FORT HUACHUCA
ARMY
Sierra Vista, AZ
United States
FORT HUACHUCA
ARMY
Sierra Vista, AZ
United States
Fort Huachuca
Home of Army Intelligence
Base Essentials
Home of the Army Intelligence Center of Excellence in the high desert of southeastern Arizona near Sierra Vista — a specialized intelligence posting with excellent weather, low COL, and proximity to the Mexican border.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
TRADOC
Status
Active
Est.
1877
Acres
73,000
Active Duty
7,000
Civilian
5,000
Population
85,000
Economic Impact
$2 billion
Fort Huachuca History
Fort Huachuca in southeastern Arizona was established in 1877 during the Apache Wars. It served as the home of the Buffalo Soldiers and played a significant role in the Punitive Expedition into Mexico in 1916. Today it is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the Network Enterprise Technology Command, and the Joint Interoperability Test Command. The fort's clear skies and electromagnetic-quiet environment make it ideal for testing electronic warfare and unmanned aerial systems. It remains the Army's primary schoolhouse for military intelligence training.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Intelligence Center of Excellence
—
—
Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)
—
—
Joint Interoperability Test Command
—
—
Historic Timeline
1877
Camp Huachuca Established
1886
Headquarters for Geronimo Campaign
1913
Buffalo Soldiers of 10th Cavalry Arrive
1971
Military Intelligence Center and School Relocates
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1877
Camp Huachuca Established
Captain Samuel Whitside established Camp Huachuca on March 3, 1877, in the San Pedro Valley of southeastern Arizona to support operations against Apache bands. It was made a permanent fort in 1882 and became the Army's sole active post in Arizona.
1886
Headquarters for Geronimo Campaign
General Nelson A. Miles used Fort Huachuca as his advance headquarters during the Army's final campaign against Geronimo in 1886. The campaign ended with Geronimo's surrender, effectively concluding the Apache Wars.
1913
Buffalo Soldiers of 10th Cavalry Arrive
From 1913 to 1933, Fort Huachuca served as home base for the 10th Cavalry Regiment — the Buffalo Soldiers — who participated in the 1916 Punitive Expedition into Mexico under General Pershing.
1971
Military Intelligence Center and School Relocates
The Military Intelligence Corps relocated from Fort Holabird, Maryland, to Fort Huachuca in 1971, consolidating all Army military intelligence training at one installation. It remains the home of Army intelligence training today.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Huachuca.
Fort Huachuca Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Huachuca.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Fort Huachuca.
Information
The Fort Huachuca Museum Has Lots To Offer
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Discover the Beautiful and Somber Fort Huachuca Cemetery
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The Best Fort Huachuca Schools: Daycare - High School
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25 of the Best Fort Huachuca Restaurants
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18 Of the Best Things to Do Near Fort Huachuca
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Huachuca.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Newcomer Welcome Center — Army Community Service
Phone
(520) 533-2362Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Installation in-processing consists of two half-days beginning at 7:30 AM. Contact the S-1 for your unit's specific checklist before arriving.
After-hours arrivals should proceed to the IHG Army Hotel or Candlewood Suites in Sierra Vista for temporary lodging, then report to their unit the next duty day.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Fort Huachuca.
On-post housing at Fort Huachuca is managed by Mountain Vista Communities and includes 19 neighborhoods with duplexes and single-family homes. The on-post Fort Huachuca Accommodation School District (FHASD) provides PK–8 education; high schoolers attend Sierra Vista Unified District off-post. Sierra Vista is the primary off-post community, directly adjacent to the i…
Local Market
$1,100/mo
rent
/
$235,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Fort Huachuca
82
18% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Huachuca.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
Elementary Schools
Coming soon
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Middle Schools
Coming soon
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High Schools
Coming soon
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Colleges & Universities
Coming soon
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Fort Huachuca is situated in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, near the US-Mexico border. The surrounding community of Sierra Vista is a military town that has grown up around the post, and its mild four-season climate at 4,600 feet elevation makes it a popular choice for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. The region is remote from major urban centers, with Tucson about 80 miles north.
Sierra Vista
Small Town
Sierra Vista is the city that exists almost entirely because of Fort Huachuca and is the default community for families stationed there. It's a mid-size Arizona city with a full range of services, decent schools, and an unusually mild climate for the desert Southwest — sitting at 4,600 feet elevation. The housing market is very affordable and the outdoor recreation is genuinely exceptional.
Commute: 5–15 min
Gate: Main Gate (Hwy 90)
Schools: Sierra Vista Unified School District
Families with kids
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
Budget-friendly
The Huachuca Mountains provide world-class hiking, birding (Ramsey Canyon is legendary), and camping. Mexico is 25 miles south for cultural experiences and cheap dentistry. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is outstanding for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Bisbee
Small Town
Bisbee is a funky, arts-oriented historic mining town about 25 miles southeast of Fort Huachuca that's become popular with a subset of service members who want something genuinely different. It has a hippie-artist character at odds with most military communities, colorful Victorian mining-era architecture, and a vibrant creative scene. Not for everyone, but beloved by those who choose it.
Commute: 35–45 min
Gate: Main Gate (Hwy 90)
Schools: Bisbee Unified School District
Single service members
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
The Bisbee Stairways, historic Copper Queen Hotel, and Old Bisbee mining district are unlike anything else near a military installation. Strong arts scene with galleries, live music, and unique dining. Mexico is minutes away.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Huachuca.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Arizona has a flat 2.5% income tax rate (2025) — one of the lowest in the country. All active duty military pay may be f…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses who move to Arizona solely to accompany a service member may elect to keep their prior-stat…
Vehicle Registration
Nonresident service members stationed in Arizona under orders are exempt from vehicle registration and license taxes — h…
Property Tax
100% permanently disabled veterans qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. Veterans with l…
Resources
Pet Policies at Fort Huachuca
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Huachuca.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Fort Huachuca Veterinary Clinic
Phone
(520) 533-2767Hours
Mon–Fri (call to confirm current schedule)
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
13
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Fort Huachuca.
Commissary
1
Fort Huachuca Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
PX
Medical
1
Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Huachuca.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Van Deman Gate is the primary visitor access gate, open Mon–Fri 5:30 AM - 5:30 PM, weekends closed. See the Gates section for the full schedule of all 3 gates and their access requirements.
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02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Fort Huachuca Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders.
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03
Is there a PX on base?
Yes, Fort Huachuca has a PX (Post Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center is the primary military treatment clinic serving Fort Huachuca. Call (520) 533-9200 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Fort Huachuca has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Fort Huachuca restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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07
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Fort Huachuca has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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08
How is military pay taxed in Arizona?
Fully exempt. See the Finance section of this page for a full breakdown of Arizona's tax rules for military members.
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09
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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10
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Fort Huachuca.
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11
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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12
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Fort Huachuca.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.