The USAG White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico serves as the US Army’s primary missile testing center. Its core mission focuses on National Security Modernization through independent development testing and operational evaluation. This facility offers an unparalleled infrastructure for testing and training with new technologies in a Multi-Domain Operations setting.
Base Operator:
575-678-2121
Address:
Owen Road
White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002
What Kind of Base is USAG White Sands?
Spanning nearly 3,200 square miles in southern New Mexico, the USAG White Sands Missile Range is the US Army’s largest military installation. Situated between Las Cruces, Alamogordo, and El Paso, Texas, it collaborates closely with neighboring Holloman Air Force Base and Fort Bliss’s McGregor Range Complex, creating an expansive military testing zone.
Army Garrison White Sands History
Originally founded as the Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range in 1941, it earned fame as the site of the 1945 Trinity explosion—the world’s first nuclear test. Later renamed White Sands Proving Ground in 1945, today’s WSMR plays a pivotal role in advancing national security.
USAG White Sands Housing
USAG White Sands offers on-post housing options. Balfour Beatty Communities manages and operates the on-post housing units available to personnel. Unaccompanied service members in ranks Private through Sergeant may be eligible for on-post barracks rooms, but there are no on-post housing options for unaccompanied officers.
For off-post housing, nearby Las Cruces offers options to either buy or rent.
How to Apply For Housing
On-post housing is privatized and operated by White Sands Homes. You can explore their leasing options by creating an online request or by calling 575-674-2463.
PCS and TDY Lodging
Temporary lodging facilities at White Sands may be limited depending on PCS season, mission requirements, training schedules, and other variables.
On-post temporary lodging is handled by the White Sands IHG Army Hotel who can be reached by calling 575-288-3220. if there is no room on-post a certificate of non-availability should be obtained by the service member to have off-post lodging covered.
What is the BAH for USAG White Sands?
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at USAG White Sands varies depending on rank, years of service and dependency status. Visit the New Mexico state BAH page or see the chart below for more information.
WHITE SANDS MR/LAS CRUCES, NM BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: NM209
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,533 | $1,149 |
| E02 | $1,533 | $1,149 |
| E03 | $1,533 | $1,149 |
| E04 | $1,533 | $1,149 |
| E05 | $1,752 | $1,314 |
| E06 | $1,938 | $1,452 |
| E07 | $1,980 | $1,542 |
| E08 | $2,025 | $1,794 |
| E09 | $2,100 | $1,839 |
| W01 | $1,956 | $1,467 |
| W02 | $1,998 | $1,791 |
| W03 | $2,058 | $1,848 |
| W04 | $2,121 | $1,941 |
| W05 | $2,202 | $1,989 |
| O01E | $1,983 | $1,749 |
| O02E | $2,049 | $1,827 |
| O03E | $2,130 | $1,929 |
| O01 | $1,782 | $1,338 |
| O02 | $1,935 | $1,683 |
| O03 | $2,055 | $1,866 |
| O04 | $2,223 | $1,974 |
| O05 | $2,340 | $1,995 |
| O06 | $2,358 | $2,037 |
| O07 | $2,376 | $2,073 |
For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.
USAG White Sands Surrounding Area
USAG White Sands is located in the Tularosa Basin of south-central New Mexico. It is situated between the cities of Las Cruces, New Mexico to the west, Alamogordo, New Mexico to the east, and El Paso, Texas to the south. The base is surrounded by several outdoor and recreational attractions, including the White Sands National Park and the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, both federally-protected natural areas within the borders of USAG White Sands .
Healthcare
Healthcare services are available on-post via the McAfee Army Health Clinic. McAfee’s services include:
- Family Practice
- Primary Care
- Allergy & Immunizations
- Environmental Health
- Family Advocacy Program
- Occupational Health
- Preventative Medicine
- Industrial Hygiene
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Radiology
- Medical records
- Behavioral Health
- Active Duty Physicals
The clinic is open during normal duty hours only, but the facility often closes on Thursdays and weekends for training and other mission requirements.
Note: The McAfee Army Health Clinic does not offer emergency services. Emergency care must be sought at a nearby community hospital
Childcare
The U.S. Army Garrison White Sands Missile Range offers a variety of childcare options through the Thomas J. P. Jones Child Development Center. The center provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care programs to accommodate children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. There is also a program for students during the school year.
Schooling
There is one on-post school at USAG White Sands that caters to kindergarten through 8th grade. High School students living on-post will attend high school in the Las Cruces School District. The White Sands School Liaison Office offers help for families looking for education information. You can call the office at 575-678-7093.
-
The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.