MacDill AFB in Tampa Florida is by far the Best Air Force Base in the U.S. So much to do on Base.....Home of two Awesome Joint Commands (SOCOM and CENTCOM). Warm Weather, Beautiful white Beach's, Cruise Ships, Casinos and Disney an Hour away. The Tampa Bay Bucs, Rays and Lightning! Great teams that have Won Championships!!
I lived in Tampa for a few months and hated it traffic was horrible It cost a fortune to drive anywhere. Then it rained 24/7 for weeks. The horse track I went to had 6 ft of water in the parking lot.
As you point out, "best" is a subjective thing. During my 21 years in the Air Force, I was stationed at a couple of places that were considered "bad" assignments yet enjoyed my time there. It's not only the location - the DUTY matters too.
I’m currently stationed at Davis-Monthan, been here for 4 years, it’s my first base and people who have PCS’d from other bases say we have one of the best bases in the AF, Tucson isn’t a big city like Phoenix but it dose have that big city feel to it and it’s close to all other major cities such as San Diego, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Flagstaff etc……
I was stationed at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport LA.84-87.. I had a great time/met great people 🇺🇸👍..also did my Technical School at Lowry AFB ,COLORADO in 83…and I know LACKLAND AFB is EVERYONES #1😁😁
Randolph Air Force Base is a good place. A lot of fun stuff to do around Universal City Texas. Not to long of a drive to the Gulf of Mexico. Nellis Air Force Base and Red Flag was always a good time. Davis Monthan Air Force Base is another good base to be station at. Wouldn't like McChord Air Force Base or Andrews Air Force Base.
Not sure about today, but from what I remember, Randolph was a very elitist headquarters base. If you weren’t at least a MSgt or officer, you were unimportant and didn’t deserve any kind of respect.
I was assigned to Andrews AFB twice. It was my only CONUS assignment. It was my first permanent duty station, it was also my last. I agree that there is a ton of stuff to do in the area. It was ideal for me since I am originally from Philadelphia, PA which was only a three hour drive.
Should’ve put Peterson SFB(Colorado Springs) instead of Schriever SFB. Schriever is a very tiny base kinda in the middle of nowhere east of Colorado Springs. Peterson is actually in Colorado Springs. I am stationed at Peterson. It is actually pretty awesome.
Peterson uses the same runway for civilian traffic to COS. Great weather and living conditions. I was there decades ago, having your own wheels was essential.
I was stationed at Wright Pat in Dayton,Ohio followed by Homestead AFB just south of Miami Fl and just above the Florida Keys. Lots of fishing and snorkeling in the Keys.
Offutt AFB is one of the most slept on bases in the AF. If you have a young family, this place is the best. I've never met a family who said they hated it here.
Dear Kyle if you are reading your comments first of thank you for your service. I was raised on Travis Air Force Base where my dad was a flight engineer on the c5 galaxy and my mom was a medic I actually moved to Iowa in 2004 when my dad got out with service of 14 years and in 2013 my mom retired with 21 years of service I live in Waterloo. I loved my life as a military child even if at times it was hard. I was just wondering if you have ever been to travis
Closed for many years but from 62 - 65 I was stationed at Castle AFB CA near Merced and Atwater. Castle had great amenities as well as being near Yosemite! Another major plus was the location mid-way between the San Francisco Bay Area or Sunny Southern California. Either and more within driving distance for a weekend pass. Not a base assignment but still a worthwhile destination as the Castle Air Museum with lots of historic aircraft. Conveniently located near I-5 and US-99, you could fly in to the private aviation Castle Air Field.
50 years ago, Mountain Home AFB Idaho was a good duty station. The people in Mountain Home were great treating the Airmen well. Plenty of recreation opportunities. Dirt bike riding in the desert, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and skiing. The weather was bad. Boisie was close by for night life. On the other spectrum, Grand Forks AFB sucked big time. The town people treated Airmen poorly. Very little for an Airman to do for recreation. Binge drinking was very popular recreation. We drank on duty a mix of 190 proof grain alcohol and Annie Greenspring Peach Creek, call the drink Sheet Metal Punch. Very cold at night on the flight line. I might have stayed in the USAF if not stationed at Grand Forks.
Considering joining the Air Force, and from my research all these bases look good. In fact, during the 2000s, my father had worked at then Schriever AFB near Colorado Springs and said it wasn’t a bad experience. As a PNW native, my dream base is either McChord or Fairchild.
Been retired for ages but I had some nice assignments during my time in the USAF. I was assigned at Lowry AFB in Denver, Colorado and Mather AFB in Rancho Cordova, California. These bases are closed. Travis, McChord and Davis-Monthan were also very good assignments.
Ah yes! Lowry is where I had tech school. No flight line, strictly training. I grew up in Austin and knew nothing about Bergstrom AFB except our next door neighbors were an AF family.
@@darryljones6129 Not when I was there in the mid 60s. It was a dump. No air conditioning in the barracks, 3-man room, WW2 bunks, windows would only open six inches, no screens, we would sleep in underwear as the perspiration dripped off our bodies in the high heat and humidity. Movie theater and library only, no gym, no pool. Service club was a joke with board games missing half their pieces, no off-site entertainment arranged through the club, staff said their budget was cut each year. Santee family area basically off limits to single E-4s and below because officers and NCOs didn't want us there with their teen age girls. Never put in writing but you got the word. Worst of all no access to Charleston itself. No public transportation. To get there you needed a car or knew someone who had one. Other option was to wait for the Greyhound bus which had last bus out to the base at 9:45 PM. Dining hall was a bigger joke than the Service Club. Bare bones, I was shocked when I went to other bases and ate in their facilities, there they did their best to make it a pleasant atmosphere.
