PCSing to Ft Bliss (General). Any advice or recommendations?

2015-02-22T06:49:30-05:00

Will Pcs in June to 2-29 FA any helpful information? On post housing, off post housing, crazy post regulations?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 6:52 AM

2015-02-22T06:52:02-05:00

What installation?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 6:53 AM

2015-02-22T06:53:00-05:00

Fort bliss CSM

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Feb 22 at 2015 8:08 AM

2015-02-22T08:08:41-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I found a facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/2-29-Field-Artillery-Battle-Ready/ [login to see] 5

http://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil/MOS/f?p=MI:CONTENT:0::NO::P4_INST_ID,P4_INST_TYPE:4375,INSTALLATION

4-1 Field Artillery " First or Not at All"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 10:41 AM

2015-05-08T10:41:10-04:00

Best Mexican food in the US. Northeast area is the best place to live.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 8 at 2015 10:56 AM

2015-05-08T10:56:58-04:00

Don't go to Mexico.... ;o)

On post housing is actually pretty nice, but if you don't qualify or don't want to wait, the east side is closer to 1AD areas and to the new hospital being built. West side is a tad nicer, but is farther to drive (20+ minutes). Avoid living in central El Paso.

Post facilities are great (PX is hands down best in DoD). Army spent A LOT of money upgrading the facilities to make it a nicer place to be.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 10:56 AM

2015-05-08T10:56:56-04:00

Fort Bliss is awesome in so many way. Don't listen to what all the nay Sayers will tell you. The newest and most modern housing off post is on the Far East side. Takes me 15 mins to get to work. Hit me up if you want further details. Been here for two years now.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-05-08T11:13:59-04:00

As per the ft bliss standards book, pin on rank in not authorized.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 11:14 AM

2015-05-08T11:14:57-04:00

Also, the east side is way nicer than the west.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made May 8 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-05-08T12:56:04-04:00

You might want to upgrade car insurance to full coverage since 80% of el Paso are uninsured and they let Juarez cars on El Paso roads

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-05-08T17:23:51-04:00

I've been at Bliss since 2011. It's not bad, it just takes a little time to get use to.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 8 at 2015 5:57 PM

2015-05-08T17:57:33-04:00

I am an MP so I have driven all over Fort Bliss and most importantly to you, I have seen and been in at least a few homes in every family housing area. If you are in need of housing, stay away from Logan Heights. This area looks like "the projects". Housing is so dispirit in getting in new tenants, they are offering these dwellings to single Staff Sergeants.

Like others have said, El Paso has some really nice Mexican food so check that out. The zoo here is pretty amazing. Traffic is not awesome here so watch when you decide venture out during the week days. Watch your speed on the interstate. The police are good at hiding in plain sight.

You will have some opportunities to attend some college class if you are available for on and off post as there are many colleges on post and there is UTEP off post. If you intend to live in the NE and not on post, good for you. The drive to post is under 20 minutes depending on where you work and live exactly. If you like going to the mall, there are several chose from in El Paso. If you like outlet stores, there is one El Paso as well. There are some nice stores for just about everything.

If you have any specific questions for me, please do not hesitate to message me. I am glad I can help you.

Response by 1LT A. Uribe made May 8 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-05-08T18:00:49-04:00

Don't go go over the posted speed limit sign even by 1mph. One of the best steak houses in the country is located in Fabens. The rib shack is best for beef ribs.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 8 at 2015 7:37 PM

2015-05-08T19:37:30-04:00

Loved El Paso. Loved Bliss. 2-1AD was a dysfunctional carnival ride. Oh well, 2 outa 3 aint bad.

I was there from '09 to '12. I'll echo what a few others have said: The PX, Commissary, movie theater are great. The post grew a LOT while I was there, and one of the big things they did was build and refurbish on-post housing. I loved my house (if you can get into Upper Beaumont, do it!); it was within the shadow of the Army hospital, was part way up a mountain and had a commanding view of the post, El Paso AND Mexico.

I digress.

If you live off post, you may want to view crime statistics by neighborhood; central and NE El Paso have some issues. Wherever you look (if you so choose) for off post housing, you'll find its fairly abundant.

Prepare yourself for the climate. Its stupid hot in summer-but not humid. Its a desert. Also, as its mostly sunny, your vehicle's paint, dashboard and engine WILL take a beating.

Speaking of your car, insurance rates are a little higher in EP, and there is a higher rate of cars (including from Juarez) with no insurance. Remember Mexico is within spitting distance, so if your car is stolen...forget it. It's not coming back. Don't make it easy to boost your ride.

If you have kids, there is lots of things for them to do on and off post. My kids went to an El Paso public school and even though it wasn't a well funded school, the education they got there was good, and the district has close ties (and liaison personnel) with Bliss. I don't know how well the on post schools are.

There is a lot to do on post and in El Paso. If you're bored, you chose it. Nightlife, clubs, shopping, festivals, music, family friendly ventures, outdoor activities, cultural events, tourist traps, even cowboy stuff; its all there. You know there is always stuff going on with more than a half million people in El Paso (No matter what you are told, yes, they speak English...you'll learn the accent!).

Good luck.

P.S. Best Gut Trucks I've found yet!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 9:03 AM

2015-05-09T09:03:46-04:00

The post is awesome El Paso is ok it will depend on your unit.

