Posted on Mar 29, 2015
As a veteran, can I go back and visit Ft Bliss?
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I was stationed at Ft. Bliss back in the late 80s and would love to go back and visit the base. Can I as a civilian do that? Are there special rules and considerations? I appreciate any information anyone stationed there could give.
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Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 9
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PV2 (Join to see),
Rules for getting on Army Bases have changed. If you do not have a Department of Defense CAC Card (ID....active duty, reserve, retired, dependent, or civilian employee) you will have to get a visitor pass. You will need a valid ID (eg. drivers license). They will conduct a background check on you (should take 15-20 minutes depending on the amount of people trying to get on base). Some bases have gone to an online option for applying for your pass in advance (so it will be ready when you show up, thus avoiding a potential long wait). Regardless, I recommend your call the Post MP/Police Desk and ask in advance to make sure there are no hiccups when you get there.
Rules for getting on Army Bases have changed. If you do not have a Department of Defense CAC Card (ID....active duty, reserve, retired, dependent, or civilian employee) you will have to get a visitor pass. You will need a valid ID (eg. drivers license). They will conduct a background check on you (should take 15-20 minutes depending on the amount of people trying to get on base). Some bases have gone to an online option for applying for your pass in advance (so it will be ready when you show up, thus avoiding a potential long wait). Regardless, I recommend your call the Post MP/Police Desk and ask in advance to make sure there are no hiccups when you get there.
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CSM (Join to see)
PV2 (Join to see)
All you need is your drivers license to gain entry to Fort Bliss. Your guest can use his passport. Fort Bliss is different than other military installations because it is smack in the middle of El Paso and has a very close relationship with the civilian population.
All you need is your drivers license to gain entry to Fort Bliss. Your guest can use his passport. Fort Bliss is different than other military installations because it is smack in the middle of El Paso and has a very close relationship with the civilian population.
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CSM (Join to see)
There are some gates (SGM gate...sometimes called the construction gate...off 375) that are only accessible to DoD ID card holders
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SGT (Join to see)
I agree with SGM Oldsen. Fort Bliss is an open post and unless they're on lock-down for some reason, you can get on post through any gate with just a drivers license. Expect to possibly get pulled over and searched, but that's random. Even if they are on lock-down, there are still two gates you can come in with only a DL. Of course, you can't purchase anything from the PX or Commissary without a CAC or Retired ID card, but you can still enjoy all the shops and movie theater at the nicest mall area in the DOD, Freedom Crossing! They often have free concerts there and are very open to the public!
Good Luck and God Bless.
Good Luck and God Bless.
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PV2 (Join to see)
I was stationed at Bliss for three years and just recently PCSd to Fort Stewart. You can get on Fort Bliss with just your drivers license, there is no requirement for a visitors pass. At least there wasn't and I left about six months ago. I know that they specified only certain gates that civilians are allowed to use. You can probably find some more info on their webpage.
https://www.bliss.army.mil/
I was stationed at Bliss for three years and just recently PCSd to Fort Stewart. You can get on Fort Bliss with just your drivers license, there is no requirement for a visitors pass. At least there wasn't and I left about six months ago. I know that they specified only certain gates that civilians are allowed to use. You can probably find some more info on their webpage.
https://www.bliss.army.mil/
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CSM (Join to see)
PV2 (Join to see)
On the right hand side about halfway down the page is the information for the access points.
On the right hand side about halfway down the page is the information for the access points.
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You will not recognize the place. I was here for the Sergeants Major Academy 2008-2009, and when I came back last year I was lost. The facilities on this post are amazing
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PV2 (Join to see)
Wow! As long as the German section is still there. When I was there in 87 3rd ACR was based there. Just down across from the ADA batteries. I'm looking forward to seeing it again. Is the old German V2 rocket still by the little German club on post?
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PV2 (Join to see)
I appreciate that. But I'm also respectful of security concerns as well and want to follow the rules.
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SSG Leonard Johnson
Just like at Ft Carson I'm pretty sure they have a security gate for civilians that u can get a pass and get a car inspection...just don't take anything illegal inside of course :)
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PV2 (Join to see),
Here is a direct quote from the Bliss Website reference Access...
https://www.bliss.army.mil/gateinfo.html
"These permanent measures maintain the commanding general’s number one priority of ensuring the safety and security to Fort Bliss and its employees, residents and visitors, while simultaneously providing the greater El Paso community the opportunity to enjoy and use our great amenities.
All vehicles and occupants entering Fort Bliss are subject to random searches and inspections - as has always been the standard - and all non-DoD persons can expect to obtain a visitor’s pass at certain gates. Travelers should plan their time accordingly as access times to Fort Bliss might be increased following these enduring security measure enhancements."
Call in Advance, they might have good pointers for good times to enter to avoid the rush, what gates to come through etc...
Enjoy your trip.
Here is a direct quote from the Bliss Website reference Access...
https://www.bliss.army.mil/gateinfo.html
"These permanent measures maintain the commanding general’s number one priority of ensuring the safety and security to Fort Bliss and its employees, residents and visitors, while simultaneously providing the greater El Paso community the opportunity to enjoy and use our great amenities.
All vehicles and occupants entering Fort Bliss are subject to random searches and inspections - as has always been the standard - and all non-DoD persons can expect to obtain a visitor’s pass at certain gates. Travelers should plan their time accordingly as access times to Fort Bliss might be increased following these enduring security measure enhancements."
Call in Advance, they might have good pointers for good times to enter to avoid the rush, what gates to come through etc...
Enjoy your trip.
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Suspended Profile
Lisa, what's your VA disability rating? 100% disabled vets get Mil ID cards, and are eligible for PX/BX/EX/Commissary privileges...
PV2 (Join to see)
My rating is not that much. Not even close. But I think my Federal CAC will do okay. It worked when I went to Ft Belvior for Oktoberfest last year
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Suspended Profile
Being a retiree, I'm clueless about what goes on with regular vets, but good luck...
I've heard that Ft Bliss is anything but blissful, but all bases have some good memories, don't they...
I've heard that Ft Bliss is anything but blissful, but all bases have some good memories, don't they...
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