Gen. Twitty Praises El Paso During “State of Military” Address

Fort Bliss held its annual “State of the Military” address Wednesday.

Commanding General Stephen Twitty spoke about the relationship between Fort Bliss and the City of El Paso.

More than a thousand people gathered to hear the post commander’s speech. City manager Tommy Gonzalez, Mayor Oscar Leeser and Congressman Beto O’rourke were among the dignitaries on hand.

Twitty spoke about the Army’s downsizing from 490,000 soldiers to 450,000. Bliss is expected to lose about 1,200 soldiers, a small hit compared to other installations. Many losses will come from the 1st Armored Division headquarters.

The Army invested $5 billion in Fort Bliss from 2008 to 2014. Twitty said another $71 million is planned between now and 2021.

He said the Post’s great relationship with the City helped prevent deeper cuts.

“This is the only installation in the Army that’s plopped down in the middle of a city,” Twitty said. “And I will tell you, we’re so fortunate, because this is the best city in the world and i’m not just saying that. I’ve been to a bunch of installations.”

Twitty also said, starting Sunday, visitors will have to go to one of five new control centers to obtain a pass to get on post. Twitty said he has arranged it so businesses only have to get a pass once a month.

He also got the Army to waive its requirement of registering weapons for use at the Rod and Gun Club, since its located away from post.