Editor’s note: This post was updated in October 2020.

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 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 Huachuca, Arizona.

Located in the midst of beautiful mountain ranges in the southeastern corner of Arizona lies Fort Huachuca, the hub of U.S. Army Intelligence. It is the home of training for future intelligence soldiers, as well as the home of the Military Intelligence Captain’s Career Course.

The area always seems to be growing and changing, so there may be many more things you find when arriving at Fort Huachuca or Sierra Vista. Enjoy the breathtaking views of mountain ranges, the comfortable climate, and the many things to do offered by the area.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Fort Huachuca is home to the following units:

• United States Army Intelligence and Security Command
• The United States Army Information Systems Engineering Command
• The Network Enterprise Technology Command
• The United States Army Intelligence Center of Excellence
• Electronic Proving Ground
• Network Enterprise Center
• Communications Security Logistics Activity
• Communications-Electronics Command
• Joint Interoperability Test Command
• 40^th Electronic Surveillance Brigade
• 902^nd Military Intelligence Detachment
• 111^th Military Intelligence Brigade
• 2^nd Battalion, 13^th Aviation Regiment
• INSCOM Training and Doctrine Support
• Military Intelligence Corps Band

Surrounding Cities:

• Sierra Vista (immediately outside the gate)
• Huachuca City (7 miles)
• Whetstone (13 miles)
• Hereford (22 miles)
• Tombstone (23 miles)
• Bisbee (29 miles)
• Sonoita (31 miles)
• Benson (35 miles)
• Tucson (74 miles)
• Phoenix (187 miles)

 Closest MAJOR City: Tucson (74 miles)

 Names of Area Colleges:

• Cochise College in Sierra Vista
• Wayland Baptist University in Sierra Vista
• The University of Arizona South, College of Applied Science and Technology in Sierra Vista
• University of Arizona in Tucson

Weather: The weather in Arizona is fairly favorable. While the state is often considered a giant desert, Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca are situated at a higher elevation with dry weather, not as hot as places like Phoenix.

Average temperatures in the winter are low 60s to mid-70s, but nighttime can get pretty cold, even bringing frost.

In the summer, you’ll see an average of mid-80s to low 90s. July and August bring monsoon season, which often includes strong winds, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. During that time tree limbs may fall and lighter items like trash may get blown around.

Time Zone: Fort Huachuca is in the Mountain Time Zone, but Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time. During DST, Arizona time aligns with the Pacific Time Zone.

SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION

 To access the post website, click here.

 Map of the Area 

 Historical Facts/Landmarks:

There is no shortage of history on Fort Huachuca. The Fort Huachuca Museum and Annex details the history of the installation. Constructed in 1877, Fort Huachuca was a remote outpost established to guard against the Chiricahua Apaches, who were led by Geronimo. Eventually, the Buffalo Soldiers from Fort Huachuca were the ones who drove Geronimo from the area, forcing him to surrender.

Some historic areas of the installation include Pershing House (traditionally the post commander’s home), the Old Post Barracks, Leonard Wood Hall and the Fort Huachuca Historical Museum. One area of the museum is dedicated to the spouses of the Buffalo Soldiers, who placed themselves very near to danger in order to remain near their husbands.

The Military Intelligence Soldier Heritage Learning Center is focused on military intelligence history as it relates to the military, including radio communication gear, cryptograms, drones, and more.

HOUSING

 On-post housing is managed by Mountain Vista Communities.

 Major realty/rental companies in the area:

• Sierra Vista Realty: “Brad Snyder is the main realtor and we highly recommend him. He seems to know his stuff and is very clear and upfront about expectations.” — Sharon W.
• Galeria de Coronado: “Beautiful, spacious homes stocked with good appliances and the office staff are friendly and extremely helpful.” — Sarah P.
• Long Realty
• Haymore Real Estate

SCHOOLS

 School Liaison Officer

 School Districts:

• Fort Huachuca Accommodation School on Fort Huachuca
• Sierra Vista Unified School District in Sierra Vista

 On-Post Schools

• Elementary: Colonel Johnston Elementary (K-2) and General Myer Elementary (3-5)
• Middle: Colonel Smith Middle School (6-8)

Off-Post Schools

• Elementary: Bella Vista Elementary, Carmichael Elementary, Huachuca Mountain Elementary, Pueblo Del Sol Elementary, Town and Country Elementary, and Village Meadows Elementary, all for K-6.
• Middle: Joyce Clark Middle School
• High School: Buena High School
• Private/Charter: All Saints Catholic School (PreK-9), First Baptist Christian Academy (PreK-8), Veritas Christian Community School (K-12), Berean Academy (K-12), and Leman Academy of Excellence (K-7).

