Best base amenity: Because most sailors are stationed here solo (see below), the USO actively brings morale-boosting entertainment to the base. Base (s): Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base. Here are a few steps you and your spouse can take to improve your chances of achieving personal and professional goals: Look for joint assignments - Each service branch has a program for assigning married couples to the same duty location or within 100 miles of each other. Landing at a tight-knit, family-friendly base can make all the difference in life quality. While families may find Hawaii expensive and difficult to spend time with extended family, most military couples love getting stationed on one of the islands. The base is rural yet only about an hour from London as well as other countries in the area like Scotland. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The weather in Northern Italy is also much more temperate, especially in the summertime when Southern Italy gets ultra sweaty. Why you wouldn't want to live there: The language barrier can be challenging and the German social culture can come off as cold and direct. Nature enthusiasts want to spend their time hiking while they tour jungle land with numerous waterfalls. Here, the commissary is one of the very best and most extensive in the country. The on-base amenities for Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi are disappointing. Apra Harbor, Guam. Final word: Within a few hours' drive are Gibraltar, Cadiz, Seville, Portugal, and Morocco, so accessibility to nearby sites is key. These top-rated bases provide low-cost living to military personnel, excellent amenities on or near the base, and a strong sense of community. Since they met, Rosa has been moved to the 742nd Missile Squadron where he now works alongside his wife as a Squadron Evaluator. Aside from the distinct spirit and customs of Cretan culture, one of its more exclusive sites is the beach of Elafonissi, which when viewed in the right light is covered in pink sand (said to be caused by crushed coral). All rights reserved. The southern station is where families hope to be if they value vibrance, diversity, and culture. The ability to collect crap is exponentially diminished by the Air Forces need to show you the world beginning with Yikes, Nev., and followed by WTH, Okla. You get tired of packing and TMO has weight limits anyway, so you dont collect junk. You know, the little things that make up just an ordinary day. To live in military family housing, you must be living in the house with your dependent (s). The best way to find out what is currently available from that program is to contact your base MWR office. Be intentional quotes are a great way to remind ourselves to be present and purposeful in life. Because of their occupation, active military personnel moves around often and quickly learn that not all stationed assignments are the same. The base is considered a community within a community by many of its adoring members. Produce on the island can be super limited and expensive, since a lot of it is shipped from the States. So, that's kind of cool. Many Air Force couples choose to wed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, because the base Cadet Chapel is known for its iconic architecture with 17 spires. Over the years, keeping dual-military families together, when possible, has become more of a forethought instead of an afterthought., Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Read more about that here. The base's commissary is small, its only medical facility is a clinic, and its small exchange is just a shoppette. The military site hosts the Royal Air Force but also supports U.S. personnel including the 48th Fighter Wing. This can be one of the biggest challenges of mil-to-mil life, but a positive attitude and prioritizing family time when possible is one way that many couples cope with the distance. (tied) McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Being close to Tampa, there is always something for kids to do. Base(s): Fort Buckner, Torii Station, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Naval Forces Japan. I like to think that Qatar was my honeymoon, she said. Bedford is a great place to raise children, said Lisa Pizarro, the school liaison officer at Hanscom. I found someone with ambition and drive, someone who gets to thrive with me.. Over 4 million households cohabited by the late 1990s. Some 1,300 families call this place home and speak highly of its strong sense of community. BestPlaces.net's cost of living score for nearbyEl Segundo, California, is 218, more than double the nationwide average of 100. 33 Teacher Thank You Notes From Parents to Show Your Appreciation. Or do it all in a single day. Marco Polo App Improves Communication for Military Families. For more information, please see our If the rates go up where you are living, you'll receive the new, higher amount. The BAH rates are recalculated every year. Best reason to be stationed there: The snorkeling and diving -- it's considered some of the best in the world. Pancetta, pizza, pasta, and pistachio gelato -- the gangs all here. In some ways, dual-military life can be compared to a normal working couples relationship, but it comes with its own unique set of opportunities and challenges. Boots on the Ground Additional Info : Release Date 2016-02-15T00:00:00.000Z Buy on Amazon 2. Application of age is 16 with parental consent. Flickr/U.S. (The inverse applies, I know. Since most of these services are specific to each base, you should contact your local MWR office to learn what is available. Required fields are marked *. Bush, Ukrainian Soldiers Freeze Sperm to Ensure Legacy, US Invokes Defense Act for Formula Shortage, First Lady Jill Biden Has a Message for Military Teens, Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month, Navy Spouse: Closure of Fuel Depot Took Too Long. Why you wouldn't want to live there: Lakenheath is a small, quiet village. How much is military marriage pay? If you are divorced or unmarried, and . Oh, and did we mention that you can get ice cream served in a hot waffle. should the GPS short out after somehow finding its way into an open coffee travel mug. 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. Of the fifty-nine possible Air Force bases in the United States, these bases reign supreme, checking off all possible family-friendly boxes. Single life has its advantages and disadvantages. 