(tied) Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, formerly Bolling Air Force Base, ends up in our bottom five primarily due to the Washington area's abysmal traffic year after year, ranked the worst in the country and high cost of housing. From special things to everyday life, you can share the niece-est moments with the world. What are your hobbies? Its a great base for singles because of its proximity to downtown San Antonio and Austin which are paradises for this type of crowd. The one that turned Matt Damon into a bad guy? JBLM and the surrounding community places great importance on family life and community. While McConnell has a large commissary, its small medical clinic and disappointing base exchange also hurt the base's ranking. The winter weather in the area can be pretty brutal as well. McGuire Air Force Base is part of joint base operations with the United States Air Force. The Panama Canal also falls under the protection of this base. It also may drain your bank account. "It's more of a celebration," Pizarro said. best Clark Air Base 1980-1985 and 1989-1991 sad to see it close. Bekah DiFelice is a writer, military spouse, and recovering addict to the word "literally." Maryland 5. Hanscom Air Force Base near Bedford, Massachusetts, has a lot going for it. Surfing, hiking, ziplining the list is endless. This map is available up to 18x24 inches @ 300 ppi. Among those most contaminated are Vandenberg, Naval Weapons Air Station China Lake, Travis Air Force Base, Naval Air Station Alameda, and Edwards Air Force Base. The average GreatSchools.com ranking of schools within a 10-mile radius was 4 out of a possible 10. Wright-Patterson AFB just makes the cut among many other competing military bases for top honors. The military base is also close to the Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree National Park for family vacations when the time allows. Compared to Pakistan Air Force's 2.5 pilots per aircraft, the IAF is at a ratio of 1.5. 1. Mountain Home Air Force Base, located in Idaho, is an excellent place for families to reside. Ask anyone who has PCSd a couple of times, and they will give you their favorite and least favorite duty stations where theyve been stationed. "It's easier sometimes to ask a friend to get you something when they are TDY.". The area, along with many parts of Colorado, is rapidly growing and forecasts to eventually replace Denver in terms of population. California 9. The next most important categories crime, health care facilities, commute times and exchanges were doubled in value. What would you add to this? Also, according to residents, the smell from a nearby water treatment plant makes the area very undesirable, especially during the hot and humid summers. Now named Joint Base Lewis-McChord, this definitely takes a spot on one of the worst duty stations. The unassuming military base in small-town Illinois is a hidden gem based on those who have served at the location. Laughter really is among the best medicines, says Air Force nurse. The 2021 IQAir report ranked India among the countries with the . Learn more here and be sure to check out more great stories on our homepage. *The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. The base is one of the oldest bases in the nation, and a portion of the homes on base are historic homes. Depending on your branch, you may see lots of sea duty, but for families who have ben stationed there, many wish to go back. We converted the statistics so lower crime rates would result in higher scores for bases. The number remains high and far above any other country in the world despite closing down hundreds of bases recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army Reserve Center. From shipping, trucking, and materials moving to commercial airlines and oc, Get Stunning Spring Family Photos With These 12 Tips. If youre bored around base, catch a flick at the theater, take a walk along a trail, or check out Afterburners, a rec facility with 36 TVs, pool tables, and an outdoor tiki bar. Pick a direction and go. Team Little Rock Airmen help landscape the dormitory parking lot for Dorm Transform at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas July 17, 2020. "You might be leaving, but you're always part of the community. Wichita ranks as the worst city for veterans health care, largely because veterans make up just 0.03% of the city's population. Nellis AFB features more military schools and squadrons than any other Air Force base in the country. He will be back at full force in 2021. The base sits only a few feet above sea level, subjecting it to occasional flooding. The massive base serves 20,000 American service members and families so youll never feel alone. Angel Vargas, a group practice manager for the 375th Medical Group at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, who was previously stationed at L.A., said that he loved the near-constant 70-degree weather there, as well as all the social things to do. Everyone has interests based on where they are in life. Dirty Myrtle has cleaned up its act in the past few years).Surprise silver lining: Besides offering easy access to both major cities and ocean views, Fayetteville might be the best place to further your education. Here are the five worst Air Force installations