FORT HUACHUCA, ARIZONA
The following information was retrieved from the Thunder Mountaineer Unofficial Guide & Fort Telephone Directory 2004. MARCOA Publishing, Inc., San Diego, CA 92150-9100
Fort Huachuca was founded in 1877 as a cavalry out-post to protect settlers from rampaging Apache Indians. Today Fort Huachuca is very proud of its status as a premier military installation. Much of this fascinating history of both the Southwest and the U.S. Army dwell within the walls of the Fort Huachuca Historical Museum.
Fort Huachuca has personnel of more than 19,000 people. Fort Huachuca is located in Sierra Vista, Arizona nestled abreast the breathtaking Huachuca Mountains. Visitors to Fort Huachuca can look forward to unearthing the many mysteries Fort Huachuca hosts. At a minimum they can expect to find a time capsule full of both mystery and intrigue. History is an important part of Fort Huachuca and will remain as such.
The Indian wars of the 1870s and 1880s brought intrigue to this, once quiet, old Indian stomping grounds. In 1886 the Apache danger southern Arizona faced ceased due to the surrender of Geronimo, and while other camps closed, Fort Huachuca remained active because of the constant border issues it faced involving renegade Indians, Mexican bandits, and American outlaws and freebooters. In 1913, the 10th Cavalry “Buffalo Soldiers” arrived on Forth Huachuca to call this home for the next 20 years.
In 1933, the 25th Infantry Regiment had replaced the 10th Cavalry as the main combat unit. During World War II the 25th, in turn, was absorbed by the 93rd Infantry Division. Army Engineers reactivated the Fort during the Korean War. In 1954 a new Era began when the area was declared suitable for testing electronic and communications equipment because of the climate.
In 1967, Fort Huachuca became the head quarters of the U.S. Army Strategic Communications Command. In 1971, the post became home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School. Consequently in 1973, however, it transitioned to the U.S. Army Information Systems Command in 1984 and from there onto the U.S. Army Signal Command in 1997. In 2002, The U.S. Army Signal Command was renamed the U.S. Army’s Network Enterprise Technology Command but changed again in October 1990 that resulted in a change of command. The U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca now operates the post.
Years into the new millennium Fort Huachuca remains an active and prominent military base throughout the southwest. In addition to hosting history in the making, Fort Huachuca offers a diversity of services and recreational opportunities to both the history buff and the nature enthusiast.
*Please see the Thunder Mountaineer Unofficial Guide and Fort Telephone Directory for detailed information.*
IN-PROCESSING
If you are new to Fort Huachuca the Main Gate Welcome Center will greet new arrivals and visitors. The center can provide temporary and permanent on-post vehicle registration and information on where to locate troop units, and general information about the installation along with a map to guide visitors to their destination.
REPORTING IN
Officers should sign the register at their assignment location. New enlisted soldiers report to the Battalion or Brigade S-1 of the unit to which they are assigned. Reservists’ regardless of rank, will report to the G-3 Reserve Support Office in Room B-18 of Building 31122 (Alchesay Barracks) for in-processing on the first duty day after arrival.
NEWCOMERS’ ORIENTATION
A monthly newcomers’ Orientation for soldiers, family members, and DA Civilians is held at Murr Community Center. The orientation includes a tour of the local area.Call Army Community Service at 533-2330 for information concerning date and time.
HOUSING
The Family Housing Office, located in Building 41415, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
The housing referral branch for off-post housing, also located in Building 41415, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during normal duty days. All arriving and departing military personnel are required to process through this branch.
Personnel arriving after duty hours, on weekends or on holidays should report to the Billeting Office, Building 43083, near the LakeSide Activities Centre, for temporary lodging. They should report to their assigned unit the following day.
ARIZONA VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Individuals who place a child in school, purchase property or are employed in Arizona are required to register their vehicles in Arizona. Although nonresident military personnel have the option to register their vehicles in their home state, they may also register their vehicles in Arizona. Soldiers who do so should obtain a nonresident affidavit, which is available at the Vehicle Registration Ofice, by presenting their latest Leave and Earnings Statement (DA Form 3686-1) and vehicle registration/bill of sale or contract for resident verification.
For vehicle registration, personnel must have proof of ownership, such as a title, if the vehicle has been registered in a title state; a manufacturer’s statement of origin if the vehicle was purchased outside the continental United States; or a notarized bill of sale. In addition to the proof of ownership, the previous registration, if any, must be presented. At the time of registration, a vehicle identification inspection is made. The old license plates will be surrendered upon request. The cost for vehicle resident registration in Arizona is computed from a factory list price, prorated to the year of first registration.
ARIZONA DRIVER’S LICENSE
The Sierra Vista Regional Service Center for the Motor Vehicle Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation is located at 5224 E. Charleston Road in Sierra Vista. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and closed on weekends and all legal holidays. Drivers who establish residency in the state are required to hold an Arizona driver’s license. Military family members who accept employment in the state must also obtain an Arizona driver’s license. The cost for a driver’s license for automobiles is based on your age: 16-39 = $25; 40-44 = $20; 45-49= $15 and 50 and over – $10. Those who surrender a valid out-of-state license need only take a written test and an eye examination. Those with an expired license of more than 12 months must take a Class B Driver’s Test and a Written Examination.
