is closed every third Thursday of the month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Housing Office phone number is 915-568-2898.

If you are arriving to the El Paso International Airport and require transportation to Fort Bliss, Soldiers can call 915-569-5261 to be picked up by the Reception staff duty. Alternatively, Soldiers can pay for an Uber or ride share to the installation (charges will be reimbursed when they settle their travel voucher).

GATES:

Buffalo Soldier
24/7
Visitor Control Center: 24/7
Notice: Buffalo Soldier Gate exit lanes are not equipped with tire shredders.

Cassidy
24/7

Chaffee
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Notice: Commercial truck traffic will use Buffalo Soldiers ACT to access Fort Bliss on the weekends.

CSM Barreras
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: Closed

McGregor Front
24/7
Notice: No Visitor Control Center

MSG Espinoza (WBAMC)
24/7

MSG Pena
24/7

Old Ironsides
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Notice: Closed Federal Holidays

PFC Minue
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 5-10 a.m.; 4-8 p.m. (Outbound only)
Tuesday: 5-10 a.m.; 4-8 p.m. (Outbound only)
Wednesday: 5-10 a.m.; 4-8 p.m. (Outbound only)
Thursday: 5-10 a.m.; 4-8 p.m. (Outbound only)
Friday: 5-10 a.m.; 4-8 p.m. (Outbound only)
Saturday: Closed

Ross School ECP
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 7-8 a.m.; 10:45 a.m. - noon; 2-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 7-8 a.m.; 10:45 a.m. - noon; 2-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 7-8 a.m.; 10:45 a.m. - noon; 2-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 7-8 a.m.; 10:45 a.m. - noon; 2-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7-8 a.m.; 10:45 a.m. - noon; 2-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Notice: Pedestrian DoD only; No Visitor Control Center

SGT Duran (WBAMC)
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Notice: Closed Federal Holidays

Sheridan
Sunday: Closed
Monday: (Inbound lanes) 5-9 a.m. and 2-6 p.m.; (Outbound lanes) 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: (Inbound lanes) 5-9 a.m. and 2-6 p.m.; (Outbound lanes) 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday: (Inbound lanes) 5-9 a.m. and 2-6 p.m.; (Outbound lanes) 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: (Inbound lanes) 5-9 a.m. and 2-6 p.m.; (Outbound lanes) 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: (Inbound lanes) 5-9 a.m. and 2-6 p.m.; (Outbound lanes) 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: Closed

Silvestre Reyes (formerly Constitution)
24/7

Visitor Control Center, Buffalo Soldier Gate
24/7
Notice: Buffalo Soldier Visitor Control Center, (915) 568-3215. For information about the DOD Sponsored Pass, Trusted Traveler Program, Community Access Pass, Guest Access Pass Online/Kiosk information, access for Contractors, Taxi/Ride-Sharing Drivers, and Veterans/Primary caregivers, visit the Gate Information webpage at https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/my-fort/all-services/gate-information

Visitor Control Center, Chaffee Gate
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Notice: For information about the DOD Sponsored Pass, Trusted Traveler Program, Community Access Pass, Guest Access Pass Online/Kiosk information, access for Contractors, Taxi/Ride-Sharing Drivers, and Veterans/Primary caregivers, visit the Gate Information webpage at https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/my-fort/all-services/gate-information

INSTALLATION ACCESS PASS, DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (DES)
Primary: 915-568-3215
Secondary: 915-744-1551

DoD Sponsored Pass

When registering for an online pass, you must enter the information “exactly” as it is on your government-issued identification. Entering information that is not consistent with information on your government-issued identification, i.e., expiration date or name variations will result in your pass being denied. You will be directed to go to one of the Visitor Control Centers located at either Buffalo Solder Gate or Chaffee Gate. Denied pass applications must be resolved at a VCC.

DoD ID cardholders needing to sponsor guests for unrestricted (24/7) access may sponsor visitors in person at the Chaffee Gate Visitor Control Center, Bldg. 2616, Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.-9 p.m., or the Buffalo Soldier Visitor Control Center, Bldg. 5400, which is open 24/7.