McChord is about 35 miles south of Seattle and a little bit south of Tacoma. People not from WA use Seattle because it's the city usually associated with the state.
Myrtle Beach was a decent base during the 80's and early 90's until they shut it down. Also....Elmendorf and Eielson in Alaska are both AWESOME locations if you're the outdoors type that likes hunting, fishing, and all things wilderness. They're state side bases that are considered overseas assignments.
@@karinamurphy6645 Yeah...I was lucky enough to get Myrtle Beach as my first duty location. The assignment computer then forgot about me for 6 years. LOL I was at the base from 84 till 90.
I was a pilot and was stationed at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs in the 1970's.....long before it was renamed. It was an awesome place to be stationed, especially during the Viet Nam war.
My ex first base after Lackland (San Antonio, TX) and Sheppard (Wichita Falls, TX) was Dyess (Abilene, TX)...nothing nearby in a college town where those seen at the bar on Saturday night are front pew on Sunday morning and it's hot with a chance of tumble weeds BUT then nothing is better than when he was sent to Okinawa, Japan from there...I wouldn't trade those orders for ANYTHING in this world!!!
Two bases that I was stationed at in the 1980’s and are now closed were really great: Norton AFB in San Bernardino, Ca. Was close to LA in one direction and Las Vegas, NV in other direction. And McClellan AFB in Sacramento,CA. San Francisco and Bay Area nearby and Lake Tahoe, Reno and the mountains in other direction.
I was station at Norton from 1980 to 1988, Then to McClellan from 1988 to 1994. Both were great bases to be station at. Sadly they are both closed. I was with the 1835th EIS at Norton and 1849th EIS at McClellan. I was a telephone linesmen /cable splicer.
@@hotglasschick perhaps. It’s more so the geographical area. At least that’s what I look for in a base. I’m stationed at nellis, I can tell you this, morale feels a little low since our “mission” is to train student pilots however it’s nice to have mount Charleston, redrock and a few other cool nature spots. But the reason why I’m satisfied with nellis is that it’s close to home
personally, i would put Schriever last among all of the Colorado bases. It's small and can be a daunting commute for those living in the springs (especially during heavy winter seasons). USAF Academy is definitely the most unique base as it functions more as a university rather than a military installation and it is the only fully open base (anyone with a drivers license can get on). Been here since 2018 and because the military presence is so small, you get many unique opportunities (attending NCAA sporting events, interacting with the cadets, skydiving, gliding, etc.) If there was a list of top Air Force Bases for those wanting a breather from the typical Air Force life, USAFA would top it.
I was stationed at the USAFA in the early '90's and I thought it was one of the best bases I had been at, up to that time. While I admit that I liked Germany and England more, the Academy was just a very neat place to be, and an unusual opportunity for a senior NCO to serve in a role that supported the development of the next generation of Air Force senior leadership. Unfortunately I got there holding down a slot that maxxed out at E-6, and although I didn't know it at the time, I'd be selected and promoted to MSgt within my first year there. I got to hold on for another year then one day I was told that it was either Dover or Ramstein, or they'd pick one for me. As I already had done two tours at Rhein-Main, and was kind of tired of the chemical warfare exercises, I choose Dover. I knew that as soon as I hit the 18-year mark, I'd go for early retirement if it was offered in my career field again, which, predictably, it was. I've now lived in Dover for 30 years, and am now fully retired after 22 years in my second career which was a State job.
I was stationed at Hurlburt at Eglin in the early 1970s. Fort Walton Beach, and Destin were pretty cool. I went back a couple of years ago, and hardly recognized the place. It had really grown a lot. Wasn't real fond of my job as a masonry spec in the RED HORSE Squadron there. Concrete work in that heat was a real bear.
I'm currently stationed at Buckley SFB(formerly AFB) I've been here for a couple years and have traveled to both Peterson and Schriever and I will say the springs and CO in general is amazing. But...Schriever as a base is pretty awful lol. Very very small, minimal buildings, lots of empty space and the mission is very compact. Ps. I watched your older videos from 2018-2019 when I joined Air Force, appreciate the advice.
I was going to Say Peterson by far is the better option! In the Springs! Don’t forget it is also possible to be stationed at the Air Force Academy depending on your AFSc. I was a lineman in the Civil Engineering Squadron there for 4 years.
Bradley, I was at Buckley from 2013-2015. Place was great, although I know Denver has changed drastically over the last several years. Buckley was my best assignment... Was kind of a hidden gem.
I was at Pete field back before it became an AFB 1958. Always loved the Springs and visited USAFA before the first class graduated. Great experience for a young airman before the population boom.
I was going to Say Peterson by far is the better option! In the Springs! Don’t forget it is also possible to be stationed at the Air Force Academy depending on your AFSc. I was a lineman in the Civil Engineering Squadron there for 4 years.
I was stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB, Little Rock AFB, Hurlburt Field, and Kadena AB. Everywhere has its pro's and Cons. I loved Kadena, but the typhoons were annoying. I liked Hurlburt Field, but the summer tourist traffic and hurricanes were not pleasant. I didn't care for Little Rock AFB, but the cost of living was really low. I am currently still working on base at Davis-Monthan as a contractor, and like the Tucson area. The con to Tucson is the relentless heat in the summer. As a retired Flight Engineer, I have been to more bases than I can remember. I never cared for Nellis, but whenever I went there it was for Red Flag. I didn't care for McChord, but I only went there for survival school and that was not a good time. My favorite TDY base was Yokota AB, and I would have loved to have been stationed there or at Ramstein. I tell these young airman, "Go overseas, stay overseas". HAHA
The only down part with Seattle is the traffic. With all the water it funnels drivers all into certain routes. Coming from McChord it can take an hour or more to get downtown, but if you are going out of town you can get away quickly. Had to come back and edit this since I forgot something. Since you mentioned the ferries, the Kraken use a retired ferry horn as their as the goal horn.