 ON-POST SERVICES

• Child and Youth Services
• Army Community Service 
• PX
• Commissary
• CW2 Christopher G. Nason Military Intelligence Library: Open to the entire installation
• Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center: Provides limited care. Referrals are provided for off-post specialty care.
• MWR
• Fort Huachuca Community Spouses’ Club
• Chaplain & Religious Services/Organizations

OFF-POST INFORMATION

Health Care:

• Hospital: Canyon Vista Medical Center in Sierra Vista
• Urgent Care: High Desert Clinic in Sierra Vista
• Dentist: Dental Village Sierra Vista and Cochise Caring Dentistry in Sierra Vista
• OBGYN: References are provided by RWBAHC when seeking a referral for care. Please consult their list.
• Chiropractor: Roberts Chiropractic in Sierra Vista

Best place for beauty services:

• My Le’s Nail Salon in Sierra Vista
• Timeless Therapeutic Day Spa in Sierra Vista.

Shopping/malls: Plenty of shopping is available in Sierra Vista. Target and Walmart are only minutes from the gate. There are many grocery chains in the area (Fry’s, Safeway, Target, and Wal-Mart) that offer discount cards and can be cheaper than shopping at the commissary when combining coupons, discount cards, and weekly sale flyers. The major mall in Sierra Vista is The Mall at Sierra Vista, but there are other shopping centers and strip malls in the area. If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, you can probably find it in Tucson.

Farmer’s Markets:

• Sierra Vista Farmer’s Market in Sierra Vista
• Produce On Wheels Without Waste in Sierra Vista
• Sierra Vista Community Garden in Sierra Vista

“Sierra Vista and the surrounding areas are rich in agricultural community, offering fresh and inexpensive produce and animal products, from farmer’s markets to outreach programs offering produce for free or at a reduced cost.” — Sharon W.

RESTAURANTS

Sierra Vista:

• Indochine
• Schlotzsky’s Deli
• Rodolfo’s Taco Shop
• Baker’s Dozen: delicious donuts
• Fresh
• Native Grill Wings
• Vinny’s New York Pizza

Hereford:

• Pizzeria Mimosa

Tombstone:

• Longhorn Restaurant (the oldest continually operated restaurant in Tombstone)
• Big Nose Kate’s Saloon
• Café Margarita

Bisbee:

• Santiago’s Restaurant
• Old Bisbee Brewery (wide variety of delicious beer and excellent homemade Root Beer)
• The Bisbee Table
• Bisbee Coffee Company
• Bisbee Breakfast Club
• Café Roka
• POCO (Vegetarian and Vegan)

Tucson:

• Hana Tokyo
• Miss Saigon

MUST DO

Tombstone:

• The O.K. Corral

Bisbee:

• Old Bisbee Brewery tour
• Historic Mining Tour
• Bisbee Historic Tour

Sonoita/Elgin (a wine region)

• Hops and Vines: Not to be confused with the alcohol sales chain
• Hannah’s Hill Vineyard
• Sonoita Vineyards

The community of wine makers out there is a cooperative bunch. They really work together to bring the area great events and the best wine possible. Everyone we met was always so nice and friendly.” — Sharon W.

Willcox:

• Apple Annie’s: Multiple locations, some which are seasonal. Offers numerous Fall activities for families

Tucson:

• Reid Park Zoo
• Pima Air and Space Museum
• The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
• Tucson Botanical Gardens
• Children’s Museum Tucson
• Old Tucson
• Mount Lemmon

Phoenix:

• Desert Botanical Garden
• Children’s Museum of Phoenix
• Arizona Science Center
• Watch an Arizona Cardinals homegame

Prescott:

• Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
• World’s Oldest Rodeo

Flagstaff:

• Grand Canyon National Park

 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:  U.S. Army Fort Huachuca

Military Spouse Groups:

• Fort Huachuca Army Spouses
• Fort Huachuca Wives 30+ (for the 30 and older crowd)
• Other specific groups exist for those with significant others that are going through AIT, MICCC, and other training. Simply search Facebook for your particular interest.

Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:

• Fort Huachuca Military Spouses Buy, Sell & Trade
• Sierra Vista/Fort Huachuca Buy, Sell, Trade
• Fort Huachuca Thrifty Wives Sales Page
• Sierra Vista Sells

Religious services:

• Protestant Women of the Chapel at Fort Huachuca
• Catholic Women of the Chapel at Fort Huachuca

SPOUSE TESTIMONIALS

“Enjoy the beautiful mountain views and the arid climate. There is so much to explore, especially if you enjoy hiking. The people are friendly and there are always events going on that are great for children.” —Sarah P.