air force bases ranked best to worst 2020

On the clearest of days, the Bremerton base has a beautiful view of the snow-capped Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. Kadena, Japan. Some residents have taken to calling the area Smell Segundo. The main issue, however, is really the money. Related Article Air Force Bases in Florida. It is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and should not be substituted for impartial fact or advice in legal, political, or personal matters. Whether youre on or off base, youll find activities to fulfill your need to explore the great outdoors in this mountainous terrain. 2. If youve always wanted to have the island experience without feeling trapped on the actual island, living in the Keys is the closest you can get to that opportunity. Apra Harbor, Guam. Fort Polk resides in Louisiana where the hot summers and mosquito problems can make the area unpleasant. And it's hot, too. At SOUTHCOM, you can expect to meet a lot of different people as its a joint base. Those that prefer a small town or rural lifestyle can find plenty of housing in the area for their families. Yes, some bases may be better for certain demographics, so prior to having to pick your dream list, do a bit of research. According to the Military Family Advisory Network, 78% of surveyed military personnel still live off base and in the surrounding cities. Population: 448,759 Veteran Population: 94,938 Median Home Price: $222,100 Unemployment Rate: 4.8% Crime Rate: Safer than 10% of U.S. cities Military Bases Near Colorado Springs: Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base; Colorado Springs is one of the best places for military retirement! Its also open seven days a week, so youre able to relax on this piece of paradise on your days off. When you arent working, swing by MWR to snag clearance tickets to Miami Dolphins games and other attractions like concerts, shows, and sports events in Miami. But that food is much more expensive than junk food, he said, meaning he sometimes has to make a choice between eating healthily and making ends meet. Hanscom has a total workforce of 5,828, including 922 active duty service members and 92 reservists. South Korean Air Force - 898. Base: Cannon Air Force BaseUnlucky call sign: AfcannonstanWhy it's not great: Blame the fact that Clovis is more West Texas than New Mexico, that there are limited on-base amenities, or that its completely surrounded by cattle farms and dairies; but airmen know Clovis as a remote base town memorable for the wafting smell of cow manure and the downright biblical wave of pestilence known as fly season.Most common escape: Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas, are the two closest cities, but we cant bring ourselves to see how this is a good thing -- unless you enjoy taking down 72oz of free steak in an hour. The Air Force also offers multiple programs for tuition assistance to airmen. The overseas location is also instrumental to military operations on the Western Pacific. Travis is in Solano County, California. So if youre unimpressed by Louisiana, at least you can benefit from some military-issued, updated hospitality. Overall, it seems that everyone enjoyed their time at Kadena, despite some of the drawbacks. The fact that it feels like a prison has earned it the nickname AlcaTravis. There are reportedly dicey areas off post, but most families who live on base have few complaints. Dyess AFB is located in West-Central Texas on the outskirts of the city of Abilene. Though the weather isnt terrific its still a fantastic place to get stationed if you have to go outside the United States. Come along for the ride! A well-guarded military base can imply that such areasincluding the nearby military townsare safe and secure. Vacation. Related Article Top 15 Military Schools For Boys And Girls. Should you make a base of preference, that will be your assigned duty station for the next two years. Do warm days and sunny skies year-round sound appealing? Base: Fort DrumUnlucky call sign: Fort Drunk (due to the number of alcohol-related incidents on base in the 1990s)Why it's not great: As the old joke goes, Fort Drum has two seasons: winter and July. The site has roots dating back to the Revolutionary War, and now hosts more than 700 Marines, sailors, and civilians. Surfing, hiking, ziplining the list is endless. Off base, youll find a location thats military-friendly as Naval Air Station Pensacola employs 23,000 personnel, including civilians. | Because everything is bigger in Texas, the post has the largest on-base bowling alley, fitness center, and Post Exchange (PX) in the whole Army. With nearly 13,000 active duty members across the areas bases, youll meet people from all over the country if you get stationed here. Bedford is a great place to raise children, said Lisa Pizarro, the school liaison officer at Hanscom. Best area perk? The winter weather in the area can be pretty brutal as well. Oh, and theres also that small thing about the contaminated drinking water.Most common escape: Although theres basically nothing to do in Jacksonville except get a fresh tattoo or payday loan, Wilmington is just an hour away, Myrtle Beach is a little over two, and Nicholas Sparks lives nearby where he pens novels for your romantic escapism, I mean, for your reading pleasure. The primary duties of this station include supporting the Alaska National Guard with its key mission of monitoring security and operation of the Missile Defense Site. Outdoor activities are also abundant given all the natural features in the area. E-2: $2,070 per . 