Tyndall used to be the bomb until it got bombed by a hurricane a few years ago … Tyndall is being rebuilt and will be the most high tech base in the AF when they are finished. The beaches on base are just gorgeous, the town is laid back but it has everything you need. The white sand beaches on the Gulf are the most beautiful if you’re into that sort of thing. You can kayak, boat/jet ski, tour, swim, dive, snorkel, fish, walk along the beach, picnic, take a nap, lounge, sun bathe .. and there is a State Park (St Andrew’s) - there’s caverns about an hour north drive and if you drive West and get on 30A you can visit where the Truman Show was filmed which is cool to watch the movie then go find where they filmed certain scenes - it’s changed a lot since that filming but you can find the spots. Then there’s house watching (not people watching but you can do that too) - some of the most expensive and beautiful homes along 30A to view. Lots of shops and restaurants too. There’s the world famous “Zoo World” in Panama City Beach which is so darn cute! See Google review and pics from your truly. Fort Sam Houston is a pretty cool base if you like history and old buildings! But that’s not and AFB but I do love the old architecture. Happy trails!
@@kennixox262 in the whole scheme of life everything is unsustainable..Tyndall has been around since 1941 and this was the first storm that wiped it out in what 80 years.
I've been en san Antonio Texas base and Washington state base, and my son is now moving to Dover base. My question is how enjoyable and how many different types of activities you can find there?
@@dukeford I have been there several times...recently...spring 2024...last time I was there. Like you say..it is totally different from 1974. I didn't know half a billion dollars went to Cannon. Thanks for the update.
I have nothing to compare anything to. I was stationed at Nellis AFB my entire AF tour (besides tech school @ Chanute AFB Ill. Nellis was great and Very Busy!!!!! This was back when the 474 TFW was still active and Chanute was still open.
Old unit was the 823 then 855 now 66 RGS. I am so over Vegas. It is only really worth it if you already have a huge appreciation for hiking/rock climbing or love partying/night life. It is sort of difficult to make meaningful connections with people even outside of the military here because people only stay here for a short while.
Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS gets my vote. Why? There's a beautiful Gulf Coast beach right outside the front gate. I attended tech school there. Got out of class around noon, went to lunch, and spent the rest of the day at the beach. Also, the people on base and in Biloxi were very friendly. I definitely enjoyed my time there.
Damn you actually swam in that glorified sewer water? Basically everyone I talked to said avoid it like the plague. Also homeless population and crime rates are a big problem around there.
I was there in 1969, would join others walking out into town for some fast food and some beer drinking. Troops didn't get along with the locals, I guess being competition for local girls. The town really did like us when we all helped after the devastation of hurricane Camille helping the cleanup and search for survivors, I did enjoy the Airmans and NCO Clubs back then to. I noticed in the late eighties they were getting rid of Airman, NCO, and even Officers clubs I guess to minimize drinking.
Youre in cedar rapids bro no way. Lived in IA my whole life and im ready to get out and see the world. Im 24 now and looking to join the AF next fall after i finish my next semester in CC. Im ready for the challenge.
I went to Kirkwood for 1.5 years and then dropped out for the Air Force. It was a great opportunity and stepping stone in life. It's a really good way to get out of the midwest and see the world and US!
Nowadays if you’re Services military, you have few choices in stateside assignments unless you’re special duty in San Antonio. Most likely you’ll get missile bases unless you’re lucky enough to get Florida, New Joisey, Barcatraz, Nellis, or Travis.
The funny thing is, I’m from Washington (or live here currently) and want to be in the Air Force and I hope I don’t have to come back here lol. I’m tired of being here.
Goodfellow was cool for me I’m in army so it’s an upgrade for me. I like the country and small towns with access to all the state parks cheap to live out there wasn’t bad at all.
Actually JBLM is about 35 miles south of Seattle. It borders the city of Lakewood, along with suburbs, like Tillicum. The I-5 commute is horrendous. FYI
Just a suggestion to anyone joining. I'd suggest looking less at where the base is located, and more on what mission your afsc supports at said base. What mission you support can be the difference between sitting and doing nothing all day and working in a high tempo, high visibility work center that is fulfilling.
6 years in, going to my 3rd base soon and I only choose assignments by base location. My military career is a day-job. I don't get fulfillment from being at work...I get fulfillment from all the cool things I can do once getting off work.
I have to agree with at leat 2 of your top bases. My first duty station in the Army was Ft. Lewis Wa. My second was Ft. Carson ,Co. near Colorado Springs. They are both great for all the reasons you stated.
For JBLM...very nice on base; lots of opportunities in region; off base...traffic congestion terrible; many national parks in region...free passes for active duty.
I was at Kirtland from 1969-1973 when it was Air Force Systems Weapons Command . Duty was great compared to SAC, TAC and MAC bases and didn't have much collateral duty details. Enjoyed the mountains and downtown nightlife.
Ive been in the process of joining the Air Force for 6-7 months now. What would you say is a good way to research which bases are good enough for someones standards? Ex: geographically, communities, etc..
The bases you can go to depend on your AFSC (your job). So if theres a base you want to go to then you should look into what AFSC has that base as an option when you make your dream sheet.