DoD ID cardholders can also sponsor visitors by submitting a Fort Bliss Installation Access Pass Application to  usarmy.bliss.imcom-central.mbx.fort-bliss-installation-acess@army.mil from a .mil email address. The application must be submitted no later than 72 hours prior to visitor arrival and no earlier than 14 days prior to visitor arrival. If the form is submitted 72 hours in advance, the DoD ID cardholder will not have to be present at the VCC with the visitor. The Fort Bliss Community Access Pass may be issued up to a year.

Trusted Traveler Program

The Fort Bliss Trusted Traveler Program allows Department of Defense Identification cardholders 18 or older to escort up to seven non-DoD ID cardholder visitors (except foreign nationals) within their own vehicle without completing sponsorship paperwork to obtain a pass. Those who exercise Trusted Traveler must escort their visitors while they are on Fort Bliss.

Fort Bliss Community Access Pass

Visitors not affiliated with Fort Bliss can obtain a Community Access Pass after passing a criminal history background check at the Buffalo Soldier Visitor Control Center, Bldg. 5400, 24 hours a day, or the Chaffee Visitor Control Center, Bldg. 2616, Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

(NEW) Guest Access Pass Online/Kiosk

To obtain a Guest Access Pass, visitors can:

Pre-register on the Visitor Management System website https://pass.aie.army.mil/?b+=usa&i=fort_bliss&t=v or go directly to a kiosk located at either Buffalo Soldier or Chaffee Visitor Control Center.

Sponsorship can be required (as applicable, IAW Service/Installation Policy).

*NOTE: If derogatory information is determined, the following will occur:

For active-duty personnel, their family members, and DoD employees, who scan red, customer will be provided with a 45-day pass and a waiver packet to be provided to their commander/director for submittal to the senior commander for approved unescorted access.
Non-DoD CAC personnel will be denied access and provided with a waiver packet for submittal to the senior commander for approved unescorted access.

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Veterans and primary family caregivers who are eligible for expanded access to Commissary, Exchange and DFMWR facilities and have a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) must first visit the Fort Bliss Visitor Control Center for a background check and VHIC registration. The Visitor Control Center is located at Chaffee Gate, and open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

All vehicles and occupants entering Fort Bliss are subject to random searches/inspections, and a National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) background check. Those with derogatory information related to the Army Fitness Adjudication Standards will be denied access to the installation.

GATES:

Buffalo Soldier - 24/7 Notice: Buffalo Soldier Gate exit lanes are not equipped with tire shredders. Visitor Control Center: 24/7

Cassidy - 24/7
Notice: ROAD REPAIRS AT CASSIDY ACP INTERSECTION, Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 13, 2025(As of March 2025 repairs are ongoing): Drivers should be aware that Cassidy ACP will undergo road repairs from Monday (Nov. 11) through about Feb. 13, 2025 (As of March 2025 repairs are ongoing). The first phase affects inbound traffic. Traffic control will be installed on Nov. 11; construction starts Nov. 12. As drivers enter the installation, the right lane entering the ACP will be closed. The center lane will have to merge into the left lane after passing through the ACP. Cassidy OUTBOUND traffic is not impacted during Phase I. Pedestrians will be able to access the crosswalk on Sheridan Road. Updates to follow.

Chaffee
Sunday Closed, Commercial truck traffic will use Buffalo Soldiers ACT to access Fort
Monday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday Closed, Commercial truck traffic will use Buffalo Soldiers ACT to access Fort Bliss on the weekends.

CSM Barreras
Sunday Closed
Monday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday Closed

McGregor Front - 24/7
Notice: No Visitor Control Center

MSG Espinoza - 24/7

MSG Pena - 24/7

Old Ironsides
Sunday Closed
Monday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Notice: Closed Federal Holidays

PFC Minue
Sunday Closed
Monday 5 - 10 a.m.; 4 - 8 p.m. (Outbound only)
Tuesday 5 - 10 a.m.; 4 - 8 p.m. (Outbound only)
Wednesday 5 - 10 a.m.; 4 - 8 p.m. (Outbound only)
Thursday 5 - 10 a.m.; 4 - 8 p.m. (Outbound only)
Friday 5 - 10 a.m.; 4 - 8 p.m. (Outbound only)
Saturday Closed

Ross School ECP
Sunday Closed
Monday 7-8 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.-noon; 2-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday 7-8 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.-noon; 2-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 7-8 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.-noon; 2-5:30 p.m.
Thursday 7-8 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.-noon; 2-5:30 p.m.
Friday 7-8 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.-noon; 2-5:30 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Notice: Pedestrian DoD only; No Visitor Control Center