Response by SSG Brian L. made May 11 at 2015 12:55 AM

2015-05-11T00:55:01-04:00

My favorite Mexican restaurant in El Paso is Carlos and Mickeys just off base near the Ciela Vista Mall (ignore my spelling. I haven't been to Bliss in severs years)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 11:51 AM

2015-05-13T11:51:22-04:00

Want to stay out of trouble? Stay away from Montana Ave and North El Paso... Too much drugs, prostitution, and theft...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 1:19 PM

2015-05-13T13:19:57-04:00

The worst part about El Paso is definitely the food. There is just so much of it that is good, so you will have to exercise a lot more to make up for that. Just like every other place, it is what you make it. My 2 cents, look for housing in the Tierras, good neighborhood and good schools and really starting to grow.

Response by MAJ Derrick J. made May 13 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-05-13T16:54:38-04:00

Don't go - hotter than hell in summer and on the butt end of nowhere - the boot maker Tony Llamas is there however.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-05-13T19:45:22-04:00

wow that sucks for you. by the way it's not el paso, its hell paso

Response by CPT Michael Moffeit made May 13 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-05-13T20:35:33-04:00

I am from El Paso and was lucky/unlucky enough to be assigned here. The on post housing is nice and pretty new although you can find a lot of decently priced homes/apartments off base as well but you will have to deal with traffic. Drivers here are pretty bad so just be aware of that. El Paso is a love/hate relationship for a lot of people it is close to a lot of pretty forested areas in New Mexico as well as good skiiing and snow. Overall not too bad as far as. Communities go. 1st BDE and specifically 2-29 FA recently had a training death as we'll so safety is a major training theme as of late

Response by SSG Randy D. made May 13 at 2015 11:38 PM

2015-05-13T23:38:20-04:00

The post is very nice, also very relaxed (came from Stewart). You might as well live off post as much of "on post" housing is off post anyway. I have a 1500 square foot house with two car garage and a yard for $1000 a month. Utilities (gas/water/electric) all are only couple hundred combined. For off work fun, there is a lot to do outdoors, trails, hiking, mountain climbing and bunch of historical stuff. If you like off roading like me, then you will be in heaven. North east or far east are the better and west side being the best for housing. Make sure you get a house with refrigerated air and avoid swamp coolers (google it).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-05-14T09:17:05-04:00

The best Mexican food (original; not taco bell) ever. Avoid Chicos tacos; that place is garbage. PX and movie theater are awesome!! Good luck!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-05-14T10:28:04-04:00

Stay away from Dyer street, North East places you close to base as well as downtown...i live in East side. Lots of new developments...really depends on what your looking for: On post living / off post, off-road enthusiasts, shopping, etc.. If you put what you prefer..it can help. Also try and find out where on Bliss you will be working I.e aviation is on East Bliss

Response by SPC Jeff Leonard made May 14 at 2015 10:59 AM

2015-05-14T10:59:01-04:00

I was there in 93. Kiss green trees goodbye.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 9:54 PM

2015-05-14T21:54:20-04:00

I can only tell you make the best of it . It was not a place I would want to revisit . The time I spent there was not good for me . I will say stay safe have a friend or friends to travel off post with for the sake of being safe . On post has a lot to offer even in my day .

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 7:55 PM

2015-05-25T19:55:59-04:00

SGT Lilley,

I apologize for my delay in answering your question. I've been out due to surgery. Did you get an answer?.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 8:41 PM

2015-05-27T20:41:52-04:00

battle. I am currently station here. and this is the best army base by a country mile. it got everything on post that you could want. it got the future style of Malls coming to all US military bases. it got a real movie theater. it got a multi pool swiming complex. El Paso is a city of about 700,000. making it the largest city near any major US army base. tons to do. only down side no green. meaning no grass, or trees. also once you leave the city it a drive to get to the next place. but if you got time and friends a trip to Houston, Vegas, Dallas, San Antonio are any where from 9 to 15 hours away.

Freedom crossing is really nice. UA store, cigar store, game stop, Texas Road house, Star bucks, Smash burger, DQ, Sushi joint, Buffalo wild wing, and other stores. inside there like 10 other eating places.

good luck and welcome to Fort bliss.

Response by SSG Glen Leatherbury made May 27 at 2015 9:05 PM

2015-05-27T21:05:27-04:00

Learn Spanish, it will make it easier. Stay away from Mexico until you do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 10:15 PM

2015-05-27T22:15:46-04:00

post housing is amazing. it all new less then two years old. they have mostly multi floor homes. built in different communities on post. the also have on post off post hosing. that housing that off post in lil gated communities. each community has a community center, pool, 2 playgrounds. and a child development center.

if you have your orders you can sign up now so once you git here you will be close to the front of the line if you choice to live on post.

http://www.ftblissfamilyhousing.com/

Fort Bliss Family Housing | Balfour Beatty Communities

"Balfour Beatty Communities at Fort Bliss, located in the heart of El Paso, provides quality living environments in a classic suburban setting. Our neighborhoods are pet-friendly, include great amenities and offer monthly events coordinated through our exclusive LifeWorks program. Add to this a professional on-site management team and maintenance personnel who deliver five star service and you and your family will experience a carefree, easy...

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Apr 6 at 2016 10:52 AM

2016-04-06T10:52:05-04:00

The on post housing is very nice. I left there a year ago. Great duty station with lots to do. Just be careful of the Chihuahua plates downtown and on I10.