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. The towns where feral cats circled the moving van when they pulled in. South Korea's air force has come a long way in the same timeframe as China. Any time you want to participate in any outdoor activity, you can pretty much guarantee the weather will be ideal to spend time outside. One review compared it to Hawaii but without the crowds. The unassuming military base in small-town Illinois is a "hidden gem" based . It regularly ranks in the Top 5 Air Force bases in the country. A home in nearby Fairfax County, Virginia, has a median cost of $455,300. People's Liberation Army Air Force ( China) - 1991. You also wont be far from beautiful natural attractions like the Florida Keys and the Everglades. You'll find the living to be a bit of a slower pace, but there's plenty of opportunities to travel to the bigger UK cities as well as other destinations throughout Europe. Luke AFB is a major training facility for the military branch and has excellent amenities. Correction: The original version of this article inadvertently reversed the order of the towns and ranked Fayetteville #1 instead of #10. To help airmen mitigate the cost of living which Westervelt acknowledged can sometimes make it tough to make ends meet Hanscom offers an on-base fitness center, Olympic-size swimming pool, bowling alley, movie theater, community center, several playgrounds, and a bank, as well as a commissary and medical clinic. Korean People's Army Air Force ( North Korea) - 946. So we weighted each category. There are about 26,000 US military. Upon landing, assuming you dodged the tornado, you can find exactly one Applebee's to toss your 51-dollar per diem at. Men in combat. At a mere 44 miles long, it can be easy to get island fever here if you arent actively seeking adventure while stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. These are the highest ranking Air Force bases for couples: Do you really need an excuse to live in Hawaii? To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Though the concept of moving to Alaska may overwhelm some families it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Related Article Pros and Cons of joining the Air Force. If you love the water, youll love it here. Finally, we added up the scores and stacked the bases. The Americans there are rude and begging to leave. Southwest Airlines. The weather is tropical yet really pleasant in the winters if youre not a fan of the cold or snow. In the summertime, you can even hit the beach on the shores of Lake Ontario for some exciting ice swimming!!! A enlisted thinktank brought to you by Task & Purpose. Bolling's crime score was 3 out of 10, much lower than the nationwide average of 6. Unlike other services, where most complaints stem from life on and off post, most issues with the Air Forces bases come from being the cost of living in the areas and high rates of crime. There is a lot to do on the island and the people are very friendly. The unique wildlife that calls Alaska home. Youll never regret a day at Lackland if you are single and looking to mingle. 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. "A lot of people have to have roommates just to not live in a bad area, which Columbus, Mississippi, has many of," Do said. Of all the branches of the military, the Air Force always had really nice bases including Minot. But whatever the reason, you are going to be PCSing to one of these horrible hotspots, which are all so bad youll wish you were in Kuwait. Located some 80 miles away from London and much closer to Cambridge (some 25 miles) this area features towns with populations up to 10,000 and there are many things to do in the local area. 8. Pikes Peak, among the many 14ers in the state of Colorado, is right in your backyard. Whether you love Antebellum architecture or visiting historic sites, you arent far from old-style charm when youre stationed at Beaufort. Considering the number of advanced aircraft with large personal strength and the future fleet of IAF, it is one of the most powerful and best air forces in the world. Best area perk? Though military life is extremely hard on families there are thousands that make it work every year. Members of the Air Force receive 30 days of vacation with pay each year. Learn more about Naval Air Station Key West here. A few months back we asked current and former military personnel where in the US they most enjoyed being stationed, and why. Related Article How To Join The US Air Force. A new report of the 100 U.S. cities with the highest rates of sexually transmitted disease lists seven military towns in the top 20, all Air Force and Army installations.. A study published . Off base housing is nice, but expensive. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Very cold and very sad.Most common escape: Syracuse is the closest town, although Lake Placid, Niagara Falls, and Montreal are a little over three hours away. Off base, you can take to the mountains or surrounding regions for snowshoeing, hunting, camping, and fishing. Youre never far from outdoor island adventures here. Welcome to Fort Drum. This post is responsible for training all Air Force B-1 crews and is commonly referred to as the Home of the B-1. Residents report that the base is small and theres nothing to do in the area, unless you want to drive to Dallas or Houston. The press is silent, and people don't know they're being poisoned. Its a great base to live on whether youre single, married, or have kids, as theres a lot to do in your downtime. On base, youll enjoy access to a private, lifeguarded beach. Most blame the misery on the humidity, the bugs, or the fact that chain gangs are not at all uncommon in this swampy, far-from-everything town.Most common escape: Lake