Security forces guarantees you 90% or all of the afb's to get stationed at. Obviously there's con's to security forces like gate duty, physically demanding etc. But I'm in SF and my dream sheet has a tone of bases listed. Definitely looking at either japan, washington, Florida or alaska.
Why haven't I seen Scott AFB, Illinois mentioned? LOL It was only 3 hours from West Ky. I arrived there from Viet Nam! Almost volunteered to go back to Nam!
I wanna hear about what bases are actually good. I hear Space Command has all the money so the bases are nicer. Edwards AFB in California is pretty dumpy for an Air Force base
I'm from Washington State and all my family are still up there. Here are my reasons why I do not want to go back. 1. Rains too much, 2. Its always gloomy and 3. The food is meh.....I now live in CA and yes its expensive but the weather is great. Your drive to the beach and mountains are just an hour to 1.5 hr away.
Andrews AFB.. is in Maryland, not Washington, D.C. Everyone gets that mixed up because so close to the line. I was there Aug '98- Aug '00. I only crossed into D.C. for Reagan-National Airport or the Pentagon..everything else was either VA, Baltimore or Dover related.
I put Colo. AF academy base on dream sheet. Beal, Macellen, Mather. And Ranstien. Got perm party Lackland then Kadena. This was yrs ago. Basic,tech, perm party Lackland yuk
I have to agree with you....Nellis AFB is second to none! So many things to do in and around Vegas. Also, at least back in the day, the city treated Air Force people very well....tickets to shows...stuff like that.
I do not have any familiarization with airforce bases in usa. Thanks for sharing, I look forward to joining usaf next year; I may as well select these bases on my dreamsheet. Btw how many state and foreign bases does a person get to select on their dreamsheet? What is the minimum and maximum period that a person can be stationed at a state base? Thanks.
MacDill AFB in Tampa Florida is by far the Best Air Force Base in the U.S. So much to do on Base.....Home of two Awesome Joint Commands (SOCOM and CENTCOM). Warm Weather, Beautiful white Beach's, Cruise Ships, Casinos and Disney an Hour away. The Tampa Bay Bucs, Rays and Lightning! Great teams that have Won Championships!!
I second this!
I agree as well with McDill. Was GS there for 2 years. Never a dull moment with co-workers and after work.
I lived in Tampa for a few months and hated it traffic was horrible It cost a fortune to drive anywhere. Then it rained 24/7 for weeks. The horse track I went to had 6 ft of water in the parking lot.
Dude look at my post. Plenty to do besides the one thing you mentioned.
Overcrowded and overpriced smh
I spent eight years at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, from '73 to '80. Wonderful base for family life.
As you point out, "best" is a subjective thing. During my 21 years in the Air Force, I was stationed at a couple of places that were considered "bad" assignments yet enjoyed my time there. It's not only the location - the DUTY matters too.
I was stationed at Nellis AFB for 5 1/2yrs 1999-2005 and I really enjoyed it and once I got out of the Air Force I moved back to Vegas
I’m currently stationed at Davis-Monthan, been here for 4 years, it’s my first base and people who have PCS’d from other bases say we have one of the best bases in the AF, Tucson isn’t a big city like Phoenix but it dose have that big city feel to it and it’s close to all other major cities such as San Diego, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Flagstaff etc……
Luke is better but I agree Arizona is amazing
Tucson has a lot of hidden gems😊
Thank you for your service and great video. Was watching to see if MacDill made the list. I'm from Tampa
I was stationed at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport LA.84-87.. I had a great time/met great people 🇺🇸👍..also did my Technical School at Lowry AFB ,COLORADO in 83…and I know LACKLAND AFB is EVERYONES #1😁😁
My son was stationed at Presidio in Monterey California & was just recently stationed @ Kessler in Biloxi Mississippi.
DLI at the presidio was unreal. Like a campus rather than a base. It is a multi-service base administered by the army.
Nellis is def in my top 5. My personal favorite is vandenburg, 40 miles of Pacific Ocean coast line and amazing weather year round.
Randolph Air Force Base is a good place. A lot of fun stuff to do around Universal City Texas. Not to long of a drive to the Gulf of Mexico. Nellis Air Force Base and Red Flag was always a good time. Davis Monthan Air Force Base is another good base to be station at. Wouldn't like McChord Air Force Base or Andrews Air Force Base.
Not sure about today, but from what I remember, Randolph was a very elitist headquarters base. If you weren’t at least a MSgt or officer, you were unimportant and didn’t deserve any kind of respect.
I was assigned to Andrews AFB twice. It was my only CONUS assignment. It was my first permanent duty station, it was also my last. I agree that there is a ton of stuff to do in the area. It was ideal for me since I am originally from Philadelphia, PA which was only a three hour drive.
TRAVIS AFB CA. Is my favorite ❤
Watch all the way to the end going to basic tomorrow excited
Should’ve put Peterson SFB(Colorado Springs) instead of Schriever SFB.
Schriever is a very tiny base kinda in the middle of nowhere east of Colorado Springs.
Peterson is actually in Colorado Springs.
I am stationed at Peterson. It is actually pretty awesome.
Totally agree, Schreiver is just an outpost for Peterson. I grew up in between the two. How that made it on the list is crazy.
Peterson uses the same runway for civilian traffic to COS. Great weather and living conditions. I was there decades ago, having your own wheels was essential.
@@rodbutler4054 Great weather? My brother, as a weather forecaster I can tell you with certainty this place makes my job so goddamn difficult.
I was stationed at Wright Pat in Dayton,Ohio followed by Homestead AFB just south of Miami Fl and just above the Florida Keys. Lots of fishing and snorkeling in the Keys.
Offutt AFB is one of the most slept on bases in the AF. If you have a young family, this place is the best. I've never met a family who said they hated it here.
