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Understanding the Size of Fort Bliss: A Comprehensive Insight
When discussing the largest military installations in the United States, Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, often comes up. While its size is indeed impressive, it is essential to clarify misconceptions regarding its ranking among American military bases. According to the 2025 Base Structure Report from the U.S. Department of Defense, Fort Bliss is not the largest based on acreage.
The Real Rankings: Fort Bliss vs. Other Bases
White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico holds the title as the largest military base in the U.S., boasting over 955,000 acres of land. In comparison, Fort Bliss encompasses more than 288,000 acres, ranking as the third-largest military installation overall and the second-largest Army base in the country. When considering total acreage owned, used, or leased, Fort Bliss's operations span over 1.3 million acres, placing it behind both White Sands and Washington's Yakima Training Center.
Economic Impact of Fort Bliss
The significance of Fort Bliss extends beyond its physical size. In 2023, it supported approximately 127,000 jobs, contributing an economic impact of $27.9 million to the El Paso area, as reported by the Texas Comptroller. This economic activity underscores the base's vital role in local and national contexts, showcasing how military installations can be economic engines within their host communities.
Community Engagement and Fact-Checking Initiatives
El Paso Matters collaborates with Gigafact to offer "fact briefs" that illuminate claims surrounding pivotal issues in the community, such as the size and impact of Fort Bliss. These initiatives are designed to foster informed discussions and debunk myths, ensuring citizens stay accurately informed about their surroundings.
As conversations continue, it is crucial to verify claims surrounding military installations and their role in the economy. The discussion surrounding Fort Bliss’s size is a reminder that size alone doesn’t determine a base’s significance.
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