FORT SILL
ARMY
Lawton, OK
United States
FORT SILL
ARMY
Lawton, OK
United States
Fort Sill
Base Essentials
Welcome to the home of Army Fires Center of Excellence! Fort Sill is a great place to live and work, with a long history. The installation covers about 94,000 acres just north of Lawton, Oklahoma at the post of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The site was staked out in 1869 by Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan who led a campaign to stop Native American tribes from raiding border settlements in Texas and Kansas. The post gradually changed from cavalry to field artillery. The School of Fire for the Field Artillery was founded at Fort Sill in 1911 and continues to operate today as the Army Fiel...
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
TRADOC
Status
Active
Est.
1869
Acres
94,000
Active Duty
13,000
Civilian
6,000
Population
130,000
Economic Impact
$3.6 billion
Fort Sill History
Named AfterBrigadier General Joshua Woodrow Sill
Fort Sill near Lawton, Oklahoma, was established in 1869 by Major General Philip Sheridan during the Indian Wars. It served as the site of Geronimo's imprisonment and has been the "Home of the Fires" — the Army's center for artillery and fire support — for over a century. Today it is home to the Fires Center of Excellence, which trains all Army artillery officers and soldiers. Fort Sill is also increasingly involved in air and missile defense training and is central to the Army's long-range precision fires modernization priority.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Fires Center of Excellence
—
—
Field Artillery School
—
—
428th Field Artillery Brigade
—
—
Historic Timeline
1869
Fort Sill Founded on the Southern Plains
1894
Geronimo Arrives as Prisoner of War
1911
School of Fire for Field Artillery Established
1953
U.S. Army Field Artillery Center Designated
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1869
Fort Sill Founded on the Southern Plains
Gen. Philip Sheridan established Fort Sill in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) to control Comanche, Kiowa, and Cheyenne tribes on the southern plains. Named after Civil War Gen. Joshua Sill, the fort became a cornerstone of the Army's post-Civil War frontier strategy and enforcement of reservation boundaries.
1894
Geronimo Arrives as Prisoner of War
The Apache leader Geronimo and his followers were transferred to Fort Sill as prisoners of war in 1894, following confinement at Fort Pickens, Florida, and Mount Vernon Barracks, Alabama. Geronimo lived at Fort Sill under Army custody until his death on February 17, 1909, and is buried in the post's Apache prisoner of war cemetery.
1911
School of Fire for Field Artillery Established
The School of Fire for Field Artillery was established at Fort Sill, beginning the installation's transformation into "The Home of Field Artillery." Fort Sill became the U.S. Army's center for developing field artillery doctrine, gunnery techniques, and new weapons systems — a role it has held for over a century.
1953
U.S. Army Field Artillery Center Designated
Following major expansion during World War II and Korea, Fort Sill was designated the U.S. Army Field Artillery Center, consolidating all field artillery training and doctrine development under one command. The center oversaw the transition from conventional artillery to rocket and missile systems during the early Cold War.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Sill.
Fort Sill Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Sill.
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 Sill.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Sill.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Lee R. Hartell Welcome Center
Phone
(580) 442-3217Hours
Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM (reception desk staffed 24/7)
In-Processing
All Soldiers PCSing to Fort Sill report to the Lee R. Hartell Welcome Center, Building 4700, Mow-Way Road. During duty hours (Monday–Friday, 0700–1630), check in at the main reception desk on the ground floor. After hours, on weekends, and on holidays, report to the east entrance of Building 4700 where 24-hour staff duty personnel will sign you in, arrange billeting, and provide instructions for formal in-processing. Bring copies of PCS orders, military ID, and all family records.
Installation in-processing is conducted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and is typically completed within two days. The process is centralized within Building 4700, consolidating most required stops — ID cards and DEERS enrollment, finance, housing, vehicle registration, and unit assignment coordination. The mandatory "Start Right" Newcomer Orientation date and time will be assigned during check-in.
Army Community Service (ACS) on the first floor of Building 4700 offers the Relocation Readiness Program at (580) 442-4916 and a Lending Closet at (580) 574-4668 with small appliances, cookware, tableware, linens, sleeping mats, folding tables, chairs, and children's items — free for up to 30 days with a copy of orders. The weekly "Start Right" Newcomer Orientation covers installation and community resources. Spouses are strongly encouraged to attend.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
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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 Sill.
On-post housing at Fort Sill is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, which operates family neighborhoods across the installation near Lawton, Oklahoma, with 2- to 4-bedroom homes featuring modern appliances, private yards, and access to community amenities including playgrounds and neighborhood centers. Balfour Beatty provides 24/7 maintenance services and an onli…
Local Market
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Cost of Living Around Fort Sill
78
22% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Sill.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer (SLO)
2
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
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2
High Schools
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3
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Lawton
Suburban
Lawton is the main city adjacent to Fort Sill and the hub of life for soldiers and families stationed there. It's a mid-size Oklahoma city with a full range of commercial services, a variety of neighborhoods, and housing prices that are among the most affordable in the military world. Most families settle in the northwest and southwest quadrants for the best combination of safety, schools, and proximity to the main gate.
Commute: 10–20 min
Gate: Main Gate (US-277)
Schools: Lawton Public Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Medicine Park and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are just 30 min away for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing — one of the best outdoor amenities near any Army post. Cost of living is exceptionally low.
Cache
Rural
Cache is a small town west of Lawton sitting close to Fort Sill's western ranges. It's quieter and more rural than Lawton, with lower crime and a more relaxed lifestyle. Many families with kids appreciate the small-town school environment, and housing costs are rock-bottom even by Lawton standards. The Wichita Mountains are practically in the backyard.
Commute: 15–20 min
Gate: West Range Gate
Schools: Cache Public Schools
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Budget-friendly
Pet owners
Backdoor access to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Small-town school system with tight community bonds. Extremely affordable housing — one of the best markets in the entire military for families wanting land and space.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Sill.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Oklahoma fully exempts all active duty military pay from state income tax for Oklahoma residents — one of the most gener…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in Oklahoma are exempt from Oklahoma income tax on…
Vehicle Registration
Active duty Oklahoma residents or service members stationed in Oklahoma pay a reduced $26/year vehicle registration. Vet…
Property Tax
100% permanently and totally disabled veterans receive a full property tax exemption on their homestead. File Form 998 w…
Pet Policies at Fort Sill
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Sill.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Fort Sill Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(580) 442-3340Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
13
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Fort Sill.
Commissary
1
Fort Sill Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
PX
Medical
1
Reynolds Army Health Clinic — 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 Sill.
01
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Fort Sill Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Mon–Fri 9:30am–8pm, Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 12pm–6pm.
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02
Is there a PX on base?
Yes, Fort Sill has a PX (Post Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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03
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Reynolds Army Health Clinic is the primary military treatment clinic serving Fort Sill. Call (580) 558-2000 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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04
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Fort Sill 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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05
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Fort Sill has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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06
What school district serves the base?
Lawton Public Schools (rated C+ (Niche)) serves most military families at Fort Sill. Visit lawtonps.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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07
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Fort Sill 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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08
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, Buffalo Soldier Acres Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at Fort Sill.
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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Fort Sill 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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10
How is military pay taxed in Oklahoma?
Fully exempt. See the Finance section of this page for a full breakdown of Oklahoma's tax rules for military members.
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11
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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12
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 Sill.
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13
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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14
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 Sill.
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Question
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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.