Agree, i am stationed here now
that is my first base and I get stationed there july 10th
Once ya get on it…
Dear Kyle if you are reading your comments first of thank you for your service. I was raised on Travis Air Force Base where my dad was a flight engineer on the c5 galaxy and my mom was a medic I actually moved to Iowa in 2004 when my dad got out with service of 14 years and in 2013 my mom retired with 21 years of service I live in Waterloo. I loved my life as a military child even if at times it was hard. I was just wondering if you have ever been to travis
Nice list. I worked on Randolph for 6 years, great base and went TDY several times to Nellis.
Closed for many years but from 62 - 65 I was stationed at Castle AFB CA near Merced and Atwater.
Castle had great amenities as well as being near Yosemite! Another major plus was the location mid-way between the San Francisco Bay Area or Sunny Southern California. Either and more within driving distance for a weekend pass.
Not a base assignment but still a worthwhile destination as the Castle Air Museum with lots of historic aircraft.
Conveniently located near I-5 and US-99, you could fly in to the private aviation Castle Air Field.
Minot - Yokota - Osan - Andersen - next stop - Sydney, Australia.
50 years ago, Mountain Home AFB Idaho was a good duty station. The people in Mountain Home were great treating the Airmen well. Plenty of recreation opportunities. Dirt bike riding in the desert, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and skiing. The weather was bad. Boisie was close by for night life.
On the other spectrum, Grand Forks AFB sucked big time. The town people treated Airmen poorly. Very little for an Airman to do for recreation. Binge drinking was very popular recreation. We drank on duty a mix of 190 proof grain alcohol and Annie Greenspring Peach Creek, call the drink Sheet Metal Punch. Very cold at night on the flight line.
I might have stayed in the USAF if not stationed at Grand Forks.
Considering joining the Air Force, and from my research all these bases look good. In fact, during the 2000s, my father had worked at then Schriever AFB near Colorado Springs and said it wasn’t a bad experience. As a PNW native, my dream base is either McChord or Fairchild.
Been retired for ages but I had some nice assignments during my time in the USAF. I was assigned at Lowry AFB in Denver, Colorado and Mather AFB in Rancho Cordova, California. These bases are closed. Travis, McChord and Davis-Monthan were also very good assignments.
Lowry,BergstromAFB (close) Kirkland AFB, was good assignments.
Ah yes! Lowry is where I had tech school. No flight line, strictly training. I grew up in Austin and knew nothing about Bergstrom AFB except our next door neighbors were an AF family.
Not military, but my personal opinion would be Charleston AFB due to the history and the many beaches in the lowcountry.
I served at Charleston AFB back in the 80s. Yes that is a great base. Fond memories.
@@darryljones6129 Not when I was there in the mid 60s. It was a dump. No air conditioning in the barracks, 3-man room, WW2 bunks, windows would only open six inches, no screens, we would sleep in underwear as the perspiration dripped off our bodies in the high heat and humidity. Movie theater and library only, no gym, no pool. Service club was a joke with board games missing half their pieces, no off-site entertainment arranged through the club, staff said their budget was cut each year. Santee family area basically off limits to single E-4s and below because officers and NCOs didn't want us there with their teen age girls. Never put in writing but you got the word. Worst of all no access to Charleston itself. No public transportation. To get there you needed a car or knew someone who had one. Other option was to wait for the Greyhound bus which had last bus out to the base at 9:45 PM. Dining hall was a bigger joke than the Service Club. Bare bones, I was shocked when I went to other bases and ate in their facilities, there they did their best to make it a pleasant atmosphere.
McChord is about 35 miles south of Seattle and a little bit south of Tacoma. People not from WA use Seattle because it's the city usually associated with the state.
Myrtle Beach was a decent base during the 80's and early 90's until they shut it down. Also....Elmendorf and Eielson in Alaska are both AWESOME locations if you're the outdoors type that likes hunting, fishing, and all things wilderness. They're state side bases that are considered overseas assignments.
Wow I never knew there was a base down in Myrtle beach!
@@karinamurphy6645 Yeah...I was lucky enough to get Myrtle Beach as my first duty location. The assignment computer then forgot about me for 6 years. LOL I was at the base from 84 till 90.
I was a pilot and was stationed at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs in the 1970's.....long before it was renamed. It was an awesome place to be stationed, especially during the Viet Nam war.
My ex first base after Lackland (San Antonio, TX) and Sheppard (Wichita Falls, TX) was Dyess (Abilene, TX)...nothing nearby in a college town where those seen at the bar on Saturday night are front pew on Sunday morning and it's hot with a chance of tumble weeds
BUT then nothing is better than when he was sent to Okinawa, Japan from there...I wouldn't trade those orders for ANYTHING in this world!!!
Two bases that I was stationed at in the 1980’s and are now closed were really great: Norton AFB in San Bernardino, Ca. Was close to LA in one direction and Las Vegas, NV in other direction.
And McClellan AFB in Sacramento,CA. San Francisco and Bay Area nearby and Lake Tahoe, Reno and the mountains in other direction.
I was station at Norton from 1980 to 1988, Then to McClellan from 1988 to 1994. Both were great bases to be station at. Sadly they are both closed. I was with the 1835th EIS at Norton and 1849th EIS at McClellan. I was a telephone linesmen /cable splicer.
1. Luke (Phoenix, AZ)
2. MacDill (Tampa, FL)
3. Buckley (Denver, CO)
4. Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
5. Lackland/Randolph (San Antonio, TX)
No offense but if you put Lackland on the top 5 I can’t see your list as credible 😂
@@ziadajam5433 training bases are always great when you're not a trainee.
