Editor’s note: This post was updated in January 2021.

One of the most challenging aspects of military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be almost overwhelming.

We here at Army Wife Network want to take the some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Post With the Most series. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Fort Sill is the only active Army installation built during the Indian Wars and is designated as a National Historic Landmark.

 GENERAL INFORMATION

Fort Sill is home to the following units:

• 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade
• 75th Field Artillery Brigade
• 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
• 434th Field Artillery Brigade
• 428th Field Artillery Brigade
• 95th Training Division (Army Reserve)
• 3rd Combat Weather Squadron
• U.S. Marine Corps Detachment
• United States Army Field Artillery School
• Field Artillery Captains Career Course
• Air Defense Artillery Captains Career Course
• Field Artillery Proponent Office
• Air Defense Artillery School
• Field Artillery Advanced Individual Training
• Air Defense Artillery Advanced Individual Training
• Field Artillery Basic Officers Leaders Course
• Air Defense Artillery Basic Officers Leaders Course
• Field Artillery Warrant Officer Basic Course
• Air Defense Artillery Warrant Officer Basic Course
• Noncommissioned Officer Academy

Surrounding Cities:

• Lawton (Just outside the gate)
• Cache (15 miles)
• Elgin (20 miles) 

Closest MAJOR Cities: Wichita Falls, Texas (52 miles), and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (89 miles)

Names of Area Colleges:

• The education center on post offers courses with Wayland Baptist University, Central Texas College, Columbia College, University of Oklahoma, Upper Iowa University, and Webster University.
• Cameron University in Lawton
• Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton

Weather: The area is a subtropical climate with variations in the weather except for summer when it tends to be hot and dry. Average summer temperatures sit at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also expect frequent strong winds during the summer, which help ease the hot weather. The winter is typically mild, but there can be cold temperatures and even snow. Average winter temperatures will usually stay just above freezing with the occasional snow. Expect to see ice in the winter. Severe weather often comes from April through June, when tornadoes can hit.

“The weather can change every five minutes. Here we have a fifth season—tornado season. It is hot, hot, hot in the summer.” — Stefanie A.

Time Zone: Central Time Zone

SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION

To access the post website, click here.

Map of the area

Historical Facts/Landmarks: You can find plenty of Fort Sill history here and at the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum. If you are looking for branch specific history, you will find the Field Artillery Museum and the Air Defense Artillery Museum on post.

HOUSING

On-post Housing is managed by Corvias Military Housing.

 “The on-post housing varies greatly from charming, historic cottages, to new, larger duplexes and triplexes. Sidewalks and walking trails are abundant within the housing communities. There are also plenty of playgrounds.” — Afton K.

Major realty/rental companies in the area:

• Park Jones Realty in Lawton
• Elgin Realty in Elgin
• P&B Rentals in Lawton

“P&B Rentals are the best ones to deal with. Avoid Sundance Property Management and Coldwell Bankers at all costs.” —Eleanor H.

SCHOOLS

School Liaison Officer

 “While the majority of military families, both on and off post, are served by Lawton Public Schools, our area also encompasses a few independent school districts including Bishop, Cache, and Flower Mound School Districts. This diversity may cause some confusion when you attempt to register, as the physical proximity of your home to a school is not always an indication of attendance eligibility. It is recommended you check with a reliable source such as LPS Student Services (357-6900) or School Liaison Services (442-4190) to confirm the district in which you live.”— School Liaison Office, Fort Sill

School Districts:

• Lawton Public Schools (nearest option)
• Elgin Public Schools
• Cache Public Schools

On-Post Schools: There are no on-post schools.

Off-Post Schools:

• Follow school district links above for a complete list of public schools.
• The Oklahoma State Department of Education has a list of private schools that you can download here.
• You can find all homeschool requirements here, courtesy of the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

ON-POST SERVICES  

• Child and Youth Services
• Army Community Service 
• PX
• Commissary
• Nye Library
• Reynolds Army Community Hospital
• MWR
• Patriot Spouses’ Club
• Chaplain & Religious Services/Organizations

“The post library has an active toddler story time which is well-attended. Following the story, there is a craft.” —Afton K. 

OFF-POST INFORMATION

Health Care:

• Hospital: Comanche County Memorial Hospital and Southwestern Medical Center, both in Lawton
• Urgent Care: WellFast Urgent Care and Today Clinic, both in Lawton
• General Practitioners: Family Medical Center, Southwest Oklahoma Family Practice, and MMG Family Medicine, all in Lawton.
• Dentist: Lawton Dentistry and Orthodontics, Lawton Kids Dentistry and Braces, and Lawton Dental Group.
• OB/GYN: Southwestern Obstetrics and Gynecology and Comanche County Memorial Hospital, both in Lawton.
• Eye care: Fort Sill Optometry Care on post, and Family Vision Clinic and Complete Eye Care in Lawton.

Best place for beauty services:

• Fringe Salon (Lawton)
• Ulta Salon (Lawton)
• Signature Salon (Lawton)

Shopping/malls: Central Mall Lawton and Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City

RESTAURANTS

Lawton:

• Bella Roma Italiano Ristorante
• Thai Noodle World
• Samurai Sushi and Hibachi
• McAlister’s Deli 
• Firo Fire-Kissed Pizza
• Los Tres Amigos
• Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
• Backporch Draft House
• Wayne’s Drive-In
• Kimono Steak and Sushi Bar
• The Silver Spoon 
• Meers Store and Restaurant
• Atlanta Bread Company

Oklahoma City:

• Santa Fe Cattle Co.

MUST DO

On post:

• Geronimo’s gravesite
• Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area

Lawton:

• Museum of the Great Plains
• Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center
• Lawton Rangers Rodeo
• Lake Lawtonka

Meers:

• Mount Scott and Wichita Mountains
• Medicine Park

Chickasha:

• Chickasha Festival of Light

Oklahoma City:

• Oklahoma City Zoo
• Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum
• National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

Army Wife Network does not promote or endorse these groups; however, we know they can be helpful in learning about various duty stations, so they are provided for your convenience.

Installation Facebook page: US Army Fort Sill

Military Spouse Groups: 

• Fort Sill Spouse Community
• Fort Sill Spouses: Information and Support
• Fort Sill Patriot Spouses’ Club

Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:

• Ft Sill Yard Sales
• Fort Sill Thrift Shop

Religious services:

• Protestant Women of the Chapel Fort Sill
• St. Barbara’s Catholic Military Community – Grierson Hall Chapel

Spouse Testimonials

“In addition to the post-sponsored Facebook page, ‘Go Play Lawton’ is a great page to ‘like’ to stay informed of fun or educational things going on in the area.”—Afton K.

“If you love spending time outdoors, this is a great place to live. If you’re a homebody or like to shop, then maybe not so much. Of course, every post is what you make of it.”—Cheryl E.

“This post really is what you make of it. Yes, there is a lot to complain about (ugh, that heat), but you can find things to do. My advice would be to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Also take day trips to OKC and/or Dallas. Those are two major midwestern cities. Every post has its ups and downs, but you choose your attitude about it!”—Eleanor H.

“Southwest Oklahoma is definitely growing to better provide for the civilian and military community.  Having been stationed at Fort Sill twice I have found it to be a warm and welcoming post.” —Nicole M.