All Branches
Military Installations
143 installations found
Air Force Academy
The United States Air Force Academy is the premier institution for commissioning Air Force and Space Force officers, sitting at the base of the Rocky Mountains north of Colorado Springs. The installation offers world-class athletic facilities, stunning mountain scenery, and easy access to outdoor recreation including skiing, hiking, and climbing. Colorado Springs is a military-heavy metro with a low cost of living and excellent schools.
Altus AFB
Altus AFB is home to the 97th Air Mobility Wing and serves as the Air Force's primary training base for heavy airlift and tanker aircraft, including the C-17 and KC-135. The small city of Altus offers affordable housing and a tight-knit community feel common to rural Oklahoma. Outdoor recreation opportunities include Lake Altus-Lugert nearby for fishing, boating, and camping.
Arnold AFB
Arnold AFB is the nation's largest complex of flight simulation test facilities, home to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) which tests aerospace systems for all military branches and NASA. Located in Middle Tennessee near Tullahoma, the installation is surrounded by the scenic hills of the Cumberland Plateau. The area offers affordable housing, a moderate climate, and proximity to Nashville about 70 miles to the north.
Barksdale AFB
Barksdale AFB is the home of Air Force Global Strike Command and the 2nd Bomb Wing, operating the B-52H Stratofortress in support of the nation's nuclear triad. Located adjacent to Bossier City and just across the Red River from Shreveport, the base offers access to a vibrant metropolitan area with excellent dining, entertainment, and affordable housing. The region's mild winters, rich culture, and proximity to both Texas and Arkansas make it a popular assignment.
Beale AFB
Beale AFB is home to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, operating the U-2 Dragon Lady and RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude surveillance aircraft. Located in the Sacramento Valley near Marysville, the base provides easy access to Sacramento, the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley wine country. California's cost of living is high, but BAH rates reflect the market and the lifestyle opportunities are exceptional.
Buckley SFB
Buckley Space Force Base is home to the 460th Space Wing and hosts satellite command and control operations, missile warning, and space domain awareness missions, along with multiple intelligence community tenants. Located in Aurora on the eastern edge of the Denver metro, the base provides excellent access to Colorado's capital city with its thriving craft brewery scene, professional sports, and world-class dining, plus Rocky Mountain ski resorts within 90 minutes. Denver's economy is booming with a growing tech sector, making it an excellent location for military spouses.
Camp H.M. Smith
Camp H.M. Smith is the headquarters of US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), the largest geographic combatant command in the world, positioned on a ridge overlooking Pearl Harbor with stunning views of Oahu's south shore. The camp hosts a significant joint staff presence and serves as the nerve center for US military operations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Hawaii's high cost of living is a constant factor, but the strategic importance of the command and Oahu's extraordinary natural setting make it a prestigious and memorable assignment.
Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune is the home of the II Marine Expeditionary Force and the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast, with over 150,000 acres of training terrain and direct beach access for amphibious operations. Located near Jacksonville, North Carolina, the base is 40 miles from the beaches of Topsail Island and Emerald Isle, and about 100 miles from both the Raleigh-Durham metro and Wilmington's riverfront entertainment district. Jacksonville is a military-dominated town with improving amenities, and the base's proximity to the beautiful North Carolina coast makes it one of the more desirable Marine assignments.
Camp Pendleton
Camp Pendleton is the Marine Corps' largest West Coast base and home to I Marine Expeditionary Force, hosting over 40,000 Marines and civilians across 125,000 acres of coastal Southern California terrain. Located between Los Angeles and San Diego along 17 miles of Pacific coastline, the base provides extraordinary access to two of America's greatest metro areas and some of the finest weather in the country. California's cost of living is steep, but Camp Pendleton's ocean-to-mountains training environment and Southern California lifestyle make it one of the most popular Marine assignments.
Coast Guard Base Alameda
Coast Guard Base Alameda is the Pacific Area command headquarters and the largest Coast Guard facility on the West Coast, providing logistics and support for Coast Guard operations throughout the Pacific. Located on the island city of Alameda across the bay from San Francisco, the base provides extraordinary access to one of the world's great cities with its food, culture, and tech industry. California's cost of living is extremely high, but the Bay Area's lifestyle and career opportunities are unmatched.
Coast Guard Base Boston
Coast Guard Base Boston provides support for Coast Guard units throughout New England, conducting search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection missions in the busy waters of the North Atlantic. Located in Boston Harbor, the base puts personnel in one of America's most historic and culturally rich cities with world-class universities, hospitals, sports teams, and seafood. New England's harsh winters are balanced by beautiful summers and fall foliage, and the region's sailing and maritime culture aligns perfectly with the Coast Guard mission.
Coast Guard Base Clearwater
Coast Guard Base Clearwater is Air Station Clearwater's support facility and one of the busiest Coast Guard air stations in the nation, conducting search and rescue in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Located on the Gulf Coast near St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, the installation sits in one of Florida's premier beach communities with world-famous Clearwater Beach just minutes away. The Tampa Bay area's warm weather, vibrant nightlife, professional sports, and relatively affordable housing make Clearwater a very popular assignment.
Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City
Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City is the Coast Guard's largest air station and primary aviation depot and training center, maintaining and overhauling Coast Guard aircraft and training aircrews. Located in northeastern North Carolina near the Albemarle Sound, Elizabeth City is a small historic town with affordable housing and a genuine small-town Southern feel. The Outer Banks beaches and the Norfolk/Virginia Beach metro are within easy reach for weekend activities.
Coast Guard Base Honolulu
Coast Guard Base Honolulu provides support for Coast Guard operations throughout the Hawaiian Islands and the Central Pacific, operating cutters and aircraft that patrol some of the most remote ocean in the world. Located in Honolulu's Sand Island area, the base offers all the advantages of an Oahu assignment including stunning beaches, world-class surfing, and the vibrant culture of Hawaii's capital city. Hawaii's high cost of living is the primary challenge, but the natural beauty and island lifestyle make it a memorable assignment.
Coast Guard Base Miami Beach
Coast Guard Sector Miami conducts some of the most operationally intense missions in the Coast Guard, with drug interdiction, migrant operations, and SAR in the Florida Straits and Caribbean making it one of the busiest sectors in the nation. Located in Miami Beach, personnel enjoy one of the most exciting and culturally vibrant cities in the country with world-class restaurants, nightlife, beaches, and a dynamic Latin culture. South Florida's cost of living is high, but the operational tempo and lifestyle opportunities are unmatched.
Coast Guard Base New Orleans
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans oversees the busiest inland waterway system in the US and the critical Mississippi River and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway that are vital to the nation's commerce. Located in one of America's most unique and culturally rich cities, Coast Guard members in New Orleans experience Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, world-class Creole cuisine, and a vibrant music scene unlike anywhere else. Louisiana's low cost of living and New Orleans's legendary culture make this assignment genuinely beloved.
Coast Guard Base Portsmouth
Coast Guard Base Portsmouth hosts the Atlantic Area command and serves as a major support and maintenance facility for Coast Guard cutters operating throughout the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Located across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, the base is part of the massive Hampton Roads military complex with easy access to Virginia Beach, the Chesapeake Bay, and the region's extensive waterfront lifestyle. The Hampton Roads area has a large and well-established military community with competitive housing costs and a strong job market for military spouses.
Coast Guard Base Seattle
Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound oversees maritime safety and security throughout the Pacific Northwest, including one of the nation's busiest shipping channels and the complex waterways of Puget Sound. Located in Seattle, Coast Guard members enjoy one of the Pacific Northwest's crown jewels with Pike Place Market, world-class coffee culture, spectacular mountain and water views, and a booming tech industry that creates excellent opportunities for military spouses. The Seattle area's cost of living has risen sharply, but the natural beauty and lifestyle are among the best in the country.