SGT Duran
Sunday Closed
Monday 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Federal Holiday’s Closed
Notice: Duran ACP is the southern access point to WBAMC located off Loop 375’s Iron Medics exit. Espinoza ACP will remain operational 24/7. All emergencies should prioritize the use of Espinoza gate. Espinoza ACP is the northern access point to WBAMC located off Spur 601’s Silvestre Reyes (formerly Constitution) Exit. For more information, visit the WBAMC website, https://william-beaumont.tricare.mil/ , and go to the driving directions page. This page will tell you the hours of operation for each gate and where they are located.

Sheridan
Sunday Closed
Monday Inbound lanes: 5 - 9 a.m. and 2 - 6 p.m.; Outbound lanes: 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday Inbound lanes: 5 - 9 a.m. and 2 - 6 p.m.; Outbound lanes: 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday Inbound lanes: 5 - 9 a.m. and 2 - 6 p.m.; Outbound lanes: 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday Inbound lanes: 5 - 9 a.m. and 2 - 6 p.m.; Outbound lanes: 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday Inbound lanes: 5 - 9 a.m. and 2 - 6 p.m.; Outbound lanes: 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday Closed

Silvestre Reyes (formerly Constitution) - 24/7

Visitor Control Center, Buffalo Soldier Gate
Sunday 24/7
Monday 24/7
Tuesday 24/7
Wednesday 24/7
Thursday 24/7
Friday 24/7
Saturday 24/7
Notice: Buffalo Soldier Visitor Control Center, (915) 568-3215. For information about the DOD Sponsored Pass, Trusted Traveler Program, Community Access Pass, Guest Access Pass Online/Kiosk information, access for Contractors, Taxi/Ride-Sharing Drivers, and Veterans/Primary caregivers, visit the Gate Information webpage at https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/my-fort/all-services/gate-information

Visitor Control Center, Chaffee Gate
Sunday Closed
Monday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Notice: For information about the DOD Sponsored Pass, Trusted Traveler Program, Community Access Pass, Guest Access Pass Online/Kiosk information, access for Contractors, Taxi/Ride-Sharing Drivers, and Veterans/Primary caregivers, visit the Gate Information webpage at https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/my-fort/all-services/gate-information

INSTALLATION ACCESS PASS, DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (DES)
Primary: 915-568-3215
Secondary: 915-744-1551

Sunday 24/7
Monday 24/7
Tuesday 24/7
Wednesday 24/7
Thursday 24/7
Friday 24/7
Saturday 24/7
BLDG 5400
5400 Buffalo Soldier Road
Fort Bliss TX 79916

INSTALLATION ACCESS PASS, DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (DES)
Primary: 915-568-6853
Secondary: 915-744-1551

Sunday Closed
Monday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday Closed
BLDG 2616
2616 Chaffee Road
Fort Bliss TX 79916

Fort Bliss spans a significant area, encompassing two main sections that straddle the Texas-New Mexico state line. The original section, known as Main Post, sits north of Interstate 10 and east of US Highway 54 (Patriot Freeway). East Bliss, a rapidly growing area that was once Biggs Army Airfield, extends north from Main Post and will eventually house the majority (two-thirds) of Fort Bliss's soldiers. The 601 Spur, or Liberty Expressway, provides easy access to East Bliss. For those seeking the Soldier Support Center, it is located in Building 505 on Pershing Road within Main Post.

Many units have a shuttle for their Soldiers to utilize. The Public Transportation System (Sun Metro) for El Paso has bus routes which run in and out of Fort Bliss. Please contact El Paso Sun Metro for more information or go to www.sunmetro.net. Local taxis are also available on and off post for commuting.

• Reception Staff Duty: 915-569-5261, Bldg. 1006 Carter Rd.
• Non-Emergency Military Police: 915-744-2115
• Buffalo Soldier Gate Visitor Control Center: 915-568-3215, 24/7

The carrying of a concealed weapon on the installation is prohibited, regardless of whether a state or county permit has been obtained. Per AR 190-11, a concealed weapon is any instrument used or designed for the purpose of inflicting grievous bodily harm that is carried on the person in such a way as to be hidden from ordinary view. Folded knives with blades shorter than 3 inches are excluded from this definition.