Fort Sill
Fort Sill Relocation Information
Photo by US Army Fort Sill Facebook
Welcome to Fort Sill
Fort Sill is a national, historical landmark. Construction started in 1869-1870, making it the only remaining active fort that was built during the Indian Wars. Shortly after its completion, Major General Philip H. Sheridan named the fort after his friend Joshua Sill who died in 1862 during the Civil War. While its initial purpose was to control tribes of the Southern Plains, Fort Sill is now home to the Field Artillery Training Center (FATC), which is the Army's single training organization responsible for all skill level entry training of cannoneers and missile crewmen.
At Fort Sill, the field artillery is joined by the air defense artillery and electronic warfare branches to create the Fires Center of Excellence. It’s home to the United States Army Artillery School and houses the Marine Corps’ Field Artillery MOS school. It’s also home to a handful of other groups like the United States Army Air Defense Artillery School, the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and the 75th Army Field Artillery Brigade. Another interesting fact about Fort Sill? It’s one of just four Army Combat Training locations.
Image by dme interns on flickr
Fort Sill is considered quite large. The total population is approximately 53,000 people, 20,000 of whom are military and civilian personnel, and 33,000 are military family members. While no major cities are neighboring Fort Sill, you’ll notice a large retiree community surrounding Fort Sill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Sill
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Image from D/1-31 Field Artillery, Basic Combat Training Facebook
1) How many gates does Fort Sill have?
Fort Sill has six gates, two of which (the Bentley and Key West gates) are open 24/7.
2) Who is Fort Sill named for?
Fort Sill was named by Major General Philip H. Sheridan in honor of his close friend at West Point, Brigadier General Joshua W. Sill, who was killed in the Civil War. Major General Philip H. Sheridan staked the site of Fort Sill on January 8, 1869.
3) What is the history of Fort Sill?
Fort Sill originally served to control tribes of the Southern Plains who made frequent raids on settlements in Texas and Mexico.
4) What is the zip code for Fort Sill?
The zip code for Fort Sill is 73503. Other nearby zip codes include 73501, 73502, 73504, 73505, 73506, and 73507.
5) What is the BAH for Fort Sill?
BAH for Fort Sill ranges from $1,077 for E-1 to $1,590 for E-9 with dependents and $1,155 for O-1 to $1,974 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
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Base Location and Information
Official Site: Fort Sill
Image from army.mil
Fort Sill is in southwest Oklahoma. It’s approximately 90 miles southwest of Oklahoma City and 50 miles north of Wichita Falls, Texas, on Interstate 44. It lies just north of Lawton, OK. Nearby cities include Fletcher, Elgin, and Medicine Park, OK. One of the perks about Fort Sill’s location is its ability to offer military members that small-town feel so many families love without removing convenience to big-city amenities accessible at just over an hour's drive.
Other Oklahoma military installations:
Fun Fact: Wichita Falls, Oklahoma City, and Dallas are all within three hours of Fort Sill.
Arrival Lodging
Fort Sill On Post Housing
Fort Sill on-post housing is managed by Corvias Property Management. In addition to convenience to base amenities, living in any of these military housing communities grants you access to perks like resort-style pools, a splash pad, basketball courts, fitness centers, and more.
Fort Sill Housing Office:
Location: 5445 Greble Road, Fort Sill, OK 73503
Contact: 580-581-2100
Location: Welcome Center (Bldg. 4700)
Contact:
Fort Sill Off-Post Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Fort Sill - Fort Sill Homes
Many military families who choose to live off-post settle in Lawton. It offers not only a small-town feel but a short commute to and from work in addition to Fort Sill amenities. Nearby towns include Fletcher, Elgin, and Medicine Park, OK.
Base Search:
Fort Sill BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Fort Sill is near Lawton, OK offering many options to buy or rent. Some sample Fort Sill BAH rates for zip code 73503:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,077
- E-1 without dependents: $843
- E-9 with dependents: $1,590
- E-9 without dependents: $1,212
- O-1 with dependents: $1,155
- O-1 without dependents: $1,026
- O-7 with dependents: $1,974
- O-7 without dependents: $1,527
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Area Weather & Climate
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At Fort Sill, you’ll find a dry subtropical climate. With warm, moist air swooping in from the Gulf of Mexico here, you’ll have long, hot, and humid summers. The winters, while cold, are milder than you’ll find further north. Instead, you might see short bursts of extreme cold that last for a few days before the temperature starts to rise again.
The biggest concern living in Fort Sill is tornadoes. Tornado season stretches from April through June. However, it’s not uncommon to see one or two extend into the fall and winter time frame.
Fort Sill Area Schools
Photo by Redd on Unsplash
There are no on-post schools at Fort Sill. School-age kids who live near Fort Sill attend Lawton Public Schools.
Get more info: Lawton Public Schools
School Support Services Contact Information:
Fort Sill School Support Services
4700 Mow-Way Road
BLDG 4700
Fort Sill, Oklahoma 73503
Phone: 580-442-2130
Get information about private schools near Fort Sill: Private School Review.
Homeschooling families can learn how to comply with the Oklahoma Department of Education regarding students instructed at home at Oklahoma State Department of Education Homeschooling Information.
Support for Military & Families
Photo by Nate Johnston on Unsplash
There are numerous higher education opportunities as well as volunteer options to pursue. While it fluctuated throughout 2021, the Lawton unemployment rate is lower than the national average and sits at 2.2% as of September 2021.
Some of the area’s top employers:
- Fort Sill
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
- Lawton Public Schools
Looking to volunteer? Try these organizations:
Higher education near Fort Sill:
Other helpful links:
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Things to Do Near Fort Sill
Image from Run Lawton Facebook
U.S. Army Artillery Museum: Learn about the history of artillery dating from 1775 to the present. With over 70 guns, artillery pieces, and other artifacts like headgear and uniforms, the U.S. Army Artillery Museum brings history to life.
Medicine Bluffs Historic Site: Believed to be the site where Geronimo escaped from the U.S. Cavalry by jumping with his horse.
Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum: Telling the story of Fort Sill, this is where you can learn everything from where Fort Sill got its name to its purpose in being built.
Museum of the Great Plains: Get to know the local history through interactive exhibits and self-directed activities.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a place to discover endangered species like bison, elk, wild turkey, prairie dogs, river otters, and burrowing owls. Come hunt, fish, and partake in the refuge’s special events.
Geronimo gravesite: Buried under a pyramid of stones with an eagle perched overhead, and his family, along with those who fought with him laid beside, Geronimo’s gravesite is worth the visit.
Viridian Coffee Co: Gather with your friends and enjoy your favorite local blends.
The Silver Spoon: Enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful environment. The Silver Spoon is known for its soups, sandwiches, and salads. But don’t leave before tasting one of their signature desserts!
The Bent Fork: Created to offer healthy meal options for busy individuals aiming to adopt a healthier lifestyle, The Bent Fork offers fresh meal prep options with a new menu every two weeks.
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More Information About Fort Sill
12 Off The Beaten Path Adventures Near Military Bases
Base Address:
455 McNair Rd #118 Fort Sill, OK
Fort Sill
,
73503-1899