- About
-
Moving is a part of life for Soldiers, civilian government employees and their Families. The Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program is here to help with a comprehensive support system, whether it’s your first move or the last of many. We have all kinds of information and resources to help you and your family navigate your next military move.
Your first stop should be your local Army Community Service Family center to meet with the Relocation Readiness Program to get you started.
- Newcomers
-
Welcome to Fort Bliss and West Texas!
Your assignment brings you to the corner of Texas, New Mexico, and Old Mexico. From its humble beginnings in 1848 to becoming one of the premier installations in the Department of Defense, Fort Bliss is a multi-faceted, multi-functional installation serving and supporting all branches of the military, as well as other federal agencies.
Fort Bliss is home to a diverse listing of organizations, such as: the 1st Armored Division, the 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, the Joint Modernization Command, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Joint Task Force North, and the U.S. Army Garrison Command-Fort Bliss.
Fort Bliss Reporting / In-Processing All Soldiers arriving to Fort Bliss, Texas, will in-process through the Fort Bliss Reception Company. You can expect to be with the Reception Company for five days and complete finance, medical, dental in-processing along with the installation welcome brief.
Uniform: Operational Camouflage Pattern, if signing in Monday through Friday during duty hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Soldiers need the following on arrival/processing:
1. Copy of DA 31 (leave request)
2. Assignment Orders with all amendments, to include DD 1610’s, if applicable
3. Health and Dental records
4. Military Personnel records (as required)
5. Common Access Card
6. Government purchased travel itineraries/invoices and any receipts for any travel costs greater than $75.
*Recommend bringing extra copies of assignment orders and DA 31’s.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:1. All incoming Soldiers will report to the staff duty desk of the Fort Bliss Reception Company (Building 1006) located on Carter Street no later than the required report date stated on their assignment instructions. The Fort Bliss Reception Company staff duty is manned 24 hours daily.
2. Reception Company will not approve Permissive Temporary Duty/House Hunting Leave upon arrival. We recommend you have your departing unit authorize PTDY prior to departure. If a Soldier wishes to take PTDY after their report date, it needs to be requested through their gaining unit. Once a Soldier has signed in, he/she will complete in-processing before signing out on PTDY through their gaining unit. Housing is located at BLDG T-0070 Carter Road (corner of Pleasonton and Carter) and their operating hours are 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, closed for lunch Noon - 1 p.m. Closed every 3rd Thursday 1 - 4 p.m. The Housing Office phone number is 915-568-2898.
3. If you are arriving to the El Paso International Airport and require transportation to Fort Bliss, Soldiers can call 915-569-5261 to be picked up by the Reception Company staff duty. Alternatively, Soldiers can pay for a ride share to the installation (charges will be reimbursed when they settle their travel voucher).
UPON ARRIVAL: Soldiers will sign-in and receive a briefing from the Reception Company Staff Duty personnel. Soldiers can expect to fill out paperwork, be assigned a barracks room (if required), and receive a 15-minute briefing about in-processing and Fort Bliss.
For all other inquiries concerning in-processing, please contact the Fort Bliss Reception Company desk at commercial: 915-569-5261.
For additional information about Fort Bliss, you can download the Digital Garrison Application from your phone's app store or use your phone's camera on the QRC below; once there, choose Fort Bliss as your installation.
Sponsorship Training
Relocating to a new duty station can be a daunting experience for Soldiers and their families. Army Community Service (ACS) plays a crucial role in easing this transition through its comprehensive sponsorship training program. This program ensures that newcomers receive the support and information they need to integrate smoothly into their new environment.
The Role of ACS in Sponsorship is to provide training to unit sponsors or designated sponsors upon unit requests to support the well-being of Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians, and their families. One of the key services provided by ACS’s Relocation and Readiness Program is to provide support for the Total Army Sponsorship Program (TASP). This program is designed to assist commanders in their responsibility to welcome and integrate new members into their units and communities.
When a Soldier or civilian is assigned to a new duty station, they are paired with a sponsor from their gaining unit or agency. This sponsor acts as a guide and resource, helping the newcomer navigate the challenges of relocation. The sponsor’s responsibilities include Pre-Arrival Support which provides information about the new duty station, housing options, schools, and local amenities. Arrival Assistance, that includes meeting the newcomer upon arrival, helping with in-processing, and introducing them to key personnel and resources. Post-Arrival Integration that focuses on settling in, including finding local services, understanding the community, and connecting with support networks.
The sponsorship program offers numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced Stress: By having a dedicated sponsor, newcomers can feel more at ease knowing they have someone to turn to for help and advice.
- Faster Integration: Sponsors help newcomers quickly become familiar with their new surroundings, which can lead to a smoother and faster adjustment period.
- Enhanced Community Connection: Sponsors facilitate connections with other members of the community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
The Army Community Service sponsorship training program is an invaluable resource for Soldiers and their families. By providing dedicated support before, during, and after a move, ACS ensures that newcomers can transition smoothly and confidently into their new duty stations. This program not only enhances the well-being of individuals but also strengthens the overall military community.
The sponsorship program pairs you with a sponsor who already knows the duty station. They can answer your questions and help you get settled in.
