White Sands
White Sands PCS Guide
Military Base History
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD)’s White Sands Detachment Site Director Abie Parra (left) leads the NSWC PHD executive steering group on a tour of a facility that houses a launch rail (above center) at White Sands Missile Range on May 24. Before launching a...
White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) was established in 1945 as White Sands Proving Ground to support the testing of rockets and missiles after World War II. Its original mission focused on the development and evaluation of captured German V-2 rockets, which marked the dawn of the U.S. missile and space programs.
During the Cold War, White Sands expanded rapidly and became a central site for missile development, including the testing of Nike, Patriot, and Pershing missile systems. The range's vast size—over 3,200 square miles—enabled large-scale, complex weapons tests.
Numerous Army, Navy, and Air Force units have operated at White Sands, making it a joint-use facility. This collaboration helped drive innovation and fostered inter-service cooperation in weapons testing and development.
WSMR played a pivotal role in major historical events, most notably the first detonation of a nuclear device at the Trinity Site in July 1945. Throughout the Cold War, it remained at the forefront of missile defense and space exploration, supporting NASA's early rocket launches and satellite tracking.
Today, White Sands Missile Range continues as the Army's largest open-air test range. It supports research and testing for advanced missile systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and space technologies.
The installation is a critical economic and technological hub for southern New Mexico, partnering with military, government, and private-sector organizations. These partnerships drive innovation and contribute to regional growth.
Name Changes: The installation was originally named White Sands Proving Ground in 1945 and was officially renamed White Sands Missile Range in 1958 to better reflect its expanding mission.
Major Units & Training Programs
Technical Sergeant Attila Csipes from Holloman Air Force Base speak with the pilots aboard a C-130 from Little Rock Air Force Base for Exercise Vigilant Shield. The airfield at White Sands Missile Range does not have a control tower so any communication to the aircrew needs to be done from the...
Major Units
White Sands Missile Range Garrison
Provides installation support, range operations, and infrastructure for all testing and training activities at White Sands Missile Range. Facilitates safe and secure ground and missile testing for Army and joint services.
U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) - White Sands Missile Range Detachment
Conducts operational testing and evaluation of Army missile, rocket, and ground systems to ensure their effectiveness and reliability before fielding to operational units.
2nd Engineer Battalion
Supports range operations by providing engineering expertise, including construction, demolition, and support for testing and training exercises.
Training Schools
Missile and Range Instrumentation Training
Overview
Provides technical instruction on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of missile tracking and telemetry systems used during live-fire tests and ground operations.
Course Length
2-4 weeks
Who Attends
Army personnel assigned to range instrumentation and support roles
Arrival & In-Processing
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Welcome to White Sands! Arriving at a new base is an exciting step, and being prepared ensures your check-in goes smoothly. Review these steps to make your arrival and in-processing at White Sands as efficient as possible. For more details, visit the official White Sands website.
White Sands' main entrance is known as the Las Cruces Gate. This is the primary access point for all incoming personnel and families. The Las Cruces Gate operates 24/7, providing round-the-clock access for authorized personnel. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or other approved identification at the gate. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act—non-compliant licenses are not accepted for unescorted access. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's strict security posture. If you have family members or visitors arriving with you, they must obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center before entering. Be ready to show all required documents and follow directions from security personnel for a smooth entry.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates for dependents
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if applicable)
White Sands offers a sponsor program to help new arrivals transition smoothly. Request a sponsor by contacting your gaining unit's administrative office or through the base's newcomer portal. Your sponsor will provide guidance on in-processing, housing, and local resources.
Formal in-processing at White Sands takes place at the Welcome Center, located near the main gate for convenient access. The Welcome Center operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During in-processing, you will check in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical offices. Plan for the process to take 2–3 days, depending on your specific requirements and arrival time.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) sits just outside the Las Cruces Gate, making it easy for guests and new arrivals to obtain necessary passes. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and assisting with guest sponsorship procedures. Ensure all visitors bring valid identification and allow extra time for processing.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
With a large portion of military moves requiring the involvement of packers and movers, it’s the Army Transportation Office’s job to ensure standards are being met.
Arriving at White Sands starts with receiving official orders. Next, contact the Base Transportation Office to schedule your move and discuss options. You can choose a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where movers pack and transport your belongings, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY move, where you handle the move yourself and may receive reimbursement. The Defense Personal Property System (DPS) is your main online tool for managing your move, tracking shipments, and uploading documents. Use DPS early to avoid delays and keep your move on track. Service members are eligible for entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), which helps cover hotel costs during your transition, and Dislocation Allowance (DLA), which assists with miscellaneous moving expenses. White Sands' remote location means planning ahead for lodging and transportation is key. Check local resources for on-base lodging availability and confirm your arrival date with your sponsor to ensure support.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book on-base lodging early—rooms fill quickly at White Sands.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid surprise charges.
- Label boxes with your name and new address before pack-out.
- Take photos of valuable items before movers arrive.
- Plan ahead for pets—local pet boarding may be limited.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Find up-to-date rates for TLE, DLA, and per diem.
Guidance and support for every step of your PCS.
Official base guide for arrivals, housing, and local resources.
Schools & Childcare
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Childcare Options
White Sands Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC offers full-day and part-day care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The program is DoD-certified and follows national accreditation standards for quality and safety.
White Sands School Age Center (SAC)
The SAC provides before- and after-school care, as well as summer camps and holiday care. Activities focus on STEM, arts, and fitness. The program is DoD-certified and supports military family needs.
Family Child Care (FCC) Program
FCC homes offer flexible, in-home care with small group sizes. Providers are trained and inspected by the installation. Options include full-time, part-time, and hourly care.
Local Schools
Las Cruces Public Schools
Las Cruces Public Schools is the main district for White Sands families. The district receives solid ratings for academics and offers strong STEM and dual-language programs. GreatSchools.org rates many schools in the district above average for New Mexico.
Alamogordo Public Schools
Alamogordo Public Schools serves some White Sands families, especially those living on the east side. The district is known for supportive teachers and a strong focus on college and career readiness. State report cards show steady performance in core subjects.
Las Cruces Academy
Las Cruces Academy offers a private, project-based curriculum with small class sizes. The school is praised for its nurturing environment and emphasis on science and math. Parent reviews highlight strong teacher engagement.