@@hotglasschick perhaps. It’s more so the geographical area. At least that’s what I look for in a base. I’m stationed at nellis, I can tell you this, morale feels a little low since our “mission” is to train student pilots however it’s nice to have mount Charleston, redrock and a few other cool nature spots. But the reason why I’m satisfied with nellis is that it’s close to home
Good lists. Way better than this one
personally, i would put Schriever last among all of the Colorado bases. It's small and can be a daunting commute for those living in the springs (especially during heavy winter seasons). USAF Academy is definitely the most unique base as it functions more as a university rather than a military installation and it is the only fully open base (anyone with a drivers license can get on). Been here since 2018 and because the military presence is so small, you get many unique opportunities (attending NCAA sporting events, interacting with the cadets, skydiving, gliding, etc.) If there was a list of top Air Force Bases for those wanting a breather from the typical Air Force life, USAFA would top it.
Buckley AFB maybe?
I was stationed at the USAFA in the early '90's and I thought it was one of the best bases I had been at, up to that time. While I admit that I liked Germany and England more, the Academy was just a very neat place to be, and an unusual opportunity for a senior NCO to serve in a role that supported the development of the next generation of Air Force senior leadership. Unfortunately I got there holding down a slot that maxxed out at E-6, and although I didn't know it at the time, I'd be selected and promoted to MSgt within my first year there. I got to hold on for another year then one day I was told that it was either Dover or Ramstein, or they'd pick one for me. As I already had done two tours at Rhein-Main, and was kind of tired of the chemical warfare exercises, I choose Dover. I knew that as soon as I hit the 18-year mark, I'd go for early retirement if it was offered in my career field again, which, predictably, it was. I've now lived in Dover for 30 years, and am now fully retired after 22 years in my second career which was a State job.
Went TDY to Nellis in 1985 for Red Flag. Loved it! I was stationed at Cannon then. Cannon really sucked!
I agree, Cannon was horrible. I was there 73 to 75. Then went to RAF Lakenheath which was fantastic.
I was stationed at Hurlburt at Eglin in the early 1970s. Fort Walton Beach, and Destin were pretty cool. I went back a couple of years ago, and hardly recognized the place. It had really grown a lot. Wasn't real fond of my job as a masonry spec in the RED HORSE Squadron there. Concrete work in that heat was a real bear.
I'm currently stationed at Buckley SFB(formerly AFB) I've been here for a couple years and have traveled to both Peterson and Schriever and I will say the springs and CO in general is amazing. But...Schriever as a base is pretty awful lol. Very very small, minimal buildings, lots of empty space and the mission is very compact. Ps. I watched your older videos from 2018-2019 when I joined Air Force, appreciate the advice.
I was going to Say Peterson by far is the better option! In the Springs! Don’t forget it is also possible to be stationed at the Air Force Academy depending on your AFSc. I was a lineman in the Civil Engineering Squadron there for 4 years.
Bradley, I was at Buckley from 2013-2015. Place was great, although I know Denver has changed drastically over the last several years. Buckley was my best assignment... Was kind of a hidden gem.
Airmen are able to be stationed at space force bases?
I was at Pete field back before it became an AFB 1958. Always loved the Springs and visited USAFA before the first class graduated. Great experience for a young airman before the population boom.
@@kiks23ful Airmen are able to be stationed at army bases too. I was at Wheeler Army Airfield. They can also be at Marine bases or Navy bases, etc.
I was going to Say Peterson by far is the better option! In the Springs! Don’t forget it is also possible to be stationed at the Air Force Academy depending on your AFSc. I was a lineman in the Civil Engineering Squadron there for 4 years.
I worked CSS (Admin) for 21st CES. The Springs was okay.
I’m headed to Luke AFB , Arizona in April after being here in England for 4 years
Luke is nice. There's a lot of new facilities.
@@dukeford are you there?
I’m at hill afb now, very similar to Colorado. We have the mountains great skiing and close to so many national parks!
I absolutely loved my time at Hill. So many awesome parks to hike
PCSing to Hill in November, so excited
i’m joining the reserves & my “home” base will be Hill . i’ll be there in October .
I was stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB, Little Rock AFB, Hurlburt Field, and Kadena AB. Everywhere has its pro's and Cons. I loved Kadena, but the typhoons were annoying. I liked Hurlburt Field, but the summer tourist traffic and hurricanes were not pleasant. I didn't care for Little Rock AFB, but the cost of living was really low. I am currently still working on base at Davis-Monthan as a contractor, and like the Tucson area. The con to Tucson is the relentless heat in the summer. As a retired Flight Engineer, I have been to more bases than I can remember. I never cared for Nellis, but whenever I went there it was for Red Flag. I didn't care for McChord, but I only went there for survival school and that was not a good time. My favorite TDY base was Yokota AB, and I would have loved to have been stationed there or at Ramstein. I tell these young airman, "Go overseas, stay overseas". HAHA
Travis AFB. Can’t beat the area. Something for everyone.
A good Command.
I was there in 88 .Had a girlfriend in Suisun city. Good times ❤
Outstanding fishing in delta and surrounding area. Gets hot and windy summers you will quickly learn about tullie fog!
Tindel and Eiland in Florida are similar to McDill. The quality and availability of base housing is what' s important when you have dependents.
I was at McChord in 1975-76. Loved it!
The only down part with Seattle is the traffic. With all the water it funnels drivers all into certain routes. Coming from McChord it can take an hour or more to get downtown, but if you are going out of town you can get away quickly.
Had to come back and edit this since I forgot something. Since you mentioned the ferries, the Kraken use a retired ferry horn as their as the goal horn.