where you can be stationed, according to their responses. It is one of the finest Air Force bases in the country similar to Scott Air Force Base and Joint Base San Antonio Lackland because of low housing, superb medical facilities, and a large commissary. This map is 10x7.5 inches @ 300 ppi and was created by Steve Ingram of the Air Force News Agency. The optempo is not too bad, family time can be enjoyed, a beach is a short drive away, and there is always Disney! Wichita, KA. Shop here and skip paying sales tax on everything from electronics to groceries. Hickam Air Force Base is the highest rated Air Force base in Hawaii yet not for everyone which is why it doesnt rank tremendously high overall. After a Greek Mirage 2000 crashed into the Aegean Sea April 2018, a look back at the incidents reported to Greek officials found 125 people died in 81 crashes between 1990 and 2018. When you view any duty station as your new home, youll be able to better embrace the local culture and unique base aspects. Off base, youll find a location thats military-friendly as Naval Air Station Pensacola employs 23,000 personnel, including civilians. Families also benefit from no state income or sales tax in the Anchorage area. Many will claim it is a paradise and a great place to live for a few years. While many Air Force families have no choice where they land, those who get stationed at these top-ranked bases consider themselves fortunate. Combining Fort Sam Houston the Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases, Joint Base San Antonio is home to some of the best and brightest service members in the country, including the 5th Army, 25th Air Force and 37th Training Wing. Living at or near a base that focuses on family and work-life balance helps make their occupation choice worthwhile. Sarah Sicard reviewers. And the schools are middling, with average ranking of 5 within 10 miles. Many stationed here have used the opportunity to find cheap flights to explore Australia, Korea, Thailand, and other Asian locations. Our Team Fort Carson, Colorado. As the Home of the Rugged Professional, this base is perfect for adventurous service members who dont mind the cold. Most families report that the base is a black hole that you never leave. Air Force Services is an especially important and necessary job on bases that consist of hundreds of service members just not elegant or deeply fascinating. There are 2,744 people assigned to Columbus, including 1,447 military service members, 598 contractors, and 472 civil servants. Here are the finest locations for the outdoors: What else could you want in an outdoor paradise than Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and its incredible backyard to the Great Outdoors? So even though the base may be a bust, it might just prompt enough personal growth to make a really excellent online dating profile. Base: Fort BlissUnlucky call sign: Fort Piss, Hell PasoWhy it's not great: The base with the most misleading name, Fort Bliss is located in the border town of El Paso, Texas. Nestled just outside of busy and vibrant St. Louis, Scott provides military families with the freedom to live in the peaceful countryside or the bustling cityscape, all while centering their work at the famous base. It regularly ranks in the Top 5 Air Force bases in the country. Colorado Springs is also home to the scenic Air Force Academy and right along the southern edge of the Rocky Mountains. What someone that serves the military and is single wants is drastically different from a service member with a wife and kids. Whether you love Antebellum architecture or visiting historic sites, you arent far from old-style charm when youre stationed at Beaufort. The cost of living here hovers slightly below the national average, and the schools are well ranked. Located on the other side of the Mojave National Preserve in California sits this Marine Corps base which is home of the Air Ground Combat Center. Many love the beach and surf life, and the location puts you near several things to visit and see. The military base serves as the host for the 6th Air Refueling Wing. So, its like Aladdin, except without a genie to help you.Most common escape: Ruidoso, New Mexico offers all sorts of outdoor activities plus a casino and horse racetrack. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. Military families working and living in San Antonio find that they have very little to complain about, other than the heat! When you arent heading out to the coastline, youll find theres plenty to see and do on base, including bowling, swimming, working out, movie-going, and dining. Elmendorf-Richardson sits near Anchorage, Alaska, and draws in military families from all over the country because of its beauty and excellent medical and dental care, employment assistance, and educational programs. 8. 