Charles and Alexandria, both proper towns, are about an hour away. It is minutes from downtown Tampa near the bay leading out to the Gulf of Mexico. If you love the great outdoors and dont mind a little rain, Naval Base Kitsap is one of the prettiest places to be stationed. And at the end of each school year, Pizarro said, Bedford High School holds a party for students whose families are transferring away from Hanscom, which is attended by base leaders. The Grand Canyon and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are also within reason. We'd wager school quality, for example, is a greater concern than the sales tax rate. Service members also have the choice of journeying north to Alburqurqe and many destinations in Colorado for extended leave vacations. For a complete directory of U.S. and overseas military installations, visit the Department of Defense Military OneSource network. When you fill out your "dream sheet," you are forced to list 10 stateside bases as well as 10 overseas bases. There are just under 60 active U.S. Air Force bases in the country. New Mexico is underrated when it comes to its outdoors. Egyptian Air Force - 1,062. Location: Bremerton, Bangor, and Keyport, Washington The amenities at the military base are excellent and Colorado Springs is an excellent community to call home since so many residents are either active duty or retired military personnel. Nearby Northern Virginia's schools are popularly known as among the best in the country, and some live up to that reputation. Bekah DiFelice is a writer, military spouse, and recovering addict to the word "literally." As for day-to-day operations, the commands area of responsibility includes Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, including U.S. resources located in those areas. They also said that traveling was easy. Here are the top Air Force bases in the nation: Located in St. Clair County, Illinois, Scott Air Force Base tops the list of the best Air Force Bases in the U.S. overall. "That's more money I can spend on my daughter now, on after-school events," Vargas said. What someone that serves the military and is single wants is drastically different from a service member with a wife and kids. Tyndall Air Force Base. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. A huge Navy exchange and commissary 100,000 square feet to be exact was built in 2011. Being that its the only active-duty base in the Northeast, housing on post is limited, forcing service members and their families to live elsewhere. 20 Reasons to Join the Military (and 7 reasons not to), Your email address will not be published. This made us wonder which military towns in the US are the safest and which aren't as secure for military personnel and civilians. The 7 percent sales tax is higher than the nationwide average of 6 percent, and summer hits hard, averaging 92-degree temperatures in July. And these were their picks for the Best Military Towns in America -- some truly beautiful parts of the country. This is a USAF KC-130 Tanker refueling 2 F-35's. At one point it was home for German POWs during World War II. reviewers. It's a great base to live on whether you're single, married, or have kids, as there's a lot to do in your downtime. After taking into consideration weather, morale, base amenities, stuff to do, and accessibility to major cities, it seems that some of our militarys most heroic acts of service might not be fighting battles abroad, but bravely conquering these 10 towns at home. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. If you drive to the middle of nowhere, then keep driving a little farther, youll hit Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, considered by many airmen to be one of the least desired military bases in the nations vast expanse. Traffic is notorious for being some of the worst in the entire country. Regardless of how tough our soldiers are, no one should feel completely discounted at their military base. 10 Worst Cities. Many people join the military to travel and see the world which is most desirable for active-duty members that are single. Perhaps this is due to D.C.s abysmal traffic, the ridiculous cost to rent or buy a house, and the high levels of crime associated with Anacostia. source GAIA package: Sx_MilitaryTimes_M6201410307210028 . There was one positive review that indicates that, for the right price, you can find a nice place to live. The year-round sunny weather. Depends on your AFSC honestly, generally speaking, Andersen AFB, Hickam AFB, Yokota AB, anywhere in England, and Germany is the best (Ramstein is the most American place in Germany) Avoid Ghedi, incerlick, and Eielson. You can find her riding her Vespa around San Diego, on Facebook and Instagram at @bekahdifelice, or on her blog bekahdifelice.com. Or towns that led otherwise supportive military spouses to casually be, like, Heeeey, just an idea here, but maaaaaaybe -- now hear me out -- maybe we do the long distance thing until your next assignment, when they got their orders. But Westervelt said if someone really wants an off-base home, her office can usually find something for them within 20 or 30 minutes of Hanscom. Fort Carson main gate. Learn more here and be sure to check out more great stories on our homepage. Yet these are the top Air Force bases overseas relying on the same factors as the top-rated in the U.S.: Anderson AFB also serves as naval headquarters yet is largely considered the premier place to live and serve overseas in the USAF. Want to keep your sharp shooter status? Located in St. Clair County, Illinois, Scott Air Force Base tops the list of the best Air Force Bases in the U.S. overall. According to some respondents, its