Has anyone been to pre-mobilization training at Ft. Bliss / Camp McGregor recently? What were your thoughts?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 20:34:01 -0500

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2016 9:03 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 21:03:31 -0500

It's 1 week, for pre-mob. My unit, native to Bliss, sent their soldiers there and it's an easy 7 days of what you would expect. Classroom instruction and a range day prior to the flight. It's too easy.

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 23 at 2016 9:46 PM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 21:46:39 -0500

did 6 rotations of Set Up for JTF 6 in the 90's... too hot and Dusty and we were restricted to 1/4 mile from Base when there only exception was the Harley Place outside of town... and a mexican restaurant just off post...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 2:12 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 02:12:39 -0500

Was there in July/August 2016 for 1 month. We did a week at Bliss for Inbrief, SRP and Supply stations then moved out to McGregor. Barracks at Bliss were terrible (had cockroaches but no A/C), chow was average (5 min. walk), large PX complex with restaurants, a theater and outlet stores (15 min. walk), mini PX right next to barracks, internet cafe with slow internet in basement of barracks building, local cell service is excellent.

McGregor barracks were nicer (a/c) but were open bays instead of rooms, food was still so/so only a couple minute walk from barracks, good gym facilities and a running track, mini PX is in a complex with a MWR, barber shop, tactical store and internet cafe. Cell service here was terrible for T-mobile but I believe others had good luck with Verizon. They had wireless internet in buildings that could be bought on hourly, daily, weekly and monthly package prices. McGregor has hourly bus transfers to Bliss during the day.

The ranges were efficiently ran, but some were absolutely worthless for training value. Some ranges were close, but others were an hour away at another complex. Our MRX was less than stellar as we were the first to mobilize from there for our mission and they didn't have a good understanding of our actual mission. One nice thing was each company sized element got a 15 passenger van which greatly helped with follow up appointments at Bliss for SRP issues. Mobilizing units have to request bus and box truck transportation to and from ranges more than 72 hours out, it is an easy process.

Overall not the worst place I've trained at, and also not the best. Good luck on your mobilization.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 6:38 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 18:38:15 -0500

Last time I was there was 2008 for McGregor (Mob) and 2009 for Bliss itself (Demob), so my knowledge is almost all out of date. I remember that Verizon worked best for cell service, especially at McGregor. There's plenty of shuttles heading back and forth, but if you're doing Mob as a unit you'll probably have a few 15-pax vans instead. Oh, and one more thing: If you get a chance to, try out the restaurant Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey's, which is just outside Bliss. Hands down it was the best authentic Mexican & Tex-Mex (they have both) food I've ever had on this side of the border, and the price was good too.

Response by CPL Randy Bautista made Jan 3 at 2017 12:33 AM

CPL Randy Bautista — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 00:33:23 -0500

It's sucks and it's a bit fun

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2017 9:00 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 09:00:55 -0400

Just arrived at Bliss. The barracks is nice and has AC. No one should complain. Mcgregor is in four days

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2022 12:33 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 12:33:20 -0400

I can’t complain except for the range at mcgregor it was extra windy kicking up dust causing malfunctions and some of the closer targets are Swiss cheese. Cell service is hit or miss but the WiFi makes up for it. Troop store is pretty great.