Tyndall used to be the bomb until it got bombed by a hurricane a few years ago … Tyndall is being rebuilt and will be the most high tech base in the AF when they are finished. The beaches on base are just gorgeous, the town is laid back but it has everything you need. The white sand beaches on the Gulf are the most beautiful if you’re into that sort of thing. You can kayak, boat/jet ski, tour, swim, dive, snorkel, fish, walk along the beach, picnic, take a nap, lounge, sun bathe .. and there is a State Park (St Andrew’s) - there’s caverns about an hour north drive and if you drive West and get on 30A you can visit where the Truman Show was filmed which is cool to watch the movie then go find where they filmed certain scenes - it’s changed a lot since that filming but you can find the spots.
Then there’s house watching (not people watching but you can do that too) - some of the most expensive and beautiful homes along 30A to view. Lots of shops and restaurants too.
There’s the world famous “Zoo World” in Panama City Beach which is so darn cute! See Google review and pics from your truly.
Fort Sam Houston is a pretty cool base if you like history and old buildings! But that’s not and AFB but I do love the old architecture. Happy trails!
I would agree about Tyndall.
@@kennixox262 in the whole scheme of life everything is unsustainable..Tyndall has been around since 1941 and this was the first storm that wiped it out in what 80 years.
Just go to Eglin
I've been en san Antonio Texas base and Washington state base, and my son is now moving to Dover base. My question is how enjoyable and how many different types of activities you can find there?
Only base I didn't particularly enjoy...2 week TDY to Cannon in 1974. Now that it is a Special Op base..I think I would like it now.
Trust me. You would not recognize the place. They've dumped a half-billion into it over the last 20 years.
@@dukeford I have been there several times...recently...spring 2024...last time I was there. Like you say..it is totally different from 1974. I didn't know half a billion dollars went to Cannon. Thanks for the update.
I’m from Vegas and yea it is pretty convenient driving in Vegas
if you like 110 dry heat.
I have nothing to compare anything to. I was stationed at Nellis AFB my entire AF tour (besides tech school @ Chanute AFB Ill. Nellis was great and Very Busy!!!!! This was back when the 474 TFW was still active and Chanute was still open.
Andrews AFB is in Clinton Maryland.. 2 completely different areas. JB Boiling is the base in D.C.
Bolling AFB...Air Force's best kept secret. Loved it there.
Old unit was the 823 then 855 now 66 RGS. I am so over Vegas. It is only really worth it if you already have a huge appreciation for hiking/rock climbing or love partying/night life. It is sort of difficult to make meaningful connections with people even outside of the military here because people only stay here for a short while.
Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS gets my vote. Why? There's a beautiful Gulf Coast beach right outside the front gate. I attended tech school there. Got out of class around noon, went to lunch, and spent the rest of the day at the beach. Also, the people on base and in Biloxi were very friendly. I definitely enjoyed my time there.
Damn you actually swam in that glorified sewer water? Basically everyone I talked to said avoid it like the plague. Also homeless population and crime rates are a big problem around there.
That water contains flesh eating bacteria
I'm a Reservist assigned to Keesler; other than the limited entrances (morning traffic) and the BX food court (lack of variety)...its an alright base.
I was there in 1969, would join others walking out into town for some fast food and some beer drinking. Troops didn't get along with the locals, I guess being competition for local girls. The town really did like us when we all helped after the devastation of hurricane Camille helping the cleanup and search for survivors, I did enjoy the Airmans and NCO Clubs back then to. I noticed in the late eighties they were getting rid of Airman, NCO, and even Officers clubs I guess to minimize drinking.
I was at Peterson in Colorado and I loved it
03/25/24 Washington, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Maryland
Youre in cedar rapids bro no way. Lived in IA my whole life and im ready to get out and see the world. Im 24 now and looking to join the AF next fall after i finish my next semester in CC. Im ready for the challenge.
I went to Kirkwood for 1.5 years and then dropped out for the Air Force. It was a great opportunity and stepping stone in life. It's a really good way to get out of the midwest and see the world and US!
Seattle gets 156 days of rain annually. Car insurance rates are high there because people don’t know how to drive on wet roads.
Nowadays if you’re Services military, you have few choices in stateside assignments unless you’re special duty in San Antonio. Most likely you’ll get missile bases unless you’re lucky enough to get Florida, New Joisey, Barcatraz, Nellis, or Travis.
The funny thing is, I’m from Washington (or live here currently) and want to be in the Air Force and I hope I don’t have to come back here lol. I’m tired of being here.
Going to JBLM soon. As Army. So hopefully it's all good.
The view of Rainier is awesome. I'm hoping to move to Tacoma in a year or so.
Goodfellow was cool for me I’m in army so it’s an upgrade for me. I like the country and small towns with access to all the state parks cheap to live out there wasn’t bad at all.
Actually JBLM is about 35 miles south of Seattle. It borders the city of Lakewood, along with suburbs, like Tillicum. The I-5 commute is horrendous. FYI
Just a suggestion to anyone joining. I'd suggest looking less at where the base is located, and more on what mission your afsc supports at said base. What mission you support can be the difference between sitting and doing nothing all day and working in a high tempo, high visibility work center that is fulfilling.
How can I do that ? I’m going to be personnel
6 years in, going to my 3rd base soon and I only choose assignments by base location. My military career is a day-job. I don't get fulfillment from being at work...I get fulfillment from all the cool things I can do once getting off work.
McChord AFB is not in Seattle. It is 16 miles south of Tacoma, WA.
