FORT SILL: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER
By Tracy Fuga
Introduction
Welcome to the home of Army Fires Center of Excellence! Fort Sill is a great place to live and work, with a long history. The installation covers about 94,000 acres just north of Lawton, Oklahoma at the post of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The site was staked out in 1869 by Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan who led a campaign to stop Native American tribes from raiding border settlements in Texas and Kansas. The post gradually changed from cavalry to field artillery. The School of Fire for the Field Artillery was founded at Fort Sill in 1911 and continues to operate today as the Army Field Artillery School. Fort Sill is one of the four locations for Army Basic Combat Training and has played a role in every major American conflict since 1869. Continue reading for an in-depth guide to help aid you in your transition to living and working on Fort Sill.- Where Is Fort Sill?
- Google Map View
- Getting There – Directions to the Post
- Entering Fort Sill and Post Amenities
- Where Should I Live Near Fort Sill?
- What Schools are Near Fort Sill?
- What’s the Weather Like in Fort Sill?
- Things to Do Near Fort Sill
Where Is Fort Sill?
Fort Sill Visitor Control Center
T6701 NW Sheridan Road Lawton, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 558-9606Fort Sill Map
Directions to Fort Sill, Oklahoma
Public Transportation
The nearest Amtrak stop to Fort Sill is in Oklahoma City, roughly 85 miles away. Alternatively, you could take a Greyhound bus from nearby Lawton and connect to Oklahoma City and most other major cities.Flights to Fort Sill, AL
The closest airport to Fort Sill is Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport. It’s a fairly small airport in terms of takeoffs and landings, but it’s only a few miles from the front gates of Fort Sill. The regional airport is served by American Eagle which connects passengers to nearby Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport via daily round trip flights.Driving Directions to Fort Sill, Oklahoma
- If you drive from the airport, you will drive north on Southwest 11th Street.
- Turn left onto Southwest Lee Boulevard.
- Turn left onto Southwest 20th Street and follow the signs for Fort Sill.
Fort Sill Transportation Office
Fort Sill Household Goods/Transportation Office
4700 Mow-Way Road Fort Sill, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 442-3107Fort Sill Transportation Office Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0730 to 1600
Entering Fort Sill and Post Amenities
If you don’t yet have a DOD-issued identification, you will be subject to a background check at the Visitor Control Center before you’re allowed to enter Fort Sill. Click here to learn more about where to go.Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
Upon arrival, all permanently assigned soldiers report to the Welcome Center with their DA Form 31 and PCS orders. The Welcome Center reception desk is manned 24 hours a day. Personnel will sign Soldiers in from leave, assist with billeting and give instruction about when to return for in-processing. Installation in-processing is conducted Monday, Wednesday and Friday for all permanent party Soldiers; and is typically completed in two days. The majority of in-processing is conducted in Building 4700 to include ID cards, finance, housing, vehicle registration and ACS. New arrivals are briefed by several agencies on programs, assistance and services available on the installation such as: housing/government quarters, Fort Sill Credit Union, Fort Sill National Bank, MEDDAC (records pick-up), DENTAC, finance and travel.Welcome Center
4700 Mow-Way Road Fort Sill, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 442-3217Fort Sill Visitor Center
Fort Sill Visitor Control Center
T6701 NW Sheridan Road Lawton, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 558-9606Fort Sill Visitor Control Center Hours
Sunday through Saturday
- 0500 - 2030
DEERS Fort Sill
The Fort Sill DEERS Office is an appointment-based system. Update DEERS due to marriage, divorce, birthday or death. You can also renew or get issued your CAC/ID cards. To schedule an appointment, click here.Fort Sill DEERS Office
4700 Mow-Way Road Fort Sill, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 442-5010Fort Sill DEERS Office Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0830 to 1130 and 1230 to 1530
Fort Sill Gate Hours
There are six gates that provide access to Fort Sill.Bentley Gate
- Open 24/7, including holidays.Key West Gate
- Open 24/7, including holidays.Scott Gate
- Open 0500 to 2100 Sunday through Saturday.Apache Gate
- Open 0500 to 2100 Monday through Friday, and 0600 to 1400 Saturday. Closed on Sunday and federal holidays.52 St Gate
- Open 0500 to 1400 Monday through Friday. Closed on weekends and federal holidays.Key East Gate
- Open 0500 to 1400 Monday through Friday. Closed on weekends and federal holidays.
