The complete post guide to Fort Huachuca

Jessica Evans
Aug 24, 2022 6:55 AM PDT
6 minute read
airman at Fort Huachuca

An aircrew from the Rhode Island Air National Guard perform combat maneuvers in a C-130 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, April 14, 2022 as part of the Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course. The Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center hosts the ATAC course monthly to national and international aircrews. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Audrey Chappell)

SUMMARY

Fort Huachuca in Arizona is one of America’s oldest military installations. Like some of the other installations in the region,…

Fort Huachuca in Arizona is one of America’s oldest military installations. Like some of the other installations in the region, there’s tons of history everywhere you look. In fact, it was built in 1877 as part of a collection of forts to guard southern Arizona against the Apaches. Then, a few years after it opened, it became a permanent Army installation. Later, it served as the HQ and supply base of the Geronimo Campaign. As if that weren’t impressive enough, this storied Army post is also home to the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers, who guarded the US-Mexico border for 20 years. Speaking of the Buffalo Soldiers, here's who the originals were and how they got their nickname.

As you might expect, there's plenty to do off-post. Not only can you enjoy hiking, horseback riding and plenty of nature walks, but you'll also get to check out lots of history, too! If a PCS to Arizona is in your future, check out this complete guide! 

Ft. Huachuca Location

Ft. Huachuca (wuh·choo·kuh) is located in Arizona, close to Sierra Vista, Hereford and Huachuca City. This Army post is about an hour southeast of Tucson, Arizona. 

Maj. Lauren "Threat" Schlichting, United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" right wing pilot, flies in formation over Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Jan. 26, 2022. The team spent nearly a month away from their home station at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, to give them an opportunity to simulate the airshow environment and practice with dedicated airspace and challenging terrain. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Sarver)

Directions

Fort Huachuca can be reached by car using the following routes.

Heading in from the north? Take I-15 S to I-40 W, then take I-17 S/I-10 E to AZ-90 S and follow signs.

Making the trek from the east? Take I-5 S to I-10 E, then take AZ-90 S and follow signs.

Coming from the west? Take US-70 W to I-10 W, then take AZ-90 S and follow signs.

Transportation

Tucson International Airport (69 miles) is the closest airport and is served by 7 airlines with multiple destinations.

Driving allows you to explore nearby Tucson and surrounding cities. Remember that this post is really close to the US-Mexico border, so you might be in for a long haul. Plan accordingly and bring provisions. 

U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to 309th Military Intelligence Battalion, hammers in a stake into the ground, on Fort Huachuca, Arizona, November 1, 2018. He was doing this to build a "Tent City" which will house numerous soldiers for Operation Faithful Patriot. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brandon Best)

Contacts at Ft. Huachuca

Army Emergency Relief: (520) 533-5312

Barracks Housing Manager: (520) 533-3534

Base Operator: (520) 533-2330

Casualty Assistance Center: (520) 533-1385 | (520) 533-2229

Chaplain: (520) 533-4748 

Commissary: (520) 533-5540

DEERS-ID Cards: (520) 533-1608 | (520) 533-1645

Dental Clinic: (520) 533-3147

Directorate of Emergency Services: (520) 533-3232 | (520) 533-0687

Employee Assistance Program: (520) 538-1284

Equal Opportunity Office: (520) 533-2028

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): (520) 538-5899

Expanding Horizons Child Development Center: (520) 538-6319

Family Advocacy Program (FAP): (520) 533-2967

Finance Office: (520) 533-3729

Hospital Main: (520) 458-4641

Housing Office: (520) 533-3611

ID/CAC Card Processing: (520) 533-1608

Information and Referral: (520) 533-2330

Inspector General: (520) 533-1144

Legal Assistance: (520) 533-2009

Lodging Reservations: (520) 533-2222

Military Family Life Counselors: (520) 255-4273 | (520) 705-8923

New Beginnings Child Development Center: (520) 533-5209 

Personal Property Office: (520) 533-3311

Religious Support Office: (520) 533-4748

Relocation Readiness Program: (520) 533-2330

Safety Office: (520) 533-3697

School Liaison Officer: (520) 533-1133

Sexual Harassment Assault Response Program Office: (520) 538-8649 | (520) 678-7097

Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator: (520) 538-1284

Suicide Prevention Program: (520) 538-1313

Survivor Outreach Services: (520) 533-6879

Transition Assistance Program: (520) 533-7314 

Visitors Control Center: (520) 454-2323

An aircrew from the Rhode Island Air National Guard perform combat maneuvers in a C-130 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, April 14, 2022 as part of the Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course. The Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center hosts the ATAC course monthly to national and international aircrews. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Audrey Chappell)

Mission and Units 

Readiness, readiness, and more readiness. That’s the main goal of the U.S. Army Garrison Ft. Huachuca. This is achieved through lots of testing, training and operational missions support.

Because of its size, it’s no surprise that Huachuca is home to lots of units and tenants. The main tenant here is the Intelligence Center of Excellence. The ICoE’s goal is to develop MI professionals and drive IWFF force modernization. In turn, this will help the Army compete and win in large scale combat operations. 

