White Sands Missile Range is a National Asset, critical for enabling National Security Modernization through Independent Development Testing, Operational Testing, and Evaluation.  White Sands Missile Range provides unmatched infrastructure and capabilities to test, evaluate, and train emerging technologies in a Multi-Domain Operations environment. White Sands Missile Range will position itself to become a Center of Excellence for Space and Missile Testing and Evaluation, and will ensure timely information is provided to Senior Leaders enabling future force decisions.

It began with a test of the world’s first atomic bomb in 1945. After 80 years and more than 42,000 rocket and missile tests, however, White Sands Missile Range continues as the premier military test range in America, earning its title as “Birthplace of America’s Missile and Space Activity.”

Comprised of 3,200 squares miles (roughly the size of Rhode Island and Delaware) White Sands Missile Range supports the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as commercial and Space Force Army, Navy, Air Force Space Force international users on a reimbursable basis while conducting more than 3,000 tests annually.

The mission at White Sands Missile Range begins with a customer, a service developer, a foreign ally, or another federal agency ready to find out if their engineers and scientists have built something that will perform according to job specifications. It ends when an exhaustive series of tests have been completed and a data report has been delivered to the customer.

What testing capabilities are offered at White Sands Missile Range? We shake, rattle, and roll a product, roast it, freeze it, subject it to nuclear radiation, dip it in salt water or roll it in the mud. We test its pain, bend its frame, and can even gauge the effect its propulsion material has on flora and fauna. In the end, if it’s a missile, we fire it, record its performance and bring back the pieces for postmortem examination. All test data is reduced and the customer receives a full report.

WELCOME HOME TO WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE.

Whether you are coming for a PCS move or as a visitor, we believe you will find your stay with us both worthwhile and enjoyable.

As a test installation, WSMR is unparalleled within the Department of Defense. The community is welcoming and friendly. There are many services and facilities on post to make life comfortable and entertaining. We encourage you explore the area’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The information in this guide will acquaint you with WSMR's major activities, facilities, and services.

White Sands Missile Range has a population of the main residential area of according to occupied Homes 352/374 Residents to White Sands Homes.

Comfort index climate is 7.2 in the summer and 7.3 in the winter.

White Sands Missile Range Population: 5,908 which includes Service Members, Family Members, Civilian Employees, Contractors, and Reservists. (as of February 2025)

WELCOME HOME TO WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE!

White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) is comprised of 3,200 squares miles (roughly the size of Rhode Island and Delaware). WSMR supports the Army, Navy, Space Force and Air Force, as well as commercial and international users. WSMR functions as the premier military test range in America, earning its title as “Birthplace of Americai’s Missile and Space Activity.”

ACS provides support and services to a population of 995 includes transient Military Service Members; 576 Family Members of Active Duty; 1627 Army Civilian Employees; 1965 Other DOD Civilians employees; 1293 Contractors; and 2 Reserve Components (All).

(Data retrieved from Army Stationing and Installation Plan (ASIP), February 2025.

WELCOME HOME TO WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE.

White Sands Missile Range is nestled within the Tularosa Basin of south-central New Mexico with majestic views of the Organ Mountains. The Headquarters area is 20 miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico and 45 miles north of El Paso, Texas (Ft. Bliss).

White Sands Missile Range Museum – Atomic. Missile. Space. Birthplace of American Ages. (wsmrmuseum.com)

African Oryx - White Sands National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

For general community information and available community resources, please call Army Community Service at 575-678-6767.

From El Paso, Texas Airport

When you leave the El Paso Airport area, turn right onto Airway Blvd. At the second stoplight, turn right onto Airport Road. Continue on Airport Road to TX 601-Spur. Use the left two lanes to take the TX-601 Spur West ramp. Merge on to TX-601 Spur.

Use the right two lanes to merge onto US-54 East towards Alamogordo, NM. Take exit 31, Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Use left two lanes to turn onto Kenworthy Street. Continue onto Farm to Market Rd 3255/Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

Continue onto NM-213 North. At the traffic circle, continue straight on NM-213 North/War Road. Follow War Road approximately 30 miles to WSMR El Paso gate.

From Las Cruces, New Mexico

Take Highway 25 north to Highway 70 East (Highway 70 is also called "Main Street"). Turn right onto Highway 70 East towards WSMR or Alamogordo. Continue on Highway 70 East for about 25 miles over the San Augustine Pass and exit just after mile marker 169. Turn right onto Owen Rd. The Las Cruces/Alamogordo Main Post Gate is approximately 3 miles after the exit.

From Alamogordo, New Mexico

Take Highway 70 west. Proceed about 47 miles to the missile range exit labeled "Headquarters" just after mile marker 172. The exit ramp loops under Highway 70 onto Owen Rd. The Las Cruces/Alamogordo main post gate is approximately 3 miles after you exit.

ROADBLOCKS – For info call 575-678-1178 (Range Control)

The WSMR Range Control may initiate roadblocks on public roads such as U.S. Highways 70, 54 and 380. The Highway 70 blocks are set at various points between White Sands National Monument and San Augustin Pass. The Highway 380 blocks are set east of the Rio Grande and west of Carrizozo. The Highway 54 blocks are set south of Oro Grande, New Mexico and north of the New Mexico and Texas state line.

Prior to travel, contact Range Control at 575-678-1178 for the updated Roadblock status.

WELCOME HOME TO White Sands Missile Range.

Currently, there is no public transportation offered.

The WSMR Community is fortunate that the majority of facilities are within walking distance from the Barracks and Housing areas (ie: Army Community Service, Gym, Commissary, Exchange, Bowling Center, Indoor Aquatic Center, and White Sands School Middle and Elementary).

For general community information and available community resources, please contact Army Community Service at 575-678-6767.

Currently there is no Base Operator.

Contact your gaining Unit or Sponsor for updated information.

 WSMR Army Community Service (Information and Referral) Commercial 575-678-6767/DSN 312-678-6767.