Fort Sill Commissary
The Fort Sill Commissary lets you save your hard-earned dollars when shopping for groceries at the commissary. In-store amenities and specialties include an ATM, a bakery, a deli, special orders for produce trays and custom cakes, bagger-less checkout and more. The commissary is open 0930 to 2000 Monday through Friday, 0800 to 1800 Saturday and 1200 to 1800 Sunday.Fort Sill Commissary
1719 Macomb Road Fort Sill, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 442-2305Fort Sill Commissary Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0930 to 2000Saturday
- 0800 to 1800Sunday
- 1200 to 1800
Fort Sill Exchange
The Fort Sill Exchange offers a price-match program that guarantees the best prices in town, guaranteed up to 14 days after the purchase (with some exceptions). The exchange is open 1000 to 1830 Monday through Friday, 1000 to 1830 Saturday and 1100 to 1600 Sunday.Fort Sill Exchange
1718 Macomb Road Fort Sill, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 351-0504Fort Sill Exchange Hours
Monday through Friday
- 1000 to 1830Saturday
- 1000 to 1830Sunday
- 1100 to 1600
Fort Sill Barber Shops
There are three barber shops on post and one family hair care spot. Hours vary by location so call for more information.Main Exchange Barber Shop - Bldg. 1718
Phone
: 1 (580) 353-5697Quarry Hill Complex Barber Shop - Bldg. 6036
Phone
: 1 (580) 383-8919PXTRA Complex Barber Shop - Bldg. 1712
Phone
: 1 (580) 771-4924Family Hair Care - Bldg. 6005
Phone
: 1 (580) 353-5788Fort Sill Post Office
Soldiers and their dependents are authorized to receive personal mail through the Installation Consolidated Mail Room until they have established a permanent address (normally 30 days). Use the following address: Soldier/Spouse/Child’s name, Rank/Name of Soldier, 6607 NW Fort Sill Blvd., Fort Sill, OK 73503-1899. The official mail center is open from 0830 to 1630 Monday through Friday, 0930 to 1130 Saturday and is closed on Sundays and federal holidays.Official Mail and Distribution Center
930 Fort Sill Blvd., Suite 100 Fort Sill, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (800) 275-8777Official Mail and Distribution Center Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0830 to 1630Saturday
- 0930 to 1130
Fort Sill Finance
The Fort Sill Finance Office is open from 0800 to 1600 Monday through Friday. The office has resources available to help you understand and manage your finances, including one-on-one counseling to assist your family with financial readiness, from basic planning to long-term investing.Fort Sill Finance Office
4700 Mow-Way Road, Room 108 Fort Sill, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 442-2191Fort Sill Finance Office Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0800 to 1600
Fort Sill Legal Office
The Fort Sill Legal Assistance Office provides legal advice and assistance to eligible clients, including active duty, retired, and dependents with a military ID card. The office is where you want to go to get a will prepared or have other legal documents reviewed, including powers of attorney, living wills, bills of sale, simple affidavits, leases, name changes, uncontested divorces, etc. Call for hours or to make an appointment. Power of attorney and notary services available on a walk-in basis.Fort Sill Legal Office
4700 Mow-Way Road, Suite 400 Fort Sill, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 442-5058Fort Sill Legal Office Hours
- To make an appointment with the Legal Assistance Office, call 1 (580) 442-5058.
Fort Sill Library
The Nye Library is your one-stop shop for research, communication resources, and entertainment. The library has so much to offer: WiFi, copiers, study areas, free faxing and scanning, tablets loaded with games for kids, DVDs, language resources, and tons and tons of books (audio and physical). The library is open from 1000 to 1700 Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and 1000 to 1800 on Wednesday and Thursday.Fort Sill Library
1640 Randolph Road Fort Sill, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 442-3806Hours
:Monday
- 1000 to 1700Wednesday and Thursday
- 1000 to 1800Friday - Sunday
- 1000 to 1700
Fort Sill Hotels
The Holiday Inn Express on Fort Sill is your home away from home while you get settled into Fort Sill. The hotel is conveniently located off Interstate 44, just five miles from Lawton Municipal Airport. The hotel offers guests pet-friendly accommodations and a smoke-free environment. Enjoy the free continental breakfast and high-speed Internet access. There are laundry facilities on site as well. The front desk is open 24/7, though check-in starts at 1600 and checkout is at 1100.Holiday Inn Express
5676 Fergusson Road Fort Sill, OK 73503Phone
: 1 (580) 355-4475
Where Should I Live Near Fort Sill?