To request a sponsor Complete DA Form 5434 (Sponsorship Program Counseling/Info Sheet) in the Army Career Tracker (ACT)
** Mandatory for SSG and below; CPT and below; CW2 and below on PCS Assignment instructions
** Optional for SFC and above; MAJ and above, CW3 and above will be provided Sponsorship upon request; however, it is not mandatory
If you are a service member interested in becoming a sponsor, the eSponsorship Application and Training, or eSAT, course provides the information and resources you need to become a sponsor and help other service members have a successful move.
Total Army Sponsorship Training
Spouses Welcome Registration:
- Newcomers Resources
-
You've arrived, now what? Visit Relocation Readiness for information on Spanish classes, Spouse Information Exchange events, local bus tours and more.
Looking for a job? The Employment Readiness Team is available to help you spruce up your resume and learn helpful tips to navigate your way to a new career.
Parents of school-aged children can reach out to the School Liaison Office for information to help aid in the school transition process.
Parents in need of childcare services can contact CYS Parent Central for registration information.
Need to borrow household items while waiting for your shipment? Contact ACS and ask about the Lending Closet.
Additional resource links:
Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers (BOSS)
- Services Offered
-
Lending Closet:
The lending closet is stocked with basic household items to use before your household goods arrive or after you have packed out for your new assignment. Items may be borrowed for 30 days. Please provide your ID card and a copy of your PCS orders. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.English as a Second Language / Spanish Classes:
ACS offers English as a Second Language and Spanish classes on a rotating basis. Anyone interested in ESL/Spanish classes should call 915-569-4227. These classes are free and limited to a maximum of 20 students.Smooth Moves:
Relocating isn’t easy! Relocating overseas is even harder. Our experienced staff is ready to assist you with your overseas move by providing you some firsthand knowledge of the overseas experience to ensure a smooth transition for you and your family!Total Army Sponsorship Program:
The Army Community Service Relocation Assistance Program offers trainings to units on how to effectively run your sponsorship program. Units can request trainings by registering below under the Classes (Online Registration) Tab. - Hearts Apart
-
Is your spouse deployed or TDY for longer than 60 days? Being separated from your spouse is not easy. Join the Fort Bliss Hearts Apart Empowerment Group as a way to connect with other families and conquer deployment. We meet monthly for fun events - some kid-friendly, some kid-free. We provide resources to help cope with the separation and maintain your long distance relationship. Joining is FREE and most events are free!
Download your application here. - HomeFront Packets & Relocation Counseling
-
Are you PCSing to a new installation and want to learn more about your gaining installation? We can provide you with automated HomeFront Packets on any military installation worldwide! If desired, we will also be more than happy to provide you with a one on one relocation counseling!
- Tourist Passport Processing
-
Traveling abroad? Need a passport? The Relocation Assistance Program is pleased to host quarterly passport processing dates at Army Community Service courtesy of our local passport office. Please check http://travel.state.gov/passport/ for information on fees and forms.
- Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair
-
Thank you for your interest in the 18th Annual Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair hosted by Army Community Service’s Relocation Readiness Program at The Centennial Club on August 03, 2023, from 1300-1600. Each year with the fair, we strive to provide our Fort Bliss community with up to date information on both Fort Bliss and El Paso agencies.
Your participation ensures a successful fair year after year!
Please fill out the below information so that the Relocation Readiness Program can recognize your organization for your contribution to the fair. Please understand that your request for registration is not guaranteed and you will need to receive a confirmation email. If you are not a NON PROFIT and cannot provide a 501c3 form upon registration, please do not fill out this form and reach out to our sponsorship office @ (915) 568-6078/ coral.i.musy.naf@army.mil to discuss paid opportunities for your organization to attend this event.
By filling this application, your organization agrees to and understands the terms of agreement for participation in the Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair as listed below. Corporate Sponsors are not required to sign this section as they have a separate contract with DFMWR Sponsorship and this sheet will be used solely for informational purposes. Non-Profit Organizations MUST provide Form 501-C3 at time of registration.
Set Up & Break Down: Set up must be completed by 1100 August 03, 2023, in time for the safety inspection. Specific set up times will be released by email as we draw closer to the event. If you are an agency that requires use of an electrical outlet, you MUST BE PRESENT during the safety inspection. Lunch is on your own after the safety inspection and everyone must return to their table by 1245.
Please do not breakdown your display table until 1600. Agencies who break down prior to 1600 risk being able to attend future events.
Should you have balloons at your table; no red balloons are authorized for use and no helium tanks are permitted on your table.
Should you hand out candies, please be aware that no candies with peanuts or peanut butter will be allowed.
Please do not remove any decorations provided by the Relocation Assistance Program such as piñatas, tablecloths, and serapes.
Other than corporate sponsors, table locations are not assigned. Upon checking in, you will be able to select a location from the remaining available tables.
Organizations not affiliated with Fort Bliss can obtain a three-year Community Access Pass after passing a criminal history background check at the Buffalo Soldier Visitor Control Center. More information is available online at https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/about/Garrison/DES/gate-information
- Classes (Register Online)
-
Spanish/English Class registration for August - October 2024 session is now open.
Relocation Readiness
-
Relocation Readiness
-
Army Community Service (ACS)
Christmas Tree Lighting & Celebration
Special Events
Dec 6
5 pm - 8 pm
Parents Day Out
Parents in need of a day out?
Dec 7
3 pm - 10 pm
Trees for Troops
Dec 13
9 am
Pictures with Santa
Dec 20
2 pm - 3:30 pm