Columbus AFB
Columbus AFB is a primary Air Education and Training Command base, home to the 14th Flying Training Wing which produces Air Force pilots flying the T-6A Texan II and T-38C Talon. The small city of Columbus offers affordable housing and a low cost of living, and the base community is tightly knit. Birmingham, Memphis, and Nashville are all within a few hours' drive for weekend getaways.
Davis-Monthan AFB
Davis-Monthan AFB hosts the 355th Wing flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II and is home to the famous 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), the military's aircraft boneyard with over 3,000 aircraft in storage. Tucson is a vibrant university city with a rich Sonoran Desert culture, excellent Mexican food, and access to world-class hiking in Saguaro National Park and the Santa Catalina Mountains. The warm, sunny climate and relatively affordable housing make DM one of the more desirable Southwest assignments.
Dover AFB
Dover AFB is home to the 436th Airlift Wing operating the C-5M Super Galaxy, one of the largest aircraft in the US inventory, and serves as the primary port of entry for fallen service members returning to the United States. Delaware's lack of a state sales tax and relatively affordable housing make it an attractive assignment for families. The base's mid-Atlantic location puts Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and the Jersey Shore all within easy reach.
Dyess AFB
Dyess AFB is the only base in the world that hosts both the B-1B Lancer bomber and the C-130J Super Hercules, operated by the 7th Bomb Wing and 317th Airlift Wing respectively. Abilene is a mid-sized West Texas city with a friendly community, affordable housing, and several universities. The flat terrain and wide-open spaces of West Texas are a change of pace, with Dallas-Fort Worth about three hours east.
Edwards AFB
Edwards AFB is the Air Force's premier flight test center, home to the Air Force Test Center where virtually every aircraft in the US inventory has been tested, and where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier. Located on the Mojave Desert's Rogers Dry Lake, the base offers the longest natural runway in the world and clear skies nearly year-round. Los Angeles is about 100 miles south, providing access to world-class entertainment, beaches, and culture.
Eglin AFB
Eglin AFB is the largest Air Force base in the world by land area, home to the 96th Test Wing and host to multiple tenant units including Air Force Special Operations Command components. Located in the Florida Panhandle's Emerald Coast region near Destin, the base is surrounded by some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the country. The area offers a resort-town atmosphere, warm weather year-round, and a very active military community.
Eielson AFB
Eielson AFB is home to the 354th Fighter Wing operating F-35A Lightning II fighters and conducts large-scale exercises in the vast Alaskan training airspace, one of the most realistic training environments in the world. Located 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks, the base experiences some of the most extreme weather conditions in the Air Force, with temperatures dropping below -50°F in winter. Alaska's unique lifestyle of hunting, fishing, aurora watching, and outdoor adventure is unmatched for those who embrace it.
Ellsworth AFB
Ellsworth AFB is home to the 28th Bomb Wing operating the B-1B Lancer supersonic bomber and is one of only two B-1 bases in the Air Force. Located near Rapid City in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the base is surrounded by incredible natural scenery including Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and Jewel Cave. The Black Hills region offers exceptional quality of life with low cost of living, excellent outdoor recreation, and a strong military community.
F.E. Warren AFB
F.E. Warren AFB is the Air Force's oldest continuously active base and home to the 90th Missile Wing, which manages one of the three legs of the nuclear triad with Minuteman III ICBMs spread across Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. The base sits on the western edge of Cheyenne, Wyoming's capital city, offering affordable housing, wide-open spaces, and easy access to Rocky Mountain recreation. Denver is just 100 miles south, providing big-city amenities while the base maintains a quieter pace of life.
Fairchild AFB
Fairchild AFB is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing operating KC-135R Stratotankers and hosts the Air Force's premier SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) training school. Located 12 miles west of Spokane in eastern Washington, the base offers access to a mid-sized city with excellent culture, restaurants, and the Spokane River. The surrounding Inland Northwest region provides outstanding skiing, hiking, fishing, and lakes within a short drive.
Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir is a major Army installation in the National Capital Region hosting dozens of major commands, agencies, and tenant organizations including the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Army's acquisition community. Located in Fairfax County along the Potomac River, the base provides convenient access to Washington D.C., the Pentagon, and all of Northern Virginia's world-class amenities. The downside is Northern Virginia's high cost of living, but BAH rates are among the highest in the military, and career opportunities in the NCR are unmatched.
Fort Benning
Fort Benning is the Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence and home to Infantry and Armor training, Ranger School, the Airborne School, and the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. Located on the Georgia-Alabama border adjacent to Columbus, Georgia, the base is about 100 miles southwest of Atlanta and 90 miles north of the Alabama coast. Columbus has a revitalized Uptown district with excellent restaurants, craft breweries along the Chattahoochee River, and an active military community.
Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss is one of the largest military installations in the world and home to the 1st Armored Division, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and the Air Defense Artillery School. Located in El Paso on the Texas-New Mexico border adjacent to Juárez, Mexico, the base benefits from a warm desert climate, affordable housing, and the unique binational culture of the Paso del Norte region. White Sands National Park, the Organ Mountains, and numerous ski resorts in the Sacramento Mountains are all within reach.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is the largest US military installation in the world by population, home to the 82nd Airborne Division, US Army Special Operations Command, 18th Airborne Corps, and dozens of special operations units. Located near Fayetteville in central North Carolina, the base is within 2 hours of both the Research Triangle's tech and university hub and the beaches of the Outer Banks. Fayetteville has improved significantly with a growing restaurant scene, and the combination of elite missions makes Fort Bragg a career-defining assignment for many soldiers.
Fort Campbell
Fort Campbell is home to the legendary 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the only air assault division in the world, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers). Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border between Clarksville, TN and Hopkinsville, KY, the base is about 65 miles northwest of Nashville with its world-class music scene and entertainment. Clarksville has grown into one of the fastest-growing mid-sized cities in Tennessee with improving amenities and relatively affordable housing.
Fort Carson
Fort Carson is home to the 4th Infantry Division and multiple other combat brigades, training in the high desert and mountains of southern Colorado. Located on the southern edge of Colorado Springs with Pikes Peak as a backdrop, the base offers world-class outdoor recreation with skiing, hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting all within easy reach. Colorado Springs is a major military city with excellent schools, a strong veteran community, and a booming economy driven by defense and tech.
Fort Detrick
Fort Detrick is a premier biomedical research installation hosting the US Army Medical Research and Development Command, the National Cancer Institute, and other federal health agencies. Located in Frederick, Maryland — a charming historic city in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains — the base is about 50 miles northwest of Washington D.C. Frederick's thriving downtown, excellent restaurants, and growing tech corridor attract a highly educated workforce.
Fort Drum
Fort Drum is home to the 10th Mountain Division, one of the most deployed divisions in the US Army, training in the extreme cold weather conditions of northern New York near the Canadian border. Located near Watertown in Jefferson County, the base is close to the Thousand Islands region, the Adirondack Mountains, and Lake Ontario, offering outstanding fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation. The winters are severe, but the base community is exceptionally tight-knit and the quality of training and readiness is among the best in the Army.
Fort Eisenhower
Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) is the US Army's Cyber Center of Excellence and home to the Army Signal Corps, making it the premier installation for cyber, signal, and intelligence training. Located near Augusta, Georgia — home of the Masters Golf Tournament — the base provides access to a mid-sized city with a growing tech ecosystem and the renowned Medical College of Georgia. Housing in Augusta is very affordable, and the base's mission is increasingly central to national security priorities.
