WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE
ARMY
White Sands, NM
United States
WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE
ARMY
White Sands, NM
United States
White Sands Missile Range
Base Essentials
The Army's largest installation by land area in southern New Mexico near Las Cruces — a remote missile testing facility and quiet posting with desert scenery and access to White Sands National Park.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
ATEC
Status
Active
Est.
1945
Acres
2,200,000
Active Duty
2,500
Civilian
3,000
Population
215,000
Economic Impact
$1.5 billion
White Sands Missile Range History
White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico was established in 1945 as the nation's first overland missile testing range. It was here that the first atomic bomb was detonated at the Trinity Site on July 16, 1945, and where captured German V-2 rockets were tested after World War II. Today WSMR is the largest military installation in the United States and the Department of Defense's premier open-air testing range for missiles, directed energy weapons, and other advanced systems. The range continues to be essential for testing the Army's long-range precision fires and air and missile defense modernization priorities.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
White Sands Missile Range (ATEC)
—
—
Army Test Center
—
—
Historic Timeline
1945
White Sands Proving Ground Established
1946
V-2 Rockets Tested; First Space Photos Captured
1958
Redesignated White Sands Missile Range
1982
Space Shuttle Columbia Makes Emergency Landing
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1945
White Sands Proving Ground Established
The proving ground was formally established on July 9, 1945. One week later, on July 16, the Trinity Test — the world's first atomic bomb detonation — took place at the northern end of the range.
1946
V-2 Rockets Tested; First Space Photos Captured
Captured German V-2 rocket components began arriving in 1945, and between 1946 and 1952 approximately 67 V-2s were test-fired at White Sands, launching the U.S. guided missile program. On October 24, 1946, a V-2 launched here captured the first photographs of Earth from space.
1958
Redesignated White Sands Missile Range
On May 1, 1958, the installation was formally redesignated White Sands Missile Range, reflecting the shift from general weapons proving to a primary focus on missile and rocket testing.
1982
Space Shuttle Columbia Makes Emergency Landing
In March 1982, Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-3) made an emergency landing at White Sands when weather prevented landing at Edwards Air Force Base, one of the few times the shuttle landed at a non-primary site.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for White Sands Missile Range.
White Sands Missile Range Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for White Sands Missile Range.
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 White Sands Missile Range.
Information
15 of the Best White Sands Missile Range Restaurants
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White Sands Missile Range Housing: 4 On-Post Options
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17 of the Best Things to Do Near White Sands Missile Range
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White Sands Missile Range Schools: Daycare - High School
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White Sands Missile Range: In-Depth Welcome Center
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to White Sands Missile Range.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Army Community Service (ACS) — Newcomer Orientation Program
Phone
(575) 678-6767Hours
ACS Office: Mon–Fri, 0700–1630 | Newcomer Orientation: Monthly (selected Wednesdays), 0800–1300
In-Processing
White Sands Missile Range conducts a monthly Newcomers Orientation on select Wednesdays from 0800–1300, hosted by Army Community Service in Building 250. The orientation includes a bus tour of the installation and covers available services, programs, and community resources for military personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and spouses. Register by contacting ACS at (575) 678-6767.
Individual in-processing procedures vary by unit and civilian organization; incoming Soldiers coordinate with their gaining unit's S1 for the installation in-processing checklist and reporting instructions. Key support contacts: Housing Office (575) 678-6133, McAfee Health Clinic (575) 674-3500, Child & Youth Services (575) 678-5670, Visitor Center (575) 678-1099.
WSMR is the nation's largest military installation by area and is located in remote southern New Mexico. Its isolation makes pre-arrival planning and sponsor contact especially important. Personnel should reach out to their gaining unit and confirm all logistics — including vehicle inspection for the range environment — well before the report date.
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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 White Sands Missile Range.
White Sands Missile Range offers on-post family housing managed through the Army's privatized housing program. The on-post community is small and remote, located within the range boundaries in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. On-post housing is convenient given the installation's distance from the nearest urban areas, and most families with school-age children appreciat…
Local Market
$1,150/mo
rent
/
$220,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around White Sands Missile Range
82
18% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near White Sands Missile Range.
School Liaison Officer
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High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
White Sands Missile Range occupies a vast swath of the Tularosa Basin in southern New Mexico, with Las Cruces to the west and Alamogordo to the north being the primary communities for off-post families. The range is surrounded by stunning desert and mountain scenery including White Sands National Park. El Paso, Texas, provides the nearest major city amenities.
Las Cruces
Suburban
New Mexico's second-largest city sits at the base of the Organ Mountains on I-10, making it the most popular off-post choice for WSMR families despite the 45-minute drive. Las Cruces offers full urban amenities, New Mexico State University, a diverse restaurant and arts scene, and Las Cruces Public Schools — a large district with varied quality by zone. The Rio Grande and Mesilla valley give the city historic character.
Commute: 48 min
Schools: Las Cruces Public Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Retirees
Dual military
Best amenities near WSMR, NMSU campus and events, growing food scene, Mesilla historic village, Organ Mountains access
Alamogordo
Small Town
About 50 miles north of WSMR's main cantonment area via US-70 over the San Augustine Pass, Alamogordo is the Otero County seat with a modest but functional retail and service market. Alamogordo Public Schools serve the area. It's notably closer to some range areas than Las Cruces, and the proximity to White Sands National Park and Holloman AFB (making dual-military options possible) is a plus. Housing is very affordable.
Commute: 50 min
Schools: Alamogordo Public Schools
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Outdoorsy types
Pet owners
White Sands NP at your doorstep, most affordable housing option, Holloman AFB proximity, Sacramento Mountains
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at White Sands Missile Range.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
New Mexico provides a deduction for active duty military pay for New Mexico legal residents. New Mexico income tax rates…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside New Mexico for New Mexico income tax purposes. A…
Vehicle Registration
New Mexico charges a 4% motor vehicle excise tax on vehicle purchases. Military members who are not New Mexico legal res…
Property Tax
New Mexico has among the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Doña Ana County (WSMR, Holloman), Curry County (Cannon…
Pet Policies at White Sands Missile Range
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at White Sands Missile Range.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at White Sands Missile Range.
Commissary
1
White Sands Commissary
Exchange
PX
Mon–Fri 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Medical
1
McAfee U.S. Army Health Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about White Sands Missile Range.
01
Are the base gates open 24 hours?
All 2 gates at White Sands Missile Range operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access levels vary by gate — some are restricted to military and DoD ID holders only.
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02
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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03
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 White Sands Missile Range.
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04
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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05
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 White Sands Missile Range.
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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.