If you had to choose between Fort Bliss vs Fort Riley, what one would you consider and why?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 May 2018 15:31:19 -0400

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 10 at 2018 3:34 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 10 May 2018 15:34:41 -0400

You're going to get hate for both I suspect. That said, I was at Ft. Bliss for 3 years, and loved it and the El Paso area. My unit however...eh, not so much.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 3:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 May 2018 15:51:59 -0400

I have a friend whose husband is stationed at Riley right now and they love it. I don't think I've ever heard anyone really say anything good about Bliss.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made May 10 at 2018 4:03 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Thu, 10 May 2018 16:03:07 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I myself would take Fort Riley because of no offense to anyone who lives in Texas. I just don't want to live there, kind of like Georgia I didn't want to live there when I was stationed at Fort Stewart. I am a Northerner through and through. LOL Prefer to have snow in the winter time.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made May 10 at 2018 4:06 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Thu, 10 May 2018 16:06:51 -0400

Riley would be my pick even though I enjoyed 4 years at Bliss.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 10 at 2018 4:39 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 10 May 2018 16:39:02 -0400

Texas sucks! Go with Riley.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 10 at 2018 4:41 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 10 May 2018 16:41:34 -0400

If you like the desert go to Bliss, if you don’t go to Riley. If you enjoy travel on the weekends go to where you have the most places to enjoy within driving distance. Both organizations are strong and both based take care of Family and Soldiers. Thank you for your service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 5:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 May 2018 17:17:22 -0400

Summer in Fort Bliss can get to about 115 degrees in the sun. Winter had a few cold days. Not much greenery around El Paso. It wasn't my favorite post. However, I took a lot of trips on weekends into the "Old West" of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and southern Colorado. West Texas was pretty empty. Sign on I-10 eastbound as you drove out of El Paso had some ludicrous number of miles to San Antonio and the only stopping place on the interstate itself of any size on that journey is Fort Stockton about halfway.

My brother was at Fort Riley and liked it. Don't know his reasons, though.

Response by MAJ James Woods made May 10 at 2018 5:30 PM

MAJ James Woods — Thu, 10 May 2018 17:30:18 -0400

Spent four years at Riley and hated the winters and other than KC I was extremely bored. Five years at Bliss before retiring and yeah the summers are hot, the nights were cool, the winters never reached single digits, and there sure as hell is so much more to do locally or traveling a few hours in any direction (from Dallas/Austin/San Antonio to Albuquerque to Tucson/Phoenix to San Diego); not to mention the local mountain towns for hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing.
Quality of life on post is far better at Bliss; 1AD invested far more money in family housing, MWR facilities, a new hospital, Freedom Crossing and Grand 10 post movie theater (grand opening was in 2011), etc. 1ID and Riley still playing catch up.
As far as unit assignments go, not much difference between a BCT in 1ID and 1AD. FT Riley was a decent assignment but I highly recommend FT Bliss.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 10 at 2018 5:40 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 10 May 2018 17:40:26 -0400

I'd go with Riley.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 5:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 May 2018 17:44:16 -0400

bliss is a LOT of sand LOL
I'm stationed at fort riley
BIG base..but not a WHOLE lot to do... Kansas city a couple hours away... same with Wichita
its really not too bad honestly

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 10 at 2018 5:54 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Thu, 10 May 2018 17:54:58 -0400

honest answer - a duty station is what you make of it - the experiences, the travel and appreciation are all subjective to what YOU personally want to make of it - If you go with a negative attitude - then the place is gonna suck because your looking for confirmation of your bias. My advice - whichever one you decide - go in with an open mind, and the exhilaration of seeing a new place, with new experiences to be had.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 9:26 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 May 2018 21:26:48 -0400

