Ft. Bliss, the Army's # 1 ranked installation expands troop strength.

Over the next 5 years, Fort Bliss will realize a net increase of at least 19,000 active duty personnel -- the largest net gain of active duty troop strength of any military installation in America. Slightly more than half of this gain will result from the recently concluded Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC 2005) process - which will cause Fort Bliss to experience a net gain of 3,648 troops plus an additional net gain of 147 civilian personnel.

Fort Bliss also received DOD's #1 ranking in military value among all 97 Army installations. Two other important Army initiatives -- "Modularity" and "Overseas Re-stationing" will drive the remainder of the gains that are known as of June 2006.

As result of these decisions, Fort Bliss will become the headquarters of the First Armored Division and will receive numerous new missions including an aviation brigade, a field artillery brigade, a sustainment brigade and at least three brigade combat teams (BCT) from Germany. The region is also aggressively pursuing new missions through the Army's Future Combat Systems initiative.

Military economic impact to our community

• Total of over 19,000 additional active duty incoming troops by 2010
• 26,107 additional family members
• Labor force growth of 11,000 additional persons
• 60% of the families are projected to live off post
• Currently there is a $1.7 billion impact on the El Paso community from Ft. Bliss
• $2.6 billion on base construction through "Milcon" Military Construction funds

The region's military bases also provide a labor supply resource. There is an average of 1,933 military personnel exiting Fort Bliss each year, and typically, between 10% and 15% remain in the area after leaving the military. The skill sets of the exiting military include electronic and maintenance technicians, logistics support, and medical personnel.

El Paso Job Register Program - www.elpasojobregister.com

The El Paso Job Register is a free service for military spouses and dependents.  The web based program is brought to you by the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board and the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce.The El Paso Job Register allows military spouse and dependents to post their resumes and specific skills online at www.elpasojobregister.com.  The program will allow spouses and dependents to:

• Begin employment search prior to their arrival.
• Change and/or update resume information as frequently as needed.
• Submit notification of interest when finding a position that matches their skills and background.
• View jobs listed in the Featured Employer section.

For questions or further information, please contact the Education & Workforce Development Division of the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce at 915.534.0500.