What is the CRC process like at FT Bliss?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:16:52 -0400

Never been thru a CRC and never been to Bliss. Can anyone provide information on both?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 21 at 2020 3:32 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:32:40 -0400

I went to the Ft Benning one. Do you want my feedback?

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Sep 21 at 2020 3:46 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:46:16 -0400

Can't help with CRC MSG Private RallyPoint Member, but I was stationed at Ft. Bliss for a few years. I loved it, but that's not a universally held feeling. The post had more than a billion dollars spent on it over the last dozen years or so. The Biggs side (I think they refer to it as "East Bliss" now) has lots of new facilities; shoppettes, mini-PX, gym, aquatics center...though that wasn't finished when I left, but I hear it's nice. On main post, the PX and it's associated mall, commissary, and all the surrounding retail and entertainment are the best you'll find in the Army. It's located in El Paso, so there's a big city nearby where you can do big city things; you just can't cross the border in Juarez (not that you would probably want to)

You've probably already seen this, but just in case:
https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/units-tenants/crc

CONUS Replacement Center

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Sep 21 at 2020 5:00 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:00:36 -0400

I have been at Bliss for the last three years and is my second best assignment in the Army. That being said, the CRC keeps pretty tight control on its people and you probably will not be able to do much. I had a good friend that came through that was not allowed in my vehicle on both ends of his deployment. The barracks are a wall locker and bunks (I had to stay in them for an FTX on Bliss) and the shoppette down the street has fewer hours than a bank. Clothing and sales is adequate for a deploying unit but does not have the field gear that an infantry post does. We do have two Patriot Outfitters at the shopping complex (Freedom Crossing). This is the best time to come through as the temps are wonderful. Other questions?

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Sep 21 at 2020 5:06 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:06:56 -0400

We used service members there when I worked for a Joint Task Force. I heard nothing but bad things about it. I heard you are not to leave at you leisure and pretty much hurdled like cattle. I’ve never been there but I’ve heard.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Sep 21 at 2020 5:39 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:39:00 -0400

I just went through it for demob after a two year AD tour. I only spent 4.5 days there as my orders ended today. Things were okay. The billets had terrible reception. Typically I had 2 or fewer bars. I only saw one day room. I had a two man room to myself. The shoppette and PX are about a twenty minute walk from the billets. There is a shuttle, but I only saw it once. I know, I know. First world problems. SRP was fairly problem free and they have it down pretty good. I went thru as an expedited individual and there was a company plus being out processed at the same time. Overall, it wasn't a bad experience. I have my DD214 and I'll be back home in Oregon tonight.tonight

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2020 6:48 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 18:48:44 -0400

Most our CRCs deployers after main body were one week, a few went almost two weeks.
Most of our early redeployers were one week because they did the personal finance crap online in theater, those that didn't spent two weeks in redploy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2020 7:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 19:04:07 -0400

I went through last last year for deployment. Also it was my first duty station a few years ago. As far as barracks go, they're set up (at least pre covid) for 6 pax per room, not sure how it is now. The shoppette across the street is rarely open. Freedom crossing has just about anything you need, from clothing and sales and PX, to food and other amenities. Is there anything in particular you're interested in about the process MSG Private RallyPoint Member?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2020 11:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 23:53:53 -0400

Just came through in May. COVID has made things pretty stupid. It is a LOT of sit around and do nothing. And it's run by NG or Reserve, so most of them have absolutely no idea what to do since they are only on orders for it for 365 at most.

All in all, I got paid to watch netflix in a 115 degree room with no functioning AC.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2020 2:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 02:10:44 -0400

Sir, I went through CRC Fort Bliss, Tx for my current deployment. Send me a message and I can provide my .mil and answer any questions.