an overly religious area with a high number of evangelical Christian churches. The base is rural yet only about an hour from London as well as other countries in the area like Scotland. The military base has multiple things going for it as mentioned above. Royal air force. On base, youll find everything from medical care to housing to take care of your daily needs, and off base youll discover a world rich in music, French culture, and history that cant be found elsewhere. According to a new survey, about 1 in 25 adults say they recently fell asleep while driving. WA Eglin AFB, FL. Not like you typically have a choice, but this list might help anyway. If you cant fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. If you find yourself stationed on the beautiful island of Oahu, consider yourself among the lucky few who get this coveted duty station. And an Arlington, Virginia, house hits a punishing median cost of $583,400 well over triple the $170,100 median home cost nationwide. Compared to the other bases on this list, Hanscom is in an area with good schools and low crime. Besides the unique . While we don't join the military to feel comfortable and pampered, considering how stressful the job is, it's nice to have some fun around. From misplaced nuclear weapons to security forces losing grenades, this snowy wonderland has suck tattooed on its forehead. As a service member, theres a good chance youre going to move around a lot. Twentynine Palms, California, sounds like a nice place to take a cheap family vacation. On your off-duty days, you can do everything from tasting the best key lime pie around to snorkeling, diving, or fishing off the coastline. The U.S.s northern fortress of military strategic solitude, Minot Air Force Base, has long been a prime destination for career-ending mishaps. ", 3. "I'm realizing more and more that it is just a black hole for enlisted members," Do said. On-base housing is rumored to be nice and the post boasts a brand new commissary, PX, and a really good hospital. Fayetteville is one of the few bases on our list thats located in an actual town, or as a Marine spouse in neighboring Camp Lejeune put it, at least they have a mall and a Discount Tire. Still, soldiers insist that the place reminds them of every combat zone the US has visited in the past four decades.Most common escape: Charleston, Wilmington, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Myrtle Beach are all within a couples of hours drive. 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. However, the area of Bedford, Massachusetts, is extremely expensive. At Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Air Force and Army installations that merged in 2010 to form a single post, Task Force True North was recently created to address suicide, Air Force Col. Gregory Beaulieu, commander for the joint base, said in a statement Sunday. This versatility has earned Delta Force a reputation as one of the top 10 elite special operations units in the US Military, and it is considered a highly classified Tier 1 unit. Best area perk? Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Check out online forums like Reddit for open discussions. Travel comes easy as you can reach Japan and Korea in a few short hours. (Army) Ok, now we're talking it's an outdoorsman's paradise. The average GreatSchools.com ranking of schools within a 10-mile radius was 4 out of a possible 10. Indian Air Force - 1,715. Image: Wikimedia.org. From misplaced nuclear weapons to security forces . RAF Lakenheath. 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. And despite the lure of perfect weather here, if you decide to move on base, the housing waiting list is only about a month for 3-bedrooms or less! All Rights Reserved. Women in the military: Moving beyond firsts, Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices, Officials OK some hand and neck tattoos for airmen, Guardians, Perennial pilot shortage puts Air Force in precarious position, Healthy eating on a budget for busy military spouses, Tax scams How to report them Money Minute, Capitol Hill weighs action on two controversial topics: medical marijuana and abortion, Lockheed wins hypersonics contract | Defense Dollars, Go inside a secret nuclear fallout bunker sealed for decades, Another Air Force fleet grounded over fears plane tails may fall off, Pentagon orders engine vibration fix for entire F-35 fleet worldwide, Minot firings due to failed nuclear safety inspection, Air Force advisers study use of satellites for tracking moving targets. 7. As one of the most requested locations in the Army, youre in for a treat if you get stationed at Fort Carson. For those that like to hunt and fish, there are plenty of outdoor activities. It's a very depressed social and economic area. In our survey, it ended up with one of the highest school rankings 8 out of 10 the lowest crime ratesreceiving 9 points out of 10, far greater than the nationwide average of 6 and lowest unemployment rates 3.9 percent compared with 6.1 percent nationally. RAF Mildenhall. San Antonio is one of the most underrated cities in the United States with mild year-round temperatures, entertainment options, and a thriving nightlife. From an amazing median home cost of just over 57K near Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, to having access to major league sports teams in every field at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, there's some amazing bases across the country that have a lot to offer. Your email address will not be published. This little city has it all:beautiful scenery, protected beaches, and historic sites all over. It also may drain your bank account. While