LIFESTYLE
MORE THAN A CAREER,
A HOME BASE
Day in the Life
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Day in the Life
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Lieutenant Gail Muggil
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Airman Sara Ortega-Corona
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Airman Wesley Wilson
On Base Housing
There are many base housing options that the Air Force offers to those serving in Active Duty. After you reach a certain amount of time living on base, you’ll have the option to live off base. You’ll also receive a housing allowance depending on your rank and overall living needs.
Dorms are a convenient on-base housing option, required for enlisted Airmen who have just joined the Air Force and have less than three years of service.
SKIP Dorms IMAGE CAROUSEL
Apartments are available to our Airmen living on base. They are typically more common on bases with larger populations.
SKIP Apartments IMAGE CAROUSEL
Consist of duplexes, or shared spaces, but provide more room for a yard. A great on-base option for our Airmen who prefer larger outdoor spaces.
SKIP Townhouses IMAGE CAROUSEL
Similar to any house you would find off base, on-base houses are complete with backyards, garages and room to grow. It feels just like home.
SKIP Houses IMAGE CAROUSEL
AMENITIES ON BASE
Most bases have a wide range of amenities, ranging from day care to golf courses. However, each base is different, and the amenities may vary.
Families are very important to the Air Force. On most bases around the world, you’ll find playgrounds with swings and climbing equipment being enjoyed by Air Force families of all ages.
Taking care of Airmen’s families extends to their pets. You’ll find that many bases have veterinary clinics to provide Air Force pets with the care they need.
Staying physically fit is an essential part of being an Airman, so every base has a fitness center equipped with a variety of machines, free weights, cardio equipment, classes and sometimes childcare, all at no additional cost to you.
A lot of Air Force bases will have hiking trails and are an excellent destination when you’re seeking a change of scenery while also getting in some exercise.
Most bases have pools and parks for Airmen and their families to go for a swim, have a barbecue and spend time together outdoors.
Some bases boast horse stables on or near the base. Each facility is different, but most offer English and Western riding, jumps, trails, boarding, lessons and veterinary services.
Some of the best golf courses in the world are on Air Force bases. Open to all military personnel and their families, they’re more cost-effective than most municipal and private courses.
Libraries are essential gathering spots, and you’ll find one on almost every base offering books, audiobooks, music, movies, free Wi-Fi, areas for kids, story time and oftentimes a coffee shop.
A BX, or base exchange, is a tax-free superstore where Airmen can buy almost everything they need, from socks to TVs and other appliances, all for prices that are about 20 percent less than in civilian stores.
Every Air Force base has medical facilities offering services free of charge to Airmen and their families. The size of the facility varies from base to base, with some focusing on minor ailments while others handle everything from cancer treatments to heart surgery.
Air Force dining facilities serve a variety of foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner to the men and women in the Air Force and their families. And if you need something quick, each base will have several fast-food restaurants.
From ski boats to snowboards, you can often find the outdoor gear, equipment and even amenities you need right on base at our rec camp and equipment rental facilities. While it varies from base to base, you’ll almost always find what you’re looking for.
Most Air Force bases will have a bowling alley with other billiards games. It’s a great place to unwind with family or fellow Airmen after a day’s work or over the weekend.
An on-base grocery store with no sales tax, offering the typical produce and goods that can be found at any off-base supermarket for a discounted price.
Like any other gas station, it’s the place where you can fill up your tank, and there is a small convenience store connected. Since it is located on base, you can easily grab gas before heading home or to lunch. You can also get discounts and competitive pricing.
Many bases have DIY automotive centers stocked with tools and staffed with experts providing know-how and guidance to help you fix just about any car problem.
Playgrounds
Families are very important to the Air Force. On most bases around the world, you’ll find playgrounds with swings and climbing equipment being enjoyed by Air Force families of all ages.
Veterinarian Clinic
Taking care of Airmen’s families extends to their pets. You’ll find that many bases have veterinary clinics to provide Air Force pets with the care they need.
Fitness Center
Staying physically fit is an essential part of being an Airman, so every base has a fitness center equipped with a variety of machines, free weights, cardio equipment, classes and sometimes childcare, all at no additional cost to you.
Hiking Trails
A lot of Air Force bases will have hiking trails and are an excellent destination when you’re seeking a change of scenery while also getting in some exercise.
Parks and Swimming Pools
Most bases have pools and parks for Airmen and their families to go for a swim, have a barbecue and spend time together outdoors.
Stables
Some bases boast horse stables on or near the base. Each facility is different, but most offer English and Western riding, jumps, trails, boarding, lessons and veterinary services.
Golf Course
Some of the best golf courses in the world are on Air Force bases. Open to all military personnel and their families, they’re more cost-effective than most municipal and private courses.
Library
Libraries are essential gathering spots, and you’ll find one on almost every base offering books, audiobooks, music, movies, free Wi-Fi, areas for kids, story time and oftentimes a coffee shop.
Base Exchange
A BX, or base exchange, is a tax-free superstore where Airmen can buy almost everything they need, from socks to TVs and other appliances, all for prices that are about 20 percent less than in civilian stores.
Medical Facilities
Every Air Force base has medical facilities offering services free of charge to Airmen and their families. The size of the facility varies from base to base, with some focusing on minor ailments while others handle everything from cancer treatments to heart surgery.
Dining Facilities
Air Force dining facilities serve a variety of foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner to the men and women in the Air Force and their families. And if you need something quick, each base will have several fast-food restaurants.
