Opinions on Fort Bliss

Just found out my first duty station is going to be Fort Bliss. Does anyone have any thoughts on the place, please more positives than negatives, Bliss was the one post I didn't want end up at haha.

My wife and I are both from the Phoenix area and were excited to move out of the desert and experience a winter for once, haha. On the bright side it's only 6 hours from home

 

Like most things, I 'd say it's more what you make it than what the place actually is or isn't. You and your spouse's attitude is determine most of your experience. You make Bliss or where-ever you get stationed next what it is (for the most part). That and surround yourself with really good friends or create a close knit community that have common interests and support each other. Despite what you may have heard of Bliss, I would try and keep an open mind about it. And if not, try and look up stuff in Texas that will get you excited or things you are interested in. Big Bend, Lincoln National Forest (NM), Carlsbad Caverns, and Guadalupe Mtns are somewhat nearby. And realize that no matter how long it may seem, every assignment is temporary.

I was stationed on the coast of California and I absolutely hated it for a year plus. It wasn't until I realized I was wasting it all not doing anything I liked. And other personal reasons, but I ended up loving California (except the gun laws). I'm in middle of no-where Texas and it is hot, humid, and flat. But it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. You just got to drive to go to places dude. There is a lot to explore, but I will admit the heat is bad for me. You're from Arizona, so I assume you'll be accustomed to it. Other than that just try and keep an open mind and remember it's temporary so just do your best.

 

As William Bliss had an average military and political career, it seems odd to name any post after him. Maybe someone just had a sense of humor. I've done two extended TDYs there. Hope to never go back. I know that's not positive, but it is what it is. Stay safe.

 

Dude, I'll be headed to White Sands shortly. If you ever wanna grab a beer in either Alamogordo or El Paso it's two hours lol.

 

I spent 3 years at Ft. Bliss. Since you are married, you will get housing. I recommend the historic brick houses, that's where we lived. They actually have basements. 321 Thompson Loop, to be exact.

I actually liked El Paso. Great food, great scenery. Trans mountain road is awesome (particularly on a bike). Hiking in the Franklins, riding the tram, hunting on the government land, UTEP games are all things I liked to do there. They gave us Sun Bowl tickets every year. We got free tickets to the Rolling Stones one time.

As far as being on post, who knows? They're all the same if you ask me. A lot depends on your MOS, chain of command, and fellow soldiers. Keep a good attitude, work and play hard. You'll enjoy it if you want to. Good luck.

 

I was there on TDY for a while. I personally like El Paso. The Cattlemens Steakhouse was the best steak I have ever had thus far in life. The on post stuff is nice, great PX. Spent alot of time in the field while I was there which sucked, cold as crap at night. Could be worse!

 

I was just there a few weeks ago seeing a friend that was stationed there as I was heading to my new assignment in California. Him and I are both USAF (Weather guys, so we do more with the army than anything else). He loves it there, and has been there for going on 3 years.

If a USAF guy loves it (the base and area that is) you'll likely love it. I will echo an earlier post. If I've learned anything from my time in, if you have an open mind about an assignment, you'll find something to enjoy. The same was true for my first deployment, any TDY I've been on, and my last assignment in probably the worst city I've ever had the displeasure of being in. If you make the most of it, you'll get the most out of it.

 

I can't speak on fort bliss but I was at holloman for 6 months and loved the area. A lot of good wheeling, hiking and camping. Alamogordo isn't exciting but el paso and las Cruces are fun! Like previously stated, make the most of it and you'll enjoy it.

PS fort bliss\white sands do a lot of really cool research and stuff. You'll find out soon enough. Hit me up with any questions

 

@Brick_26 I was a weather dude at Bliss for 2.5 years! I probably know your friend!! I was also at Edwards last year briefly when I was at NTC at Ft. Irwin. NTC was my least favorite place I've ever been too.....

Anyways, I would say Ft. Bliss wasn't bad at all IMO. When I was there I went to Big Bend NP, Guadalupe Mtns NP, White Sands, and all over the SW US exploring. Being a dude from the East coast it was a great experience to see the west. It is a great home base for lots of adventures.

Furthermore, contrary to many people's preconceptions about being close to the border the crime rate is very low. I live in Albuquerque now and this place is 100x worse as far as crime. Not only that, but the post is one of the nicest as far as facilities go that I have ever been too, that includes Air Force bases. The gym and aquatics centers are top of the line, and the PX/Freedom Crossing is out of this world. The building I worked in was brand new too. I have never been to a place with a Denny's/Texas Roadhouse/Starbucks/and a ton of other options ever. I am at Kirtland AFB and everything is super old and the facilities are lacking, Ft. Bliss was way nicer.

Hope you enjoy your first assignment @tensecondchevelle and best of luck. If you need any advice on housing/places to eat/etc just shoot me a PM and I'd be happy to help you out.

 

Nice!! Small world lol