relocating to Las Vegas is maybe a good or bad thing its impossible to resist the urge for young singles of the USAF. Learn more about Naval Air Station Pensacola here. Wichita, KA. If you love blues music and jazz history, delight in the fact that theres no shortage of that all around Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. There are at least a dozen other locations where airmen receive more not just places like New York City and Honolulu, but also West Point, New York; Oakland, California; Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; and New Haven, Connecticut. From mountain climbing to whitewater rafting, youll find some of the best outdoor adventures here. But now it's just a scrapyard for your hopes and dreams of being stationed in California. The massive base serves 20,000 American service members and families so youll never feel alone. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Air Force BMT Prep Guide eBook available NOW: https://www.airmanvision.com/store/air-force-bmt-prep-guide What are the top 5 stateside Air Force bases in you. And New Orleans is a five-hour drive, so at least you can get a beignet for your troubles.Surprise silver lining: In recent years, Fort Polks base amenities have undergone an impressive facelift. The Best And Worst Airlines in America in 2021. There are, of course, many things we cannot control for when joining the military, but some bases are just worse than others. Military residents appreciate the rural and quiet surroundings of east Dayton yet with quick access to metropolises like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Columbus, and Indianapolis. Sarah Sicard Grand Forks Air Force Base is a hidden gem in North Dakota. Okinawa, Japan is a favorite. This is the second year Altus Air Force Base and Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, contracting offices have teamed up to participate in a deployment exercise.U.S. The average commute in the Washington area is roughly half an hour, and hits nearly 40 minutes in the area right around Bolling well longer than the average 25-minute commute nationwide. Key West the very last Key on the string is the dream station for anyone who loves warm weather and blue coastal waters and is one of the nicest military bases in Florida. Housing is also surprisingly affordable in parts of San Antonio and soldiers that are single will cherish the live music scene in nearby Austin. 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. Jason Do has been stationed at Columbus for five years and called it "one of the worst bases" in the Air Force. Sperling's Best Places also provided data it collected on the size and type of on-base commissaries, exchanges and health care facilities, and rankings on a 10-point scale. Located in the middle of nowhere the Mojave Desert, 29 Palms is where tanks outnumber sedans and sunburns happen through car windows. In 2014, the area saw an increase in serious crimes with aggravated assault, murder, and rape up by 13%. So it is best to be prepared. "I also know that a lot of enlisted members have a second job to support their families.". In alphabetical order-. Best area perk? If you love it, perhaps youll be lucky enough to get extended there. While there are numerous overseas locations worth considering for singles, this list focuses on bases in the United States. And if your spouse hopes to find a job in the local community, that's going to be tough Columbus' unemployment rate is a staggering 12.9 percent, more than double the nationwide rate. To come up with a school quality score, we used the website GreatSchools.com, a respected resource for ranking and comparing schools used by real estate agents and real estate websites such as Zillow and Realtor.com. Best area perk? "For such a small base, we do have quite a lot of amenities," Oakes said. An island, Okinawa is just about 70 miles long and an average of seven miles wide. Near Washington, D.C., Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling is unpopular among airmen. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. Located just outside Abilene, Texas, Dyess Air Force base was voted the worst among Task & Purpose readers. In addition to vacation days, known as leave, Air Force members also get a variety of paid holidays and family leave days. A static Curtiss P-40E Warhawk is displayed outside of the front gate at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 3, 2020. - now a Space Force base Peterson AFB, CO - now a Space Force base Andrews AFB, MD. Housing near Lakenheath is among the best with plenty of new and trendy options. If want to live off base, keep in mind the cost of living is high for junior enlisted families in particular, but youll likely find yourself in gorgeous historic neighborhoods. You wont want to miss a minute of taking in the natural beauty of Hawaiis third-largest island. You know, if youre into that kinda thing when you arent defending the country.Surprise silver lining: Surrounding Jacksonville are some truly charming historic and seaside towns, including New Bern, Swansboro, and the Emerald Isle. 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. Brad Howard Base: Minot Air Force BaseUnlucky call sign: Why Not Minot? It seems like a rhetorical question, but: Freezins the reason.Why it's not great: Remember the ice planet in Intersteller? Serving the United States Air Force could land you in one of these premium locations depending on what you are seeking during service. Below, we rounded up the best military bases categorized by interests. All the bases are on flat land no matter what terrain is surrounding it.

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