Cities Near Fort Sill
There is one main city near Fort Sill, and several smaller towns. Most people stationed at Fort Sill choose to live in Lawton as it offers big-city conveniences and a short commute to work while still having the small town feel with lots of parks and lakes to visit. If you’re considering living on post, check out the available on-post housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off post.Best Places to Live Near Fort Sill
Lawton, OK
The county seat of Comanche County, Lawton boasts a population of just over 93,000 people. Its economy is largely supported by its close proximity to Fort Sill, just 4 miles away. Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking and camping are popular among those who live here. Housing is extremely affordable, falling well below the national average. The median monthly owner costs for a mortgage are $1,125 and median gross rents are $828. The area has a lot to offer, with the Museum of the Great Plains giving visitors a chance to see pictures directly downloaded from the Hubble Telescope. The NASA exhibit is on permanent display at the museum. Also nearby is the Comanche National Museum which has exhibits in its cultural center showing Native American history for the region.
Hot Tip: Look for Fort Sill homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.
Fort Sill Schools
Oklahoma has not adopted the nation’s Common Core standards, one of only a few states to opt out. However, that doesn’t mean education is lacking here. The state has adopted its own stringent standards and there are plenty of options for your children to receive a quality education in the Fort Sill area, on or off post. If you’re living on post, your children will attend Lawton Public Schools. Elementary school kids will go to Freedom Elementary, middle school students attend Central Middle and high school kids go to Lawton High. Wherever they attend, rest assured that they’ll have access to the finest education possible. And if your child requires extra help, there are a number of programs available. Fort Sill’s School Support Services provide school-aged children resources and information to help achieve academic success. The on-post school liaison officer is also available to help make the tough transition to a new school easier. Find more local school information at The Best Fort Sill Schools: Daycare - High School.
Fort Sill Weather
Hot summers, mild winters and the threat of tornadoes await when you live and work in Fort Sill. Summer temperatures can be brutal but temperatures rarely go below freezing.Spring
The threat of tornadoes starts in the spring. Other than that, the temperatures are quite pleasant, trending on the warm side with a few colder days sprinkled in. The season is ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, fishing and boating. Just make sure you have a plan to leave quickly if the wind picks up.Summer
It’s hot and muggy in Oklahoma throughout the summer months. Daytime temps in June trend toward the high 80s, and humidity can be stifling. The warmest months are July and August, the average highs are close to triple digits and the lows are in the 70s. Indoor activities or water sports are best enjoyed in the summer.Fall
Fall months are still sunny and warm, with very few rainy days. This lasts until the end of October where temps dip below 60 and it starts getting wetter. September is the ideal month to take advantage of the outdoor activities in the area.Winter
As you would expect, the coldest time of the year is during winter. Lows are found in the high 30s and the highs are usually creeping toward the mid-60s. Oklahoma very rarely sees snow but you can expect some rain and a lot of wind during the winter months. Skiing and sledding can be found a short drive away.
Things to Do Near Fort Sill
There are tons of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with fishing, hiking, boating, and hunting at nearby parks and nature reserves. There are also fun annual events that focus on patriotic themes like the Freedom Festival in Lawton, the largest free fireworks display in Southwest Oklahoma. There’s also the Armed Forces Day Celebration and Red Dirt Barbecue. Fantastic restaurants, live music, and special events are a little over an hour away in Oklahoma City. Not to mention the recreation and entertainment options available on post thanks to Fort Sill Family and MWR. Check out 23 of the Best Things to Do Near Fort Sill for additional information.
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Conclusion
Fort Sill has more to offer than meets the eye. The area is bustling with things to do and there’s more to offer just a short drive away. While stationed at Fort Sill you’ll have the opportunity to train at one of the premier Army installations while the location provides the chance to experience everything the Midwest has to offer. Moving to a new place has its challenges but you’ll be glad to be here.The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Last Updated:
10/1/2021SHARE:
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