Outdoor Rec Center
From ski boats to snowboards, you can often find the outdoor gear, equipment and even amenities you need right on base at our rec camp and equipment rental facilities. While it varies from base to base, you’ll almost always find what you’re looking for.
Bowling Alley
Most Air Force bases will have a bowling alley with other billiards games. It’s a great place to unwind with family or fellow Airmen after a day’s work or over the weekend.
Commissary
An on-base grocery store with no sales tax, offering the typical produce and goods that can be found at any off-base supermarket for a discounted price.
Gas Station
Like any other gas station, it’s the place where you can fill up your tank, and there is a small convenience store connected. Since it is located on base, you can easily grab gas before heading home or to lunch. You can also get discounts and competitive pricing.
Base Auto Hobby Shop
Many bases have DIY automotive centers stocked with tools and staffed with experts providing know-how and guidance to help you fix just about any car problem.
TOUCHING BASE
Hear stories from real Airmen about their personal experiences in the Air Force in terms of work, perks, travel, community and lifestyle as a whole.
Work-Life Balance
Life in the Air Force has its structure, especially when it comes to factoring in free time after working hours. Once you’re done with work, you can focus on your hobbies, professional goals and spend time with your family. The Air Force even lends a hand in organizing social events on base and providing our Airmen and their families with outdoor recreation facilities. We work hard, but also find the time for ourselves and loved ones.
FITNESS IS A WAY OF LIFE
In the Air Force, fitness and healthy living are central to daily operations. Airmen and their families have access to gymnasiums, recreational facilities, and nutritious dining that support wellness. Leadership emphasizes physical conditioning as essential to mission readiness and personal quality of life, providing regular training, health management, and "The Warfighter's Fitness Playbook" to empower personnel to achieve peak performance and stay prepared to defend our nation.
Life on Deployment
Throughout your Air Force career, you can expect to be deployed out of the country at least once. The length of an Air Force deployment ranges from four to 12 months depending on an Airman’s specific job, location and mission requirements. However, even though you may be in a different country, you’ll receive similar benefits and accommodations you’re used to finding on base.
LIFESTYLE FOR FAMILIES
The benefits of living on base are not just for the Airmen, but also their families. Whether it’s child care, a job or using any of the base’s facilities, we want to make sure you feel comfortable, well taken care of and right at home.
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01 SPOUSE & FAMILY JOBS
It takes a lot of people to make an Air Force base function and civilians fill many jobs on base, with Air Force spouses and family members often getting first shot at those jobs. -
02 Grade School
To make life even more convenient, most bases will have schools for your children. The majority of Air Force bases will have elementary schools and some of the larger bases will even have middle and high schools. -
03 SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM
Many Airmen are also parents, so we offer before- and after-school care for their school-age children. Just drop your kids off on the way to work, and we’ll make sure they make it safely to and from school. -
04 YOUTH SPORTS TEAMS
With basketball, soccer and football teams and leagues on almost every base, your child can experience and enjoy the camaraderie and competition of team sports. -
05 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
You won’t have to look farther than our on-base Child Development Center for quality day care. We work with children’s motor, cognitive and social skills while developing their self-worth and preparing them for kindergarten.
STAY CLOSE EVEN WHEN YOU’RE FAR AWAY
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No matter where you are stationed, there will always be communication options available (phone, email, video chat, etc.).
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Enlisted and officer clubs feature a full calendar of social events for members, spouses and guests. Bases sponsor activities for toddlers to teens and generally have youth centers where children can spend time in a safe environment.
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Airmen can take advantage of available space on Air Force aircraft when they wish to travel. We offer access to many international destinations as well as almost any state in the U.S.
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No matter what stage you are in your Air Force career, you’re given 30 days of paid time off every year to enjoy however you please.
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When you travel for work or have guests, you can take advantage of the on-base inn for rates that are less than what you’ll find off base.
WE HAVE ANSWERS WHAT THE AIR FORCE IS ALL ABOUT
LIFESTYLE FAQS
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If you’re enlisted, where you’re stationed is based on the needs of your mission. To be assigned a base, there must be a need for your field there. If you’ve previously served, you’ll have the opportunity to list five bases where you’d like to be stationed. Once you qualify and there’s an opening, you’ll be offered an assignment.
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After military training and after Technical Training for enlisted Airmen, you’ll be assigned to the base location that can best utilize your skills. It is likely that your base location will change as often as every three years.
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The Guard and Reserve are local and part-time, allowing Airmen to have the time to pursue a professional degree, or work towards other personal or professional goals. Additionally, Guard and Reserve Airmen only have to serve one weekend a month. Active Duty is full-time, and allows for travel opportunities around the globe, finding community among fellow Airmen.
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In the Air Force, family time is a major priority, providing comfort and support to our Airmen when they need it the most. Your family can live with you, both on and off base. There are plenty of amenities and resources available to Airmen and their families, including organized social events, fitness centers, parks and career opportunities for spouses and children looking for part-time jobs.
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Yes. Bases offer on-base guest accommodations that enable family members to visit Airmen at a lower cost than what is available off base. Airmen can regularly entertain friends who live off base at on-base rec centers.
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While deployments are an opportunity for you to represent our country overseas, we understand it’s difficult to go so far away from loved ones. Deployments are a way of life for Airmen. Every 20 months, you may go on deployment. Plan to be deployed out of the country at least once in your Air Force career. The length of an Air Force deployment ranges from four to 12 months depending on an Airman’s specific job, location and mission requirements.
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Training schedules look different for each career in the Air Force. Most Airmen are able to take at least half an hour of their day for their own miscellaneous exercise, whether that be a quick gym session or a pickup basketball game.