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. The coastal military base provides that Florida weather with plenty of charm. Housing near Lakenheath is among the best with plenty of new and trendy options. Individuals often have different career goals, and when in a dual-military relationship, it is important to sit down and have conversations about the future. The Fotheringhams met in Pensacola, Fla., while volunteering at a Blue Angels show. 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. Think not-so-slim old men in very slim Speedos. Okuma Beach offers affordable cabins rentals, water sports, and snorkeling excursions. The 9 percent sales tax and 7.6 percent unemployment rate are also high. 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. Best reason to be stationed there: The wine. Here are the top 10 US military base towns overseas. Hanscom Air Force Base near Bedford, Massachusetts, has a lot going for it. After meeting at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., in 1999, the Nemishes navigated moves, career changes, and a growing family. Shopping here means no sales taxes for military families! This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. From November to April there is very little sun and a lot of chill. We then assigned each category a score on a 10-point scale. Orlando is also within a long days drive from MacDill Air Force Base. Air Force Master Sgt. Why you wouldn't want to live there: If you're not a city person and consider the traffic, noise, and congestion of city living overwhelming, Seoul isnt for you. What someone that serves the military and is single wants is drastically different from a service member with a wife and kids. JBLM and the surrounding community places great importance on family life and community. However, I think you may have an easier time at one of the larger bases with about 1,000 or so population. And you cant find the quilt that your husbands moms great-aunt made just for you with tiny arthritic fingers and should be displayed at all times but is accidentally in an unpacked pro gearbox. No matter which Air Force Base tickles your fancy, they all have a few essential commonalities that families tend to put at the top of their checklists. When you head to the beach, though, be prepared to see some extra skin. So, where did the lucky ones get sent? Here are the best Navy bases in the United States based on criteria like location, housing, amenities, and community support: Grand Forks AFB continuously ranks among the top 10 USAF bases in the United States. Low housing costs and phenomenal support from the local community makes Luke AFB an ideal place for military families. Although culture shock is all but inevitable, the US military's heavy presence on the island means just about everything is translated into English. Immunity from Hoarding Traditionally, in America, you get married. Talking politics with loved ones can take a seemingly innocent conversation and turn it into a maj, 7 Ways to Talk to Teens That Create a Conversation. Being close to Tampa, there is always something for kids to do. History is a huge draw here as well, and ancient ruins (both Greek and Italian) can be found around the island. Theyre just cool. The Okinawan culture is extremely polite, respectful, and considerate, which means public areas are extremely clean and well maintained. Wright-Patterson AFB just makes the cut among many other competing military bases for top honors. Most U.S. troops receive a pay increase after they get married. Read more. Eglin Air Force Base is another excellent choice for military couples. Final word: Need more thrill in your life? Best reason to be stationed there: The beach. Meanwhile, others like single personnel have quick access to St. Louis and a variety of entertainment options. For Captains Dylan and Sara Fotheringham of the 91st Operations Group and 91 Missile Wing, talking to leadership actually ensured that they were able to stay together. Here are your top choices for couples: #1 - Schofield Barracks, Hawaii Image: Army.mil While living in Hawaii is nice it doesn't make nearly as much sense for military personnel with family due to the high cost of living. Privacy Policy. When your PCS orders come through and you begin the process of house hunting, you . Top 10 Perks of Being An Air Force Spouse by Military Spouse Team in Air Force, Life The Air Force life is not an easy one. However, a clear line between work and personal life is important when maintaining a military relationship. Sweltering summers the average high temperature in July hits an always-muggy 89 degrees and high crime rates in the District of Columbia also dragged Bolling's score down. Try these simple 'me time for moms' activities to get the recharge you need! Despite the astronomical costs of living in L.A., BAH rates are surprisingly low. Or both. Also worth a mention: wintertime weather is pretty drab. Creating a list of the best Air Force bases in the nation is not an easy task. Best reason to be stationed there: Cosmopolitan living. According to the 2018 Demographics Report published by the Department of Defense, 10.9% of active duty Air Force members (enlisted and officer) are in dual-military marriages, meaning an active duty Airman is married to another active duty or reserve Airman. The time spent with relatives will definitely be more special that way. The Air Force only recognizes married couples. Privacy Policy The real highlight, though, is in beachfront property located on some of the islands primo real estate. With forty nearby museums to choose from, families will never tire of learning and exploring. , most beautiful historic neighborhood in the US, Scotch whisky tour and look for the Loch Ness Monster, were still unclear if that is intended as a compliment, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Disappointing schools, higher-than-average crime rates, and high taxes combined to place McConnell Air Force Base, located near Wichita, Kansas, near the bottom of our list. No other US military base in the world provides a similar opportunity to live in the middle of a major international metropolis, likely in a towering high-rise. California has the most Navy bases (10) while Florida is right behind with 9 of its own. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. In terms of nightlife, Dardo mixes some of the best cocktails in town