First ex was at Bliss for AIT, we spent 2 years at Ft. Riley. I say Riley. I am not a fan of TRADOC posts is my biggest reason. As a Soldier, I don't want to have to worry about if they are IET Soldiers that I'm not supposed to be hanging out with vs cadre I can make friends with, or stressing about "setting the example for the new recruits" rather than just not being a fucktard when I go to the PX or shoppette. I also hated dealing with the little assholes (not all IET Soldiers, the individuals who are little assholes and I hate that they didn't get kicked out before making it to week 5 of basic) whether I was a Soldier or a dependent, especially as the "kinder, gentler Army" mentality hog tied leaders' ability to "set them straight." The last Soldier to mouth off at me because I was "just" a wife got his ass handed to him and I was informed that I was out of line and embarrassed my ex-husband, and the jackass was no longer an IET private, he was a damn permanent party PFC. I also vote no for any post in TX because I'm not a fan of the sand or the heat, I like my fall weather, and while I'm not a huge fan of winter, I do enjoy experiencing it for a few weeks (as long as I can hunker down on my couch with hot chocolate and a blanket!)... give me 10 months of fall, 2 of winter, spring and summer each and I'm good.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 4:44 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 May 2018 04:44:03 -0400

Riley, better climate and easier access to international airports/large cities.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 7:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 May 2018 07:47:50 -0400

If you are an outdoor person, I would say Fort Riley. I was as stationed there for four years and it was great.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 11 at 2018 11:43 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 11 May 2018 11:43:35 -0400

If you want to recreate Iraq/Kuwait type temps and have Afghanistan type scenery go to Fort Bliss. If you want to creat Korea like humidity, monsoon like season including winder go to Fort Riley. You can equally enjoy or hate both. I have been all those places mentioned. I equally hated and loved Bliss and Riley.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made May 11 at 2018 4:59 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 11 May 2018 16:59:36 -0400

A little tardy to the conversation, but having been here at Riley and just returned from TDY to Bliss, I have to say the BRO! The history and as others mentioned the location, easy access to air out of Manhattan, if you like outdoors, it is here, like developing and going to college, no better place with free tuition and books for community college. The people are amazingly southern friendly which we did not expect. The relationship between the base and community is like none other. Bliss has great facilities and is a self-sustaining post, meaning you do not have to leave it to enjoy yourself. Riley, you do leave the base, but it is nice. Just a lil .02.......

Response by SSG Eric Trace made May 11 at 2018 6:26 PM

SSG Eric Trace — Fri, 11 May 2018 18:26:20 -0400

Fort Bliss, simply because there is more to do there as a Family and for single Soldiers, the Bade is currently growing, has its own mall on post, has bars, pubs and Restaurants on post other than Burger King. I have been to both places, I enjoyed Fort Riley, But I Hunt and Fish and had a boat and motorcycle, so Riley was Ideal for me. At Bliss, I was lucky enough to be able to be stationed there with my Son in Law, Daughter and Grandsons, there was plenty of things to do on post and you are right In El Paso. Plenty to do.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 12 at 2018 2:30 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sat, 12 May 2018 02:30:42 -0400

What helps us answer these questions is more about you.If you hunt and fish, KS is better. If you have a young family Bliss is better. CYSS is the best I have ever seen at Bliss as I have 8&6 yr olds. Riley has Aggieville and KState for young single soldiers. Bliss is better for shooting and off roading.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 5:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 05:17:40 -0400

Good question my last 2 assignment were at both. 2 yes at The hospital at Bliss and 2 with the WTB at Riley. Quickly echo others it is all what you make out if it. FT Bliss is 10 have for San Antonio and like 1-2 hr from Las Cruces. You can't go to Mexico so don't think about it. Alot of people but smog and unless you like mountains( in Cali they are hills) there is not much outdoor stuff close by. As for ft riley. You are an hour from anywhere. And alot of outdoor stuff but still xompariable to bliss just other major areas are alot closer. You will have more adminitrativly at Bliss though bigger base too. If they are your only 2 options choose bliss.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 8:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 08:25:56 -0400

I would ask myself:

Do I want hot, brown, and dry or do I want humid, green, and wet...Both have something the other doesn't. Bliss as Freedom Crossing and two hours away is Cloudcroft where you can go in the mountains and snowboard. Riley is much smaller of a post and they have every season.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made May 12 at 2018 10:14 AM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Sat, 12 May 2018 10:14:31 -0400

I was stationed at Bliss; if you like arid, hot weather and very little precipitation, being near New Mexico, Bliss is OK. El Paso is an OK city. I've only been to Riley once, to take a soldier to the ARB, and it seemed like a pleasant post.