Services available Monday through Friday are Vehicle Inspections, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; CDL Road Test by appointments only; and Motorcycle Skills Test, Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The minimum age to apply for a learner’s permit is 15 years and seven months. Those applying for a driver’s license must be at least 16 years old. Minors must have proof of birth and parental signatures. Additional information can be obtained by calling the office at 459-3696.
ENTERTAINMENT & SERVICES
Regimental Mini-Mall includes a retail store, Box Office Video Rental, laundry, dry cleaners, barber shop, video rental, automatic teller machine, gasoline dispensers, Anthony’s Pizza and Popeye’s Chicken. Open seven days a week.
There is a military Thrift Shop for consumers to purchase used goods. The Post Exchange offers a variety of goods and services.
The PX Mall offers a wide range of services as well. Located in the PX Mall are the flower shop, GNC, The UPS Store, Southwest Gift Shop, Optical Shop and many other temporary concessions. The PX Food Court offers a wide variety of foods to include Anthony’s Pizza, Frank’s Franks, Robin Hood Deli and Baskin-Robbins.
National brand home furnishings along with juvenile furniture, lamps, rugs and major appliances are available in Building 52048, across the parking lot from the Main Post Exchange.
POST THEATER
Fort Huachuca’s post theater is located near the Main Post Exchange mall in Building 52026. Show times and movie schedules appear in the post newspaper, The Fort Huachuca Scout or you can call 533-2950 for more information.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Outdoor recreation activities offer a wide array of fun that include hiking, horse back riding, paint ball ranges, sports and picnicking excursions.
19th HOLE CLUBHOUSE
Open to the public. Located at Mountain View Golf Course in Building 15479, it offers dining and entertainment. Call 533-7082 for more information. A great place to relax after duty calls.
APACHE FLATS RV RESORT
Apache Flats is a beautiful RV resort that rests at the base of the Huachuca Mountains and promises a grandiose experience for those travelers who expect the best accommodations available to trailer in tow. Call 533-1335 for more information.
BUFFALO CORRAL
No, buffalo do not roam here and in case you were wondering, they do not have wings either. This beautiful riding stable is among the rustic foothills of the Huachuca Mountains and offers horse riding and boarding opportunities for an affordable price. Call 533-5220 for more information.
DESERT LANES BOWLING CENTER
With 24 lanes to chose from, automated scoring, Rock-n-Bowl nights, pro shop, game room, barber shop and eating facilities bowling is at its best. Call 533-2849 for more information.
FORT HUACHUCA COMMUNITY SPOUSES’ CLUB
Open to spouses of all military ranks as a support system that provides fund raisers, volunteering, awards and scholarship opportunities to members. Call 378-1763 for more information.
GOLF COURSE
Mountain View Golf Course is located at the end of Wilcox Drive, just west of Buffalo Soldier Trail. There is an 18-hole course, a putting green and driving range. The Mountain View Pro Shop offers a wide variety of golfing equipment, accessories and clothing. Call 533-7088 for more information.
HUNTING AND FISHING
Hunting and fishing licenses may be obtained to take advantage of this sport. Call the Sportsman Center at 533-7085 for more information.
LAKESIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE
This center offers accommodations for every type of function. Please call 533- 2193 or 533-2195.
JEANNIE’S DINER
Quick & Tasty food from the 50’s & 60’s era is what you will find here at this hop stop. Call 533-5759 for more information.
MWR ARTS CENTER
This multi-purpose activity center provides facilities for programmed instruction. Classes and workshops are offered for a small fee.
MWR BOX OFFICE
Free tourist information, travel consultations, itinerary planning and discount tickets to Arizona and Southern California attractions. The MWR Box Office books hotels and motels at significant discounts.
MWR RENTS
For the outdoor enthusiast sporting goods and recreational equipment is available for your use. Please call 533-6707 for more information.
SPORTS AND ATHLETICS
Health and fitness is what you will find in Barnes Field House. A 25-meter, heated swimming pool, 7 combination handball and racquetball courts, a main gymnasium with two basket-ball and volleyball courts, a well-equipped fitness center and weight room, saunas in the men’s and women’s locker rooms and karate instruction are available. Call 533-4723 for more information.
SPORTSMAN CENTER
This sports center offers ranges for skeet trap, archery, sporting clays, air rifles, a paintball range and plinker range for the sportsman’s entertainment. Call 533-7085 for more information.
THUNDER MOUNTAIN ACTIVITY CENTER
TMAC offers a dining room, ballroom, meeting rooms and cocktail lounge and ATM for adult social activities. Call 533-3802 for more information.
This unofficial guide is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. (Contents of the Thunder Mountaineer are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of Army or U.S. Army Intelligence Center.) It is published annually by the Public Affairs Office, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Huachuca.