I have to agree with at leat 2 of your top bases. My first duty station in the Army was Ft. Lewis Wa. My second was Ft. Carson ,Co. near Colorado Springs. They are both great for all the reasons you stated.
What about FE Warren? I know its cold in WY, but housing is generally affordable and is close to Denver for city amenities.
For JBLM...very nice on base; lots of opportunities in region; off base...traffic congestion terrible; many national parks in region...free passes for active duty.
McChord was my first duty station. But it’s closer to Tacoma than Seattle.
The pictures you have on this video are great!
Hurlburt Field was great.
We always jokes in the 80s, that there were only 2 good bases. The one you came from, and the one you’re going to.
And the prettiest view is welcome to so and so base as you left in the rear view mirror.
Add Kirtland AFB, I did 2 1/2. Albuquerque was pretty awesome in the 80's. I started at Andersen AFB on Guam. 85° year round.
I was at Andersen from August 87 - November 88 as a crash firefighter living in the airman dorms.
I was at Kirtland from 1969-1973 when it was Air Force Systems Weapons Command . Duty was great compared to SAC, TAC and MAC bases and didn't have much collateral duty details. Enjoyed the mountains and downtown nightlife.
I classified yes to the U.S. Airforce in one year.
By 2025 when i get to have my personal greencard i can(permanent residence for the U.S.)
I watched it until the end. Was hoping Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro NC would make your list. I'm not in the Air Force ,but live close to the base
Hands down Aviano Air Base!
Ive been in the process of joining the Air Force for 6-7 months now. What would you say is a good way to research which bases are good enough for someones standards? Ex: geographically, communities, etc..
The bases you can go to depend on your AFSC (your job). So if theres a base you want to go to then you should look into what AFSC has that base as an option when you make your dream sheet.
Security forces guarantees you 90% or all of the afb's to get stationed at. Obviously there's con's to security forces like gate duty, physically demanding etc. But I'm in SF and my dream sheet has a tone of bases listed. Definitely looking at either japan, washington, Florida or alaska.
I personally loved Hurlburt near Pensacola, if you like lazing on the white sand beaches.
That;s an airfield for Eglin AFB.
Why haven't I seen Scott AFB, Illinois mentioned? LOL It was only 3 hours from West Ky. I arrived there from Viet Nam! Almost volunteered to go back to Nam!
This leaves us with the question, worst assignments? Hancock Field, Syracuse, NY (1978) or perhaps Loring, AFB, Limestone, ME (1981.) Yipes.
If you liked snow, Loring AFB was nirvana (82-85).
MacDill and Langley were awesome
I wanna hear about what bases are actually good. I hear Space Command has all the money so the bases are nicer. Edwards AFB in California is pretty dumpy for an Air Force base
Define "good."
I'm from Washington State and all my family are still up there. Here are my reasons why I do not want to go back. 1. Rains too much, 2. Its always gloomy and 3. The food is meh.....I now live in CA and yes its expensive but the weather is great. Your drive to the beach and mountains are just an hour to 1.5 hr away.
It rains more in Nashville TN than that area
My good USAF bases...Eielson, Bergstrom, Spangdahlem. Sheppard and Reese ok..not bad. I actually enjoyed all of my USAF bases.. it's all good.
Patricks AFB is on the beach in Florida
I was stationed at McCord. It was alright. Seattle is close. Olympic Peninsula has some of the best steelhead fishing in the country.
Can you do best overseas bases
As long as you're on base, nobody can tag you to be it!!!
And that's any base. AWESOME SAUCE!!!
Andrews AFB.. is in Maryland, not Washington, D.C. Everyone gets that mixed up because so close to the line. I was there Aug '98- Aug '00. I only crossed into D.C. for Reagan-National Airport or the Pentagon..everything else was either VA, Baltimore or Dover related.
Don't forget Bolling which is in DC
McCord is in Tacoma not Seattle but it’s only about an hour away
My nephew is currently stationed at Schriever and he loves it there.
In tech school right now at Keesler afb and got my first duty station at Nellis! I’ll be there by late November/ early December!
Hope you're not weather
I put Colo. AF academy base on dream sheet. Beal, Macellen, Mather. And Ranstien. Got perm party Lackland then Kadena. This was yrs ago. Basic,tech, perm party Lackland yuk
I was across the street at Kelly at AFEWC. Loved San Antonio!
@@timdelia4609 now Kelley and Lackland together
McChord is in Lakewood not Seattle.
In my opinion, I kinda enjoy Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri & Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma
Hi just wanted to know what happened to the public affairs tech school video? Was gonna repost on Facebook
I have to agree with you....Nellis AFB is second to none! So many things to do in and around Vegas. Also, at least back in the day, the city treated Air Force people very well....tickets to shows...stuff like that.
I’m from Illinois, if I get stationed in Illinois/Indiana or like Delaware where there’s no change in scenery and it’s still cold, I’ll be livid
Where you get stationed
I do not have any familiarization with airforce bases in usa.
Thanks for sharing, I look forward to joining usaf next year; I may as well select these bases on my dreamsheet.
Btw how many state and foreign bases does a person get to select on their dreamsheet?
What is the minimum and maximum period that a person can be stationed at a state base?
Thanks.
Although not a USAF base... Presidio of Monterey was the best!
Aaayyy another fellow DLI’er!
@@theminuteman7611 Yup, there in late 84-85. What a great place.
Didn't they close the Presidio?
@@life_with_laurie Close the DOD’s only language school for service members? That’d be a bold strategy Cotton.
Im interesting going to air force but I wonder what jobs I can choose to stay in San Antonio base?
Reserve or Guard
Vandenberg is a hidden gem
If I ever have to do stateside then I want Andrews since I live an hour away