Air Force prefers Bliss for training center

FORT BLISS – The U.S. Air Force is looking to move its newly configured Security Forces Regional Training Center to Fort Bliss, the military’s preferred site for the training operation.

The news comes after an announcement that the Army was activating seven company-size units at Fort Bliss, including an additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery.

It would also bring between 8,000 and 10,000 Airmen to Fort Bliss each year for security forces training, beginning by September 2015.

Ten Army posts, including Fort Bliss, will have a brigade combat team deactivated between 2017 and 2019. The net loss for Fort Bliss will be 750 soldiers instead of 3,500.

Military officials expect to make a final decision on the Air Force move later this summer. The Air Force also considered alternative sites for the training center in San Antonio, Wyoming and New Jersey. Fort Bliss emerged as the top choice.