VISITOR CONTROL CENTER
520-454-2323
VAN DEMAN GATE
Family members should use this gate when visiting Fort Huachuca to attend graduations or spending time with their Soldier. Park in the parking lot before the security checkpoint and proceed into the building with a photo ID. You will be issued a 30 temporary pass to access Fort Huachuca. As of October 2020, all visitors must present a REAL ID Act-compliant identification to initiate the background check.
Van Deman gate is open to vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles 24/7 to individuals with a common access card (CAC), military ID, military family member ID, Gold Star/Survivor Access ID, or other valid Department of Defense (DoD) credential, are permitted access to Fort Huachuca.
All U.S. visitors, contractors and vendors, 18 years and older, who do not have a DoD identification card will be subject to a background check before being allowed access to the installation. This is to ensure Fort Huachuca is in compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12, which requires 100 percent of visitors be vetted prior to entering the installation.
All foreign-national visitors must also complete the background check and additionally are required to be sponsored and escorted by an active duty military member, current Department of Army civilian or Fort Huachuca-approved City of Sierra Vista escort. To arrange for a city-provided escort, call 520.417.6960 at least three weeks prior to the visit.
To complete a background check and have an installation access badge issued, bring a valid driver's license or government-issued photo identification to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) located at the Van Deman Gate and complete an access request form.
Visitors seeking short-term access (less than 30 days) do not require a government sponsor. Non-sponsored personnel will receive a 30-day access badge. Cochise County residents who successfully complete the background check are eligible for a one-year access badge.
By submitting the form, you are agreeing to a background check which uses the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC III), a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database that provides criminal histories.
COVID-19 Safety Measures
All guests attending graduation ceremonies must be vaccinated. Be prepared to show your vaccination card to Soldier's supporting the event prior to entering. A mask must be worn regardless of vaccination status if the ceremony is held indoors.
Who can attend graduations?
Any family member who has been granted access to Fort Huachuca may attend graduations. If family are unable to attend in person, each graduation is live streamed on Facebook as long as the technology allows. Ask your Solider which page to follow and be on the lookout for the events to post on the page.
Etiquette
The suggested dress code is business casual for both men and women.
Using cell phones to take pictures is permitted as long as phones are on silent.
There are no animals allowed at the graduation with the exception of service animals.
Inclement Weather
If a graduation is moved inside due to unexpected circumstances, such as weather, the unit may have to adjust the graduation to allow visitors to attend. If this happens, your soldier will be informed by their chain of command and they should inform you. If graduations occur indoors for any reason, all CDC and local guidelines, such as social distancing, will be observed.