5. You will be able to take your time exploring and learn all the good local spots, too! 6. Its a poo pond created from the open sewage of a water treatment facility.Most common escape: If you are the rugged sort that enjoys inhaling sand and spotting rattlesnakes, there are miles of desert to explore on a dirt bike or four-wheeler, along with the trails and famous rock climbing available at Joshua Tree National Park.Surprise silver lining:Although 120-degree heat brings out the best in no one, the high desert does bring out the stars in an unforgettable night sky. Here, the commissary is one of the very best and most extensive in the country. DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- On Nov. 24, 2021 the news outlet Task and Purpose re-released a commentary written by Sarah Sicard titled, "5 Air Force Bases You Want to Avoid" originally published in March of 2016. Locals are friendly to soldiers serving in the USAF 18th Wing, 353rd Special Operations Group, and other units. The historic Army base is one of the largest in the world with 50,000 active-duty soldiers calling it home. You wont be far from intercoastal waterways, museums, fine dining, and more. Phan Rang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam (Closed 1972) Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, (Closed 1971, Reopened 1972-1974) Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam (Closed 1973) Tuy Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam (Closed 1970) U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand, (Closed 1976)**. 10. The IAF also has issues with squadron strength and target practice. The remote base is on the little island of Guam in the middle of nowhere on the Pacific. Scott Air Force Base, located in St. Clair County, Illinois, is a top spot for growing military families and single folk alike. Home of the Space and Missile Systems Center and the 61st Air Base Group, Los Angeles Air Force base is situated in El Segundo, California. MacDill Air Force Base sits just four miles outside of Tampa, and for families looking to live near the sun and surf, it seems ideal. Related Article Air Force Bases in Florida. Best area perk? Matthew Robins assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, is ready to go at the skijoring event at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Look at what matters most to you, and then research if those amenities and interests are present in the duty station location. Located south of Tacoma, Washington, it is most widely known for Mt Rainer. Located in the southern part of Colorado Springs, this mountainous area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You also wont be far from beautiful natural attractions like the Florida Keys and the Everglades. If that is not enough, consider that Elmendorf-Richardson has its own ski area. This on-base perk also has beach volleyball courts, cabanas with grills, and a full bathhouse. The weather here is hot and sticky, so those who don't love the heat will not enjoy it regardless of the amenities. So yeah, Lemoore might not be much to look at, but you are just down the road from some spectacular #nofilter #views.Surprise silver lining: Another perk of living in the agriculture-heavy Central Valley of California is access to fresh, local eggs and produce through farm co-ops. And if you like to unwind from desert combat training by driving into more desert to shoot more guns and drive more off-road vehicles, then Fort Irwin is your paradise.Surprise silver lining: The Barstow Tanger Outlets offer soldiers the chance to buy their Air Jordans on discount so they can wear them to Shock Wave, the on-base night club that shows UFC fights without cover and serves food that is not half bad, hit or miss, and meh, according to Yelp! When looking at your options based on your position, think about what you love to do on your off-time. For example, a staff sergeant without dependents in L.A. gets a monthly BAH of $1,704 and a chief master sergeant without dependents gets $2,373. ), and Kings Canyon is the same distance east. You can increase your odds of success by helping your family relocate to a place with affordable housing, family-friend amenities, good schools, and low crime rates. The site has roots dating back to the Revolutionary War, and now hosts more than 700 Marines, sailors, and civilians. Oh and for the record, Lake Bandini isnt an actual lake. Top 5 best bases in the Air Force 15,668 views Apr 25, 2022 385 Dislike Share Airman Vision 189K subscribers Join Subscribe What are the top 5 stateside Air Force bases in your. And sales taxes there are 7.15 percent, higher than the usual 6 percent. In 2014, the area saw an increase in serious crimes with aggravated assault, murder, and rape up by 13%. But if youre not, and are willing to drive a bit further, Sante Fe, New Mexico offers galleries, museums, badass psychedelic funhouses/art collectives, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains -- popular for hiking, biking, and skiing.Surprise silver lining: Isnt it always true that in the face of misery, communities pull together? Kadena Air Base is another location in Asia to get lost in along with Guam. The purpose of any great military base is to serve the country yet the location should also boost morale by offering amenities and other perks. Spot on one of the very best and most extensive in the of. Southern edge of the oldest bases in the duty station location to groceries Steve of... A great base for singles because of its proximity air force bases ranked best to worst 2021 downtown San Antonio find that they very! Niece-Est moments with the world n't love the beach and surf life, you can share the moments... 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