Response by SPC Jerry Mensah made May 13 at 2018 6:30 PM

SPC Jerry Mensah — Sun, 13 May 2018 18:30:17 -0400

Fort Bliss

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2018 9:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 May 2018 21:31:23 -0400

Depends on what you like to do,Riley has fishing,hiking,hunting,and grass. Ft bliss not so much

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2018 3:29 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 May 2018 03:29:03 -0400

Bliss. There is more to do and it is closer to the Mountains for hiking and skiing in the winter.
Riley is in the middle of Kansas and there is not a lot going on for things to do.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made May 15 at 2018 3:33 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 15 May 2018 03:33:52 -0400

The two best bases you will ever stationed on are the one you are leaving and the one you are going to next. You learn to take the good with the bad. It makes you a stronger person and better service member.

Response by CH (1LT) Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2018 3:37 AM

CH (1LT) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 May 2018 03:37:23 -0400

Ft. Riley hahaha listen to the name Ft. Bliss.... it is literally in the middle of nowhere. Plus the SGM Academy is there so definitely Ft. Riley. Either way both of them are out there. Riley winters are brutal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2018 8:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 May 2018 08:00:18 -0400

I’ve never been to Ft. Riley but I can tell you that Ft. Bliss was one of my favorite duty stations in the 14 years that I’ve been in. The night life in El Paso is great, the city is growing with plenty to do. Head north into New Mexico, and you will find yourself with plenty to do as well. Ruidoso has a casino, Inn of the Mountain of the Gods as well as log cabins for rent. Albuquerque and Santa Fe are nice tourist destinations. Carlsbad has the Carlsbad Caverns which is a site to see. East of El Paso you have Balmorhea which has a nice state park with one of the biggest spring fed pools you’ve ever seen.

If you like racing there’s a quarter mile strip right outside of El Paso that my friends and I used to enjoy, which I heard is supposed to become a state of the art Motorsport complex.

Response by CW4 Robert C. made May 16 at 2018 9:58 AM

CW4 Robert C. — Wed, 16 May 2018 09:58:59 -0400

Well unlike everyone else I would rather be at Riley. I was stationed there twice. I have been to the desert multiple times and really just don't want to be at Bliss. Although I do believe it would be a nice place. I do believe that there are many things to do at Riley just like at Bliss. But that is like asking Riley or Drum. On that one I would choose Drum. Now ain't that one hilarious.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 12:28 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 May 2018 00:28:08 -0400

Both have there goods and bads. it’s all what u make of it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 8:13 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 May 2018 08:13:45 -0400

What is behind door number 3?

I guess I would hold my nose and choose Riley, but yuck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 2:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 May 2018 14:03:12 -0400

Bliss, there is a lot of stuff to do in El Paso.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2018 1:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 01:34:21 -0400

I'd volunteer for Drill SGT or recruiting before those choices.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2019 7:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 07:30:11 -0400

I've did ait at ft. Bliss, loved the area and weather,
I've been stationed at Polk loved it,
I've been stationed at Knox loved it, ft. Lee loved it I'm in riley ks, from ks anyways so I know stuff places and people all around, it still not a fan. I wont say any other duty station was better or.not or any unit or not. But I definately can say riley is bottom.of my list. Experiences may differ based on unit mos, command team, it's so many variables.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2020 11:48 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 23:48:10 -0500

I take Fort Bliss