Fort Gregg-Adams
Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee) is home to the Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) and the Army Quartermaster, Ordnance, and Transportation schools, making it the Army's primary sustainment training base. Located 25 miles south of Richmond in the Petersburg area, the base provides access to Virginia's capital city with its rich Civil War history, craft brewery scene, and excellent dining. The Virginia Beach and Outer Banks beaches are under two hours away, and Washington D.C. is about two hours north.
Fort Hamilton
Fort Hamilton is the only active military installation in New York City, located in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn at the base of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The base serves as headquarters for the Army's Military District of New York and provides garrison support for Army Reserve and National Guard units throughout the region. Living at Fort Hamilton means having all of New York City as your backyard — world-class museums, restaurants, sports, and culture — but the cost of living is among the highest in the country.
Fort Hood
Fort Hood is the largest active-duty armored post in the US Army and home to III Corps, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. Located in central Texas near Killeen, the base is about 60 miles north of Austin and provides access to the state capital's vibrant tech scene, music, and culture. The central Texas hill country, Austin's nightlife, and San Antonio's historic sites are all within easy driving distance.
Fort Huachuca
Fort Huachuca is the home of the Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and hosts the Network Enterprise Technology Command, making it the Army's primary installation for intelligence and electronic warfare training. Nestled at 5,000 feet elevation in the Huachuca Mountains near Sierra Vista, Arizona, the base offers a mild climate, stunning mountain scenery, and exceptional birdwatching in the Chiricahua Mountains. Tucson is 75 miles north, and the US-Mexico border town of Nogales is just 30 miles south.
Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson is the Army's largest and most active Initial Entry Training (IET) base, training roughly 50% of all soldiers entering the US Army each year. Located within Columbia, South Carolina's capital city, the base provides access to a major metropolitan area with the University of South Carolina, excellent state parks, and a growing restaurant scene. South Carolina's warm climate, low cost of living, and military-friendly tax policies make Columbia a popular assignment for cadre and staff.
Fort Johnson
Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) is home to the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade and the JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center), one of the Army's premier combat training centers in the dense forests of western Louisiana. Leesville is a small Louisiana town with basic amenities, but the New Orleans metro and its world-class culture is about 3.5 hours southeast. The surrounding Kisatchie National Forest offers excellent hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation for those who appreciate the South's natural landscape.
Fort Knox
Fort Knox is the home of the Army Armor School and the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, and is famously home to the United States Bullion Depository. Located 35 miles south of Louisville in north-central Kentucky, the base provides access to the Derby City's bourbon distilleries, horse racing at Churchill Downs, and a growing culinary scene. Kentucky's military-friendly tax environment and affordable housing make Fort Knox a popular assignment for armor and sustainment professionals.
Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth is the Army's intellectual center, home to the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) where the Army's future senior leaders are educated, as well as the Combined Arms Center. Located on the Missouri River bluffs in northeast Kansas, the base is about 35 miles northwest of Kansas City with all of its metropolitan amenities. The historic town of Leavenworth has a charming Victorian downtown, and the Kansas City metro offers excellent barbecue, sports teams, and a surprisingly sophisticated arts scene.
Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood is home to the Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, hosting the Engineer School, Military Police School, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School. Located in the Ozark Mountains of south-central Missouri near Waynesville, the base is surrounded by excellent fishing, floating, and outdoor recreation in the Mark Twain National Forest. St. Louis is about two hours northeast, and the quiet Ozarks lifestyle appeals to families looking for a slower pace.
Fort Meade
Fort Meade is one of the most important intelligence installations in the world, home to the National Security Agency (NSA) and US Cyber Command, as well as numerous other intelligence community tenants. Located between Baltimore and Washington D.C. in the heart of the Maryland intelligence corridor, the base provides unparalleled access to both major metro areas and thousands of government and contractor positions. Maryland's high cost of living is offset by extremely competitive BAH rates and the concentration of career-enhancing opportunities.
Fort Myer
Fort Myer is a historic Army post in Arlington, Virginia, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, serving primarily as the home of the Army's ceremonial units including the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the US Army Band. The base offers a prestigious assignment in the heart of the National Capital Region with unparalleled access to Washington D.C.'s monuments, museums, and cultural institutions. Arlington's cost of living is among the highest in the country, but the professional networks and career opportunities are exceptional.
Fort Novosel
Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) is the home of Army Aviation and the world's largest helicopter training installation, where virtually every Army aviator earns their wings flying UH-72 Lakotas and UH-60 Black Hawks. Located in the wiregrass region of southeast Alabama near Daleville, the base is about 90 miles southeast of Montgomery and 30 miles north of Dothan. The surrounding region offers affordable housing, mild winters, and easy access to the Florida Panhandle's beaches.
Fort Riley
Fort Riley is home to the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One), one of the Army's most storied combat divisions, training on the rolling Flint Hills of north-central Kansas. Located between the college town of Manhattan (home of Kansas State University) and Junction City, the base benefits from a welcoming university community with excellent cultural offerings for a small city. The Flint Hills' tallgrass prairie landscape is unlike anywhere else in the country, and the relatively low cost of living stretches military pay well.
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston is the home of Army Medical Command and hosts the Army Medical Center of Excellence, training the Army's medical professionals, and is part of Joint Base San Antonio. Located within San Antonio city limits, residents have immediate access to one of the most military-friendly and culturally rich cities in the country with the River Walk, SeaWorld, Six Flags, and outstanding Tex-Mex cuisine. San Antonio's warm climate, affordable housing relative to other major metros, and strong military community make Fort Sam Houston a sought-after assignment.
Fort Sill
Fort Sill is the home of the Army Field Artillery School and the Air Defense Artillery School, training Army artillerists and air defenders and operating the Fires Center of Excellence. Located near Lawton in southwest Oklahoma, the base is at the edge of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge with excellent hiking among granite boulders and herds of longhorn bison. Oklahoma City is about 90 minutes north for major city amenities, and housing in Lawton is very affordable.
Fort Stewart
Fort Stewart is home to the 3rd Infantry Division (Rock of the Marne), the Army's most deployed division, and covers over 280,000 acres making it the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River. Located in coastal Georgia near Hinesville, the base is about 40 miles southwest of Savannah — one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the South with stunning antebellum architecture and a thriving food scene. The Georgia coast's barrier islands, Brunswick's Golden Isles, and Jekyll Island are all nearby for outstanding beach access.
Fort Wainwright
Fort Wainwright is home to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, training in some of the most extreme cold weather conditions on Earth in interior Alaska. Located adjacent to Fairbanks, Alaska's second-largest city, the base offers a frontier lifestyle with exceptional hunting, fishing, dog mushing, and the chance to witness the Aurora Borealis regularly. Soldiers who embrace Alaska's unique lifestyle often find it one of their most memorable and personally rewarding assignments.
Goodfellow AFB
Goodfellow AFB is the Department of Defense's center for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance training, producing cryptologic linguists and intelligence analysts for all branches of the military. San Angelo is a small West Texas city with an affordable cost of living, a charming downtown, and beautiful Concho River walking trails. The training pipeline at Goodfellow is intense, but San Angelo's friendly community and sunny weather make it a well-liked assignment.
Grand Forks AFB
Grand Forks AFB is home to the 319th Air Base Wing and hosts RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft operations along with a growing portfolio of remotely piloted aircraft missions. The base is located 16 miles west of Grand Forks, a university city on the Minnesota border that offers a surprisingly robust arts, dining, and sports scene. North Dakota's extreme winters are a challenge, but the state has no income tax and housing costs are among the lowest of any Air Force assignment.
Hanscom AFB
Hanscom AFB is a major acquisition and research hub, home to the Air Force Research Laboratory and numerous program offices that develop cutting-edge electronics, communications, and battle management systems. Located 17 miles northwest of Boston, the base provides access to one of the nation's premier metro areas with world-class universities, hospitals, restaurants, and culture. Housing costs near Boston are among the highest in the country, but BAH rates are correspondingly generous.
Hill AFB
Hill AFB is home to the 388th Fighter Wing operating F-35A Lightning IIs and hosts the massive Ogden Air Logistics Complex, one of the Air Force's primary depots for aircraft and missile maintenance. Located between Salt Lake City and Ogden in northern Utah, the base enjoys easy access to some of the best skiing in the world at resorts like Snowbird, Alta, and Park City less than an hour away. Utah's strong economy, low taxes, and family-friendly environment make Hill one of the most sought-after assignments in the Air Force.
Holloman AFB
Holloman AFB is home to the 49th Wing operating the F-16 Viper and serves as the primary training base for F-16 and remotely piloted aircraft crews. Located in the Tularosa Basin near Alamogordo, the base sits at the edge of White Sands National Park, offering stunning gypsum dunes just minutes away. El Paso is 80 miles south, providing a larger city with international culture, while the local area offers hiking, skiing at nearby Ski Apache, and the unique Mescalero Apache Reservation.
Hurlburt Field
Hurlburt Field is the home of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and the 1st Special Operations Wing, housing the full spectrum of Air Force special operations aircraft and units. Located on the Florida Panhandle's Emerald Coast adjacent to Fort Walton Beach, the base is surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches and emerald-green Gulf waters. The combination of an elite mission, exceptional leadership culture, and resort-area lifestyle makes Hurlburt one of the most coveted assignments in the Air Force.
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling is located on the east bank of the Anacostia River in Washington D.C. and hosts a variety of tenant organizations including the Defense Intelligence Agency's primary campus and Navy and Air Force units. Being stationed in the nation's capital puts service members at the center of American political and military power, with the Smithsonian museums, monuments, and government institutions all within reach. D.C.'s cost of living is extremely high, but the concentration of senior-leader positions and career development opportunities is exceptional.
Joint Base Andrews
Joint Base Andrews is home to the 89th Airlift Wing, which operates Air Force One and the VC-25A aircraft that transport the President and senior US government officials around the world. Located 10 miles southeast of Washington D.C. in Prince George's County, Maryland, the base provides access to the full National Capital Region with its unique combination of political power, cultural institutions, and diverse communities. The base is one of the most prestigious addresses in the Air Force given its proximity to national leadership.
Joint Base Cape Cod
Joint Base Cape Cod is located at the shoulder of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and hosts the 102nd Intelligence Wing, Air National Guard units, and serves as a training and logistics hub for the Northeast. The base's Cape Cod location means personnel enjoy access to one of New England's premier summer destinations with beautiful beaches, charming towns, fresh seafood, and the unique Cape Cod lifestyle. The base is quieter in winter when the Cape's seasonal economy slows, but proximity to Boston and Providence keeps life interesting year-round.
Joint Base Charleston
Joint Base Charleston is home to the 437th Airlift Wing operating C-17 Globemaster IIIs and is a major strategic aerial port, while also hosting Naval Weapons Station Charleston, which handles ammunition and ordnance for the Atlantic Fleet. Charleston is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the country with a stunning historic downtown, world-class restaurants, gorgeous antebellum architecture, and beaches on nearby Isle of Palms and Folly Beach. South Carolina's low cost of living and tax benefits for military make JB Charleston one of the most beloved assignments in any branch.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is the largest military installation in Alaska, home to the 3rd Wing flying F-22 Raptors and the Army's 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. Located adjacent to Anchorage — Alaska's largest city — JBER provides all the benefits of Alaska's wild, stunning landscape while maintaining access to a modern city with excellent restaurants, a performing arts scene, and two major professional sports teams. Moose, bears, and salmon can literally be seen from the base, and the Chugach Mountains provide world-class skiing and hiking.
Joint Base Langley-Eustis
Joint Base Langley-Eustis is home to Air Combat Command (ACC) headquarters, the 1st Fighter Wing flying F-22 Raptors, and the Army's 7th Transportation Brigade, making it a major combined-arms installation. Located in Hampton in the heart of Hampton Roads, the base provides access to Virginia Beach's oceanfront, the Chesapeake Bay, Colonial Williamsburg, and Busch Gardens. The Hampton Roads region is one of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the country with a robust support infrastructure and diverse communities.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is one of the most strategically important installations in the US, home to I Corps, the 2nd Infantry Division's 7th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 62nd Airlift Wing, and the 1st Special Forces Group. Located between Tacoma and Olympia in western Washington, JBLM provides extraordinary access to the Pacific Northwest's natural wonders including Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, and the Cascade Range. Seattle is 30 miles north, and the combination of world-class outdoor recreation, a thriving metro area, and elite military units makes JBLM one of the most desirable assignments in the joint force.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is the only tri-service joint base in the US, combining Air Force airlift (C-17s of the 305th AMW), the Army's primary stateside training base (Fort Dix), and the Navy's historic Lakehurst airfield. Located in the New Jersey Pinelands about 30 miles east of Philadelphia and 70 miles south of New York City, the base provides exceptional access to two of the country's great metropolitan areas. New Jersey's cost of living is high, but the proximity to Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore beaches, and New York City is a genuine lifestyle advantage.
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is a small but prestigious installation in Arlington, Virginia, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, and home to ceremonial units including the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the US Army Band. The base serves as the primary gateway to national military ceremonies, including changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Arlington's cost of living is among the highest in the country, but the assignment's prestige and access to Washington D.C. are unparalleled.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam combines the historic naval base — home to the Pacific Fleet and USS Arizona Memorial — with Hickam Air Force Base, creating the primary military hub for US Indo-Pacific Command. Located on Oahu's south shore adjacent to Honolulu International Airport, the base provides stunning views of Pearl Harbor and easy access to Waikiki, Diamond Head, and all of Oahu's world-class beaches. Hawaii's high cost of living is the biggest challenge, but the historical significance of the location and the island lifestyle make it an unforgettable assignment.
Joint Base San Antonio
Joint Base San Antonio is one of the largest joint installations in the DoD, comprising Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, and other facilities, and serving as the hub for Air Force basic training, medical training, and Air Education and Training Command. San Antonio is one of the nation's most military-friendly cities with a cost of living well below the national average, outstanding Tex-Mex cuisine, the famous River Walk, and a warm climate year-round. The city's large and welcoming military community, combined with excellent schools and spouse employment opportunities, make JBSA consistently rank as one of the top assignments for military families.
Keesler AFB
Keesler AFB is home to the 2nd Air Force and hosts a massive technical training center that trains thousands of Airmen annually in cyber operations, weather, and communications career fields. Located directly on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Biloxi, the base offers access to beaches, casinos, seafood restaurants, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. New Orleans is just 90 minutes west, and the Gulf Coast's warm weather and affordable cost of living make Keesler a very popular assignment.
Kirtland AFB
Kirtland AFB is a major research and development installation home to the Air Force Research Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, making it one of the most technically sophisticated bases in the military. Located within Albuquerque city limits, base residents have immediate access to New Mexico's largest city with its rich Hispanic culture, green chile cuisine, and vibrant arts scene. The Sandia Mountains and Jemez Mountains provide spectacular hiking and skiing just minutes from the base.
Lackland AFB
Lackland AFB is the Air Force's sole basic military training base and is part of Joint Base San Antonio, one of the largest joint military complexes in the world. San Antonio is a major city with world-class medical facilities, the famous River Walk, theme parks, historic missions, and a very large and welcoming military community. The city's affordable housing, warm climate, and strong job market for military spouses make San Antonio consistently one of the top-rated cities for military families.
Laughlin AFB
Laughlin AFB is a primary pilot training base home to the 47th Flying Training Wing, producing undergraduate pilots flying the T-6A Texan II and T-38C Talon. Del Rio is a small border city on the Rio Grande adjacent to Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, offering an authentic Texas border culture with very affordable housing. Amistad National Recreation Area's massive reservoir provides exceptional fishing, boating, and water recreation right outside the base.
Little Rock AFB
Little Rock AFB is the Air Force's center of excellence for C-130 Hercules operations, home to the 19th Airlift Wing and the formal training unit for all C-130 variants. Located just north of Little Rock near Jacksonville, the base provides access to Arkansas's capital city with a growing restaurant and arts scene, the scenic Arkansas River, and Pinnacle Mountain State Park nearby. Housing is extremely affordable by military standards, and the state's natural beauty — rivers, lakes, and the Ozarks — is exceptional.
Los Angeles AFB
Los Angeles Air Force Base is the headquarters of Space Systems Command and serves as the Space Force's primary acquisition and development center for military satellites, launch systems, and space control. Located in El Segundo adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport, the 'base' is more of an urban campus embedded in the LA tech and aerospace corridor with SpaceX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and hundreds of defense contractors within miles. The Southern California lifestyle — beaches, entertainment, dining, and year-round sunshine — is world-class, though the cost of living is among the highest in the military.
Luke AFB
Luke AFB is the world's largest fighter pilot training base, home to the 56th Fighter Wing and producing more F-35A pilots than any other installation. Located in the northwest Phoenix metro in Glendale, Arizona, the base puts residents in one of the fastest-growing metros in the country with a booming job market, excellent sports teams, and world-class dining. The Phoenix area offers warm winters, abundant sunshine, and easy access to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and mountain ski resorts within a few hours.
MacDill AFB
MacDill AFB is home to two of the most important combatant commands in the US military: US Central Command (USCENTCOM) and US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), making it one of the most strategically significant bases in the world. The base occupies a peninsula in Tampa Bay with spectacular water views on three sides, and Tampa itself is a thriving city with professional sports, a vibrant nightlife scene, and Busch Gardens nearby. MacDill is widely considered one of the best quality-of-life assignments in the Air Force thanks to its location, mission, and the broader Tampa Bay area.
Malmstrom AFB
Malmstrom AFB is home to the 341st Missile Wing, operating Minuteman III ICBMs across a vast missile field spread throughout central Montana. Located on the edge of Great Falls, Montana's third-largest city, the base provides access to Glacier National Park, the Missouri River, and world-class fly-fishing and hunting. Montana's rugged beauty, wide-open spaces, and outdoor lifestyle attract service members who thrive in an adventurous environment.
Maxwell AFB
Maxwell AFB is the intellectual center of the Air Force, home to Air University — the Air Force's graduate school — which includes Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and Squadron Officer School. Located in Montgomery, Alabama's capital city, the base is steeped in both Air Force history and civil rights history, with the Rosa Parks Museum and the Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Museum nearby. Montgomery offers affordable housing, warm weather, and a welcoming Southern culture.
MCAS Beaufort
MCAS Beaufort is home to Marine Aircraft Group 31 flying F/A-18 Hornets and F-35B Lightning IIs, serving as a primary East Coast fighter training and operations base. Located in the stunning Lowcountry of South Carolina near the historic town of Beaufort, the station is surrounded by tidal marshes, barrier islands, and the Port Royal Sound. Hilton Head Island's world-class golf and beaches are nearby, and Savannah, Georgia is just 40 miles south with one of the South's most beautiful historic downtowns.
MCAS Cherry Point
MCAS Cherry Point is the Marine Corps' largest air station and home to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, hosting F/A-18 squadrons and the Naval Aviation Depot's aircraft maintenance operations. Located in Craven County near the small town of Havelock on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, the station is surrounded by the Croatan National Forest and the pristine beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Emerald Isle and the beautiful Rachel Carson Reserve are nearby, and the New Bern area offers a charming historic downtown.
MCAS Miramar
MCAS Miramar is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and is one of the most operationally busy air stations in the Marine Corps, famous as the former home of the Navy's Top Gun school. Located in northeastern San Diego, the station provides access to one of the nation's best military cities with world-class beaches, a vibrant craft brewery scene, the San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park's museums. California's high cost of living is the main challenge, but San Diego's perfect weather, beaches, and military community make it perennially one of the most sought-after assignments.
MCAS New River
MCAS New River is co-located with Camp Lejeune and serves as the primary East Coast Marine Corps helicopter base, home to MV-22B Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion squadrons that support II MEF amphibious operations. Located adjacent to Jacksonville, North Carolina, Marine Corps families at New River share the same community resources and access to the stunning North Carolina coast as those at Camp Lejeune. The dual-base complex creates one of the most concentrated Marine Corps communities in the country with extensive on-base facilities.
MCAS Yuma
MCAS Yuma is the Marine Corps' premier tactical air training installation, home to Marine Aircraft Group 13 and the famous Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), which develops and teaches aviation tactics across all Marine aircraft platforms. Yuma is one of the sunniest cities on Earth with over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it ideal for flight training year-round. The Arizona-California-Mexico border region offers the Colorado River for recreation, easy access to San Diego, and a warm desert climate that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts.
MCB Hawaii
Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay is set on the dramatic windward side of Oahu with Ko'olau Mountain cliffs on one side and the emerald waters of Kaneohe Bay on the other, and is home to the 3rd Marine Regiment. Located away from the crowds of Honolulu on Oahu's quieter windward coast, MCB Hawaii offers a more laid-back island experience while still being 30 minutes from Honolulu's world-class amenities. The base is widely considered one of the most beautiful military installations in the world, and Hawaii's high cost of living is the primary concern for families.
MCB Quantico
MCB Quantico is the 'Crossroads of the Marine Corps,' home to The Basic School (TBS) where all Marine officers are trained, the FBI Academy, the DEA Training Academy, and Marine Corps combat development and doctrine commands. Located 35 miles south of Washington D.C. along the Potomac River in northern Virginia, the base provides access to the National Capital Region's unmatched professional opportunities while the surrounding Prince William and Stafford Counties offer more affordable housing than the immediate D.C. suburbs. The Quantico National Cemetery and the National Museum of the Marine Corps are located on the base.
McConnell AFB
McConnell AFB is home to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing operating KC-46A Pegasus tankers and KC-135R Stratotankers, and serves as the primary KC-46 formal training unit. Located on the south side of Wichita, Kansas's largest city, the base provides access to a major aviation hub that is also home to Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, Cessna, and Learjet. Wichita offers affordable housing, great steakhouses, and a flat Kansas landscape that stretches to the horizon.
Minot AFB
Minot AFB is home to the 5th Bomb Wing flying the B-52H Stratofortress and the 91st Missile Wing operating Minuteman III ICBMs, making it the only base in the Air Force with both a bomber and an ICBM mission. Located 13 miles north of Minot in north-central North Dakota, the base is notorious for its brutal winters but also for its tight-knit community and strong unit cohesion. North Dakota has no income tax, housing is affordable, and the isolation tends to produce some of the strongest squadron cultures in the Air Force.
Moody AFB
Moody AFB is home to the 23rd Wing operating A-10C Thunderbolt IIs and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, conducting both close air support and combat search and rescue missions. Located north of Valdosta in south Georgia, the base is close to the Florida border and within driving distance of Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and the Georgia coast. Valdosta's warm climate, affordable housing, and Valdosta State University give the area a college-town energy that many families enjoy.
Mountain Home AFB
Mountain Home AFB is home to the 366th Fighter Wing, a composite wing operating F-15E Strike Eagles that trains for rapid deployment and large-force employment in the vast Idaho training airspace. The small town of Mountain Home offers basic amenities, while Boise — Idaho's growing capital city — is just 45 miles west with excellent restaurants, skiing at Bogus Basin, and a thriving outdoor culture. The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area and world-class whitewater rafting on the Payette River are nearby draws.
NAB Coronado
Naval Amphibious Base Coronado is the home of Naval Special Warfare Command and the legendary BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training pipeline, along with amphibious assault ship squadrons and SEAL Teams. Located on the Silver Strand peninsula adjacent to the Hotel del Coronado on San Diego Bay, the base offers one of the most enviable settings in the Navy with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the bay on the other. The Coronado community is tight-knit, affluent, and genuinely beautiful, and San Diego's extraordinary lifestyle makes it one of the most sought-after billets in Naval Special Warfare.
NAF El Centro
Naval Air Facility El Centro is the Navy's primary winter air training facility, where the Blue Angels and numerous carrier air wing squadrons conduct detachments to take advantage of the clear, dry desert air of the Imperial Valley from December through March. Located in the extreme heat of the Imperial Valley near the US-Mexico border, El Centro is a small agricultural city with a basic quality of life that is compensated by the unique training mission and California's generally high BAH rates. San Diego is about two hours west, and the Salton Sea and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are nearby for outdoor exploration.
NAS Corpus Christi
NAS Corpus Christi is the Navy's primary undergraduate helicopter training base, home to Training Air Wing Four producing Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and international military helicopter pilots. Located on the Gulf Coast of South Texas, the station is surrounded by Corpus Christi Bay and the Laguna Madre, offering outstanding fishing, windsurfing, and water sports. Padre Island National Seashore — the world's longest undeveloped barrier island — is just across the bay, making Corpus Christi a nature lover's dream assignment.
NAS Fallon
NAS Fallon is home to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center and the famous TOPGUN school (Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center), the Navy's premier tactical air warfare training program. Located in the high desert of central Nevada near the small agricultural town of Fallon, the station provides access to over a million acres of restricted airspace for realistic combat training. Reno is about 60 miles west for entertainment, dining, and skiing at Lake Tahoe's world-class resorts.
NAS Fort Worth JRB
NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base hosts a variety of Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Army Reserve, and Air Force Reserve units, making it one of the few true joint reserve installations in the country. Located in the western Fort Worth suburb of Lake Worth, the station is part of the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with all the amenities of a major Texas metro including world-class museums, professional sports teams, and excellent restaurants. Texas's no state income tax and the DFW area's affordable housing make this a popular assignment.
NAS Jacksonville
NAS Jacksonville is the Navy's primary East Coast hub for maritime patrol and reconnaissance aviation, home to P-8A Poseidon squadrons and helicopter maritime strike squadrons. Located on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, the station is part of the nation's largest city by land area with expanding suburbs, a growing craft brewery and restaurant scene, and the NFL's Jaguars. Jacksonville's Atlantic beaches are just 20 miles east, and Florida's no state income tax makes it financially attractive.
NAS JRB New Orleans
NAS JRB New Orleans hosts a variety of Navy Reserve and other tenant units and serves as the primary Reserve Component aviation hub for the Gulf Coast region. Located in Belle Chasse across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, personnel have unparalleled access to one of America's most unique cultural cities with Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, world-class Creole and Cajun cuisine, and a legendary music scene. Louisiana's low cost of living and New Orleans's incomparable culture make this assignment genuinely beloved.
NAS Key West
NAS Key West is the Navy's premier tactical air combat training facility, providing the best dogfighting airspace in the continental US over the Straits of Florida, and hosts F/A-18, F-35, and international partner aircraft for dissimilar air combat training. Located at the southernmost point of the continental United States on the island of Key West, the station offers one of the most unique and vibrant duty stations in the entire military. Key West's famous Duval Street, incredible diving, sport fishing, and laid-back island culture make it a once-in-a-career assignment.
NAS Kingsville
NAS Kingsville is a primary undergraduate jet pilot training base, home to Training Air Wing Two which produces Navy and Marine Corps strike pilots flying the T-45C Goshawk. Located in the agricultural heartland of South Texas near Kingsville, the station is close to King Ranch — the largest ranch in the continental US — and the Gulf Coast beaches are about an hour east at Corpus Christi. The small town of Kingsville offers affordable housing and a quiet South Texas atmosphere.
NAS Lemoore
NAS Lemoore is the Navy's only West Coast master jet base and the sole home of carrier-based F/A-18 and F-35C squadrons on the Pacific coast, making it one of the most operationally critical naval air stations in the country. Located in California's Central Valley near the small agricultural city of Lemoore, the station is about 40 miles south of Fresno and within driving distance of Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon. California's Central Valley has the lowest cost of living of any California duty station, and the station's proximity to the Sierra Nevada offers exceptional hiking and skiing.
NAS Meridian
NAS Meridian is home to Training Air Wing One, a primary undergraduate jet pilot training base producing Navy and Marine Corps aviators in the T-45C Goshawk. Located near Meridian in east-central Mississippi, the station is a small, tight-knit community with very affordable housing. Birmingham, Alabama is about 90 minutes east and New Orleans is about three hours south for major city amenities, but Meridian's low cost of living and Southern hospitality make it a comfortable assignment for young aviator families.
NAS Oceana
NAS Oceana is the Navy's East Coast master jet base and home to the largest concentration of F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler squadrons in the world. Located in the heart of Virginia Beach, the station is just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean's beach resort strip and the Chesapeake Bay, offering some of the best waterfront living of any Navy installation. Hampton Roads' large military community, the abundance of seafood restaurants, and Virginia Beach's outdoor lifestyle make Oceana consistently popular with naval aviators and their families.
NAS Patuxent River
NAS Patuxent River is the Navy's center for aviation research, development, test, and evaluation, home to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the US Naval Test Pilot School. Located on a peninsula where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay in southern Maryland, the station is surrounded by stunning waterfront scenery and excellent fishing and boating. Washington D.C. is about 65 miles north, and the station's technical mission attracts some of the most highly educated and skilled aviators and engineers in the Navy.
NAS Pensacola
NAS Pensacola is the 'Cradle of Naval Aviation,' home to the National Naval Aviation Museum — the largest aviation museum in the world — and the home base of the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. Located on Pensacola Bay at the western tip of the Florida Panhandle, the station is minutes from the stunning white-sand beaches of Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Naval Air Training Command's multiple tenant squadrons make NAS Pensacola a hub of aviation activity, and the Pensacola area's warm Gulf Coast climate and vibrant military community make it a beloved duty station.
NAS Point Mugu
NAS Point Mugu is home to the Pacific Missile Test Center and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, where Navy and allied nation missiles and weapons systems are tested over the Pacific Ocean ranges. Located on the Ventura County coast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, the station enjoys one of the most beautiful coastal settings of any military installation with the Santa Monica Mountains and Channel Islands National Park nearby. Malibu is 20 miles south, Los Angeles is about an hour away, and wine country around Santa Barbara is just 45 miles north.
NAS Whidbey Island
NAS Whidbey Island is the Navy's home for electronic attack aviation, home to all EA-18G Growler squadrons and Carrier Air Wing Reserves on the West Coast. Located on the northern end of Whidbey Island in Puget Sound north of Seattle, the station offers a stunning Pacific Northwest island setting with towering Douglas fir forests, dramatic waterfront views, and the charming town of Oak Harbor nearby. Seattle is accessible via ferry and freeway, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges offer world-class outdoor recreation in every direction.
Natick Soldier Systems Center
The Natick Soldier Systems Center is the Army's primary research facility for soldier equipment, clothing, food science, and individual soldier systems, developing the gear that keeps soldiers alive and effective in any environment. Located in the affluent suburb of Natick, 20 miles west of Boston, the installation provides access to one of the world's great metropolitan areas with world-class universities, hospitals, and cultural institutions. Massachusetts's high cost of living is challenging, but BAH reflects the market and the Boston area's quality of life is exceptional.
NAVSTA Great Lakes
Naval Station Great Lakes is the Navy's only boot camp, training every enlisted sailor who enters the US Navy, and home to the Navy's Recruit Training Command and multiple technical training schools. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan 40 miles north of Chicago, the station provides access to the Windy City's world-class museums, sports teams, restaurants, and lakefront parks. The northern Illinois winters are harsh, but the Chicago area's exceptional cultural offerings and the Lake Michigan shoreline are genuine lifestyle advantages.
NAVSTA Newport
Naval Station Newport is home to the Naval War College, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and numerous surface warfare schools, making it a major hub for naval education and research. Located on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, Newport is one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in America, famous for its Gilded Age mansions, America's Cup sailing heritage, and stunning coastal scenery. Boston and Providence are easily accessible, and the quality of life in Newport is exceptional — though New England's cost of living and winters are factors to consider.
NAVSTA Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval station, home port to over 75 ships including multiple aircraft carriers, dozens of squadrons, and headquarters for US Fleet Forces Command and NATO's Allied Command Transformation. Located on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, the station is the anchor of the massive Hampton Roads military complex — the largest concentration of military assets in the world. Norfolk's waterfront downtown has revitalized significantly with excellent seafood restaurants, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and easy access to Virginia Beach's oceanfront.
Nellis AFB
Nellis AFB is home to the Air Force Warfare Center and the famous USAF Weapons School, the graduate-level fighter tactics institution that produces the military's most elite weapons instructors. Located 8 miles northeast of the Las Vegas Strip, Nellis provides the unique experience of living in one of the world's entertainment capitals with 24/7 dining, shows, and nightlife. Nevada has no state income tax, and the base's access to the vast Nevada Test and Training Range makes it one of the premier tactical training environments on Earth.
NSA Annapolis
Naval Support Activity Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy, where Navy and Marine Corps officers have been commissioned since 1845, along with the Naval Academy's operational and support infrastructure. Located in Annapolis — the 'Sailing Capital of the US' — on the Chesapeake Bay, the installation sits in one of Maryland's most charming historic towns with a vibrant waterfront, excellent seafood restaurants, and a world-class sailing scene. Washington D.C. and Baltimore are both within 30 miles, providing easy access to major metropolitan amenities.
NSA Mid-South
Naval Support Activity Mid-South is home to the Navy Personnel Command and Navy Recruiting Command, making it the hub for Navy manpower and personnel management. Located in Millington, a suburban community 20 miles north of Memphis, the installation provides access to one of the South's great cities with outstanding blues music, world-famous barbecue, and the National Civil Rights Museum. Tennessee's no state income tax on wages and very affordable housing make Millington one of the better-kept secrets for Navy shore duty.
NSB Kings Bay
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the East Coast home port for the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) fleet, representing the sea-based leg of the US nuclear triad and home to Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic. Located in extreme southeast Georgia near the Florida border, the base is surrounded by the stunning Okefenokee Swamp and the Golden Isles of Brunswick's barrier islands. Amelia Island, Florida is just 15 miles south, Jacksonville is 40 miles south, and the region offers exceptional fishing, shrimping, and coastal Georgia lifestyle at very affordable prices.
NSB New London
Naval Submarine Base New London is the Navy's oldest submarine base and 'the home of the submarine force,' where every submariner trains and where submarine development began in the early 20th century. Located in Groton on the Thames River across from New London, Connecticut, the base is in the heart of the historic Thames River valley with excellent access to the cultural offerings of the greater New England region. Boston is 100 miles north, New York City is 2.5 hours south, and the Connecticut shoreline offers beautiful sailing, seafood, and maritime heritage.
NSY Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is the Navy's largest naval shipyard in the Pacific, providing depot-level maintenance and overhaul for nuclear submarines and surface ships of the Pacific Fleet. Located within the historic Pearl Harbor complex on Oahu, shipyard workers and military personnel have access to all of Hawaii's extraordinary natural beauty and the USS Arizona Memorial just across the harbor. Hawaii's cost of living requires careful financial planning, but the historical significance of working at Pearl Harbor and Oahu's unparalleled lifestyle make it worthwhile for many families.
Offutt AFB
Offutt AFB is the home of US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), responsible for strategic deterrence and global strike, and hosts the 55th Wing operating RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft. Located 10 miles south of downtown Omaha in the suburb of Bellevue, the base provides access to a major Midwestern metro with excellent steakhouses, a vibrant arts scene, and the College World Series each June. Nebraska's affordable housing, friendly people, and strong military community make Offutt a highly regarded assignment.
Patrick SFB
Patrick Space Force Base is home to Space Launch Delta 45, which manages all launch operations from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, overseeing launches of military, civil, and commercial spacecraft from the world's most active launch range. Located on the Atlantic coast adjacent to Cocoa Beach, the base puts Space Force Guardians and their families in one of Florida's iconic Space Coast communities where rocket launches are a regular occurrence. The Kennedy Space Center is minutes away, Orlando's theme parks are an hour west, and Florida's no state income tax makes Patrick a financially attractive assignment.
Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the US Department of Defense and houses the offices of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the service secretaries, making it the nerve center of American military power. Located in Arlington, Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., assignments to the Pentagon represent some of the most career-defining opportunities in any branch of service. The National Capital Region's extraordinary cost of living is a challenge, but access to the seat of military and political power is unmatched.
Peterson SFB
Peterson Space Force Base is the headquarters of Space Command (USSPACECOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), making it one of the most strategically critical military headquarters in the world. Located on the eastern edge of Colorado Springs, the base provides access to one of the most military-dense metros in the country with outstanding quality of life, proximity to the Rockies, and a booming defense tech sector. Pikes Peak towers over the city at 14,115 feet, and world-class skiing at Breckenridge and Vail is within two hours.
Picatinny Arsenal
Picatinny Arsenal is the Army's primary research, development, and engineering center for munitions and armaments, from small arms ammunition to large-caliber gun systems and rockets. Located in the Morris County hills of northern New Jersey, the arsenal is about 35 miles west of New York City and 60 miles northeast of Philadelphia. New Jersey's cost of living is high, but the base's proximity to two major metro areas and its unique technical mission attract a highly skilled scientific and engineering workforce.
Presidio of Monterey
The Presidio of Monterey is home to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC), the premier language training institution in the US government, producing foreign language speakers for all military branches and intelligence agencies. Located in the stunning Monterey Bay area on the California coast, the installation enjoys one of the most beautiful natural settings of any military base with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Big Sur, and Carmel-by-the-Sea all nearby. California's cost of living is high, but the Monterey Peninsula's natural beauty and the caliber of DLIFLC's mission make it a coveted assignment.
Redstone Arsenal
Redstone Arsenal is the home of the Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) and hosts NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, making it the nation's center for missile and rocket development. Located in Huntsville, Alabama — the Rocket City — the base is part of one of the fastest-growing tech metros in the Southeast with a booming aerospace and defense industry. Alabama's low cost of living, no tax on military retirement pay, and Huntsville's rapidly improving dining and entertainment scene make Redstone a very popular assignment.
Robins AFB
Robins AFB is home to the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, one of the Air Force's largest depots, and the 116th Air Control Wing operating E-8C Joint STARS aircraft. Located in central Georgia near Warner Robins, the base is equidistant from Atlanta and the Georgia coast, offering easy access to both big-city amenities and beach getaways. Middle Georgia's warm climate, affordable housing, and abundant peach orchards give the area a distinctly Southern charm.
Rock Island Arsenal
Rock Island Arsenal is the largest government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal in the US, located on an island in the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa, and hosts numerous Army commands and tenant organizations. The Quad Cities metro area offers a Midwestern lifestyle with affordable housing, excellent local breweries, and riverfront parks. The arsenal's historic 19th-century stone buildings give it a unique character unlike any other military installation.
Schofield Barracks
Schofield Barracks is home to the 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning), the Army's only division based in the Pacific, and is the largest Army installation in Hawaii. Located in the center of Oahu near Wahiawa, the base is within easy reach of both Honolulu's world-class dining and nightlife and the North Shore's legendary surf beaches. Hawaii's cost of living is extremely high, but the natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and island lifestyle make it one of the most memorable assignments in the military.
Schriever SFB
Schriever Space Force Base is the command and control hub for the majority of US military satellites, including GPS, missile warning, and space control systems, and hosts Space Delta 6 and Space Delta 8 among other units. Located on the high plains east of Colorado Springs, Schriever is the operational heart of the Space Force's satellite constellation management. Colorado Springs' exceptional outdoor recreation, affordable Colorado living, and the concentration of Space Force units makes the greater Colorado Springs area the unofficial capital of the Space Force.
Scott AFB
Scott AFB is the headquarters of Air Mobility Command and US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), making it the nerve center for global military logistics and airlift operations. Located 17 miles east of St. Louis in the Metro East Illinois region, the base provides access to a major metropolitan area with Cardinals and Blues games, the Gateway Arch, world-class museums, and excellent restaurants. Illinois's high state income tax is a downside, but BAH is competitive and the St. Louis metro offers tremendous value for families.
Seymour Johnson AFB
Seymour Johnson AFB is home to the 4th Fighter Wing operating F-15E Strike Eagles, one of the most capable dual-role fighter aircraft in the world. Located in Goldsboro in eastern North Carolina, the base is within 90 minutes of Research Triangle Park (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill), the Outer Banks beaches, and the mountains of western NC. Goldsboro offers affordable housing and a warm community, and North Carolina's geography provides unmatched variety for outdoor enthusiasts.
Shaw AFB
Shaw AFB is home to the 20th Fighter Wing, the Air Force's largest F-16 Fighting Falcon wing, and serves as the headquarters of Air Forces Central Command. Located near Sumter in central South Carolina, the base is 45 miles from Columbia and within easy reach of Charleston's renowned historic district and beaches. South Carolina's warm climate, low cost of living, and tax benefits for military retirees make Shaw a popular assignment.
Sheppard AFB
Sheppard AFB is one of the Air Force's largest technical training bases, home to the 82nd Training Wing which trains thousands of Airmen annually in aircraft maintenance and other technical specialties. The base also hosts Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT), the only NATO pilot training program outside Europe. Wichita Falls is a mid-sized North Texas city with affordable housing, and Dallas-Fort Worth is about two hours south for major city amenities.
Tinker AFB
Tinker AFB is home to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, one of the Air Force's largest industrial complexes, and hosts the E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft and E-6B Mercury operated by the Navy. Located in Midwest City adjacent to Oklahoma City, residents enjoy immediate access to a major metro area with a surprisingly vibrant food scene, NBA basketball (Thunder), and a growing arts district. Oklahoma's low cost of living and no tax on military retirement pay make Tinker an attractive long-term assignment.
Travis AFB
Travis AFB is the Air Force's largest base on the West Coast and home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing operating C-5M Super Galaxies and KC-10 Extenders, serving as the primary aerial port for the Pacific. Located in the Sacramento Valley between San Francisco and Sacramento, the base provides exceptional access to both the Bay Area's world-class culture and Sacramento's growing food scene, plus Napa Valley wine country is just 20 miles away. California's cost of living is high, but Travis's location in the heart of Northern California is hard to beat.
Tyndall AFB
Tyndall AFB is home to the 325th Fighter Wing, the primary F-22 Raptor training base, and is being rebuilt as the Air Force's installation of the future following near-total destruction by Hurricane Michael in 2018. Located on a peninsula in the Florida Panhandle near Panama City, the base is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on three sides and offers some of the most beautiful waterfront scenery of any military installation. The Panhandle's Emerald Coast beaches, warm weather, and outdoor lifestyle make Tyndall a highly desirable assignment despite its recovery.
Vance AFB
Vance AFB is a primary undergraduate pilot training base, home to the 71st Flying Training Wing producing Air Force, Navy, Marine, and international military pilots in the T-6A Texan II and T-38C Talon. Enid is a small but welcoming Oklahoma city with affordable housing, a charming downtown square, and a strong sense of community built around the base. Oklahoma City is about an hour south for those wanting a larger city experience on weekends.
Vandenberg SFB
Vandenberg Space Force Base is the West Coast's primary launch facility, supporting polar orbit and sun-synchronous satellite launches that cannot be conducted from Florida, and home to Space Launch Delta 30. Located on the dramatic Central California coast between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, the base is surrounded by stunning Pacific Ocean cliffs, rolling hills, and the wine country of the Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Barbara is 60 miles south, San Luis Obispo's thriving college town is 50 miles north, and the local wine country of Lompoc itself is excellent.
West Point
West Point (the United States Military Academy) is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America, perched dramatically above the Hudson River 50 miles north of New York City, producing Army officers since 1802. The academy's Gothic stone buildings, storied traditions, and stunning Hudson Highlands setting make it one of the most visually striking military installations in the world. New York City is easily accessible for weekends, and the Hudson Valley's charming small towns, orchards, and wineries surround the post.
White Sands Missile Range
White Sands Missile Range is the largest military installation in the US by land area and serves as the primary overland missile and weapons testing range, where the first atomic bomb was detonated in 1945 at Trinity Site. Located in the Tularosa Basin of southern New Mexico between Las Cruces and Alamogordo, the range is surrounded by stunning desert landscape including the brilliant white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park. El Paso is about an hour south, and the region's mild winters and clear skies make it an appealing assignment for those who love the desert Southwest.
Whiteman AFB
Whiteman AFB is the home of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the 509th Bomb Wing, one of only three nuclear-capable bomber bases in the Air Force. Located in rural west-central Missouri near the small town of Knob Noster, the base is about 60 miles southeast of Kansas City, providing access to a major metro with excellent barbecue, Chiefs and Royals games, and a thriving jazz and arts scene. The small-town Missouri setting offers low cost of living and a close community built around the unique B-2 mission.
Wright-Patterson AFB
Wright-Patterson AFB is the Air Force's largest base by employment and home to the Air Force Materiel Command, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and hundreds of program offices developing the next generation of aerospace systems. Located 10 miles east of Dayton, Ohio — the birthplace of aviation — the base is adjacent to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the world's largest military aviation museum. Dayton offers very affordable housing, excellent universities, and a Midwest cost of living that stretches military pay significantly.
Yuma Proving Ground
Yuma Proving Ground is the Army's premier test center for armored vehicles, artillery, parachute systems, and desert warfare equipment, utilizing the hot, dry Sonoran Desert climate for year-round testing. Located northeast of Yuma, Arizona — one of the sunniest cities on Earth — the installation provides access to a military-heavy community with excellent agricultural markets and the Colorado River for recreation. Phoenix and San Diego are within easy driving distance for weekends.