Of course, the post is home to plenty of other tenants. One of the most significant units on post is the 111th MI Brigade. This BDE’s function is to produce MI warfighters. Additionally, the Intelligence and Security Command is housed at Ft. Huachuca. ISC offers linguist support and intelligence-related skills training. Furthermore, the 2-13th Aviation Regiment calls this post home. The 2-13th is responsible for the development and administration of five instruction programs, including the Operator Common Core and the Staff Office Course. 

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ger Lao, left, an instructor assigned to Marine Detachment Fort Huachuca, instructs Marines on how to perform a system power up on a Universal Ground Data Terminal Control System at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., March 17, 2017. The mission of Marine Detachment Fort Huachuca is to train intelligence and Unmanned Aerial Systems Marines entry, intermediate, and advanced level skills for the Fleet Marine Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jose Villalobosrocha)

Ft. Huachuca History

This Army post has been around for a very long time. In fact, it was constructed in 1877 as a base of operation in the Huachuca Mountains. Then, in 1882, the installation was deemed “permanent.” 

Like lots of installations after WWII, the post experienced a lull after the war. Can you believe that the DoD actually turned it over to the state of Arizona? It's true! Of course, it was just a loan. Then, during the Korean War, it reopened for use by the Army Corps of Engineers. A few years later, it became home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School. 

Things to Do Around Fort Huachuca

Hotels

Best Western Plus Sun Canyon (4.1 miles)

Gateway Studio Suites (4.4 miles)

Garden Place Suites (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

Hoppin Grapes Wine and Beer Bar (3.5 miles): Try some local wine or beer along with a charcuterie board or dessert!

143 Street Tacos (3.9 miles): Local favorite with tacos, burritos, bowls, and other Mexican specialties.

Broxton’s Coffee (4.5 miles): Coffee, blended drinks, teas, breakfast foods, and a daily featured lunch wrap.

Activities

Kartchner Caverns State Park (21.7 miles) - First, view the largest stalactites in the world. Then, learn about caves and geology through the discovery center.

Tombstone and the O.K. Corral (23.1 miles) - This nearby town is home of the legendary fight between Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Be sure to visit the old silver mine and saloons. Don't forget to watch the historic reenactments.

The Cove Aquatic Center (6.6 miles) - This is an indoor water park featuring pools, water slides, a lap pool, a shallow kids lagoon, and plenty of fun for everyone.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Scott Berrier, commanding general, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, and Col. Whit Wright, Fort Huachuca garrison commander, present U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Herrera, 355th Mission Support Group deputy commander, with the Turkey Bowl trophy at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Nov. 18, 2016. The Turkey Bowl is a friendly annual flagfootball game between the Fort Huachuca Black Knights and the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Mustangs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Betty R. Chevalier)

Ft. Huachuca Housing

First things first, call the Housing Office for current housing-related information!

Michaels Military Housing (MMH) is in partnership with the Army to provide privatized housing at Ft. Huachuca. As such, the Army and MMH came together to form Mountain Vista Communities (MMC). MMC handles the day-to-day management of the housing properties. Because of its age, some of the on-post housing dates to 1884. The Army's Residential Communities Initiative is working to construct new home. Plans are also in place to renovate existing units over the next several years.

Off-post housing is also available. The MHO can provide more information. 

Of course, unaccompanied service members E5 and below are required to reside on post. Call the Barracks Housing Manager for more information. 

Schools Near Ft. Huachuca

An on-post school services mil-kids who call Huachuca home. These schools are operated by Sierra Vista Public School District. There are two elementary schools and one middle school. Off-post are seven high schools. A special-needs preschool for mil-kids is available on-post as well. Call the School Liaison Office as soon as you receive orders to find the most up-to-date information. 

A bareback bronc riding horse is captured after his rider was bucked off at the Cochise College Rodeo at Wren Arena, Fort Huachuca. The event is hosted by the Sierra Vista Riding Club and Cochise College in conjunction with FMWR. Fort Huachuca Public Affairs photo by Lara Poirrier

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the biggest city from Fort Huachuca?

Tucson, Arizona is 75 miles away.

What is Fort Huachuca known for?

In the first place, Huachuca was the HQ for the Geronimo campaign. Later, it was the home of the 10th Cavalry "Buffalo Soldiers" for 20 years Then, the 25th Infantry replaced the 10th Cav. 

Can you tour Fort Huachuca?

Of course! You can tour the Fort Huachuca Museum, located in two buildings on the Fort’s historic Old Post, open to the public without charge. 

What’s the weather like in Ft. Huachuca?

Fort Huachuca has a temperate climate. Equally exciting, there's sunshine almost year-round. The rainy season begins in early July. Be aware that sometimes, it lasts until early September. It's a good idea to be on the lookout for high winds in the spring. Be sure to give yourself about a month to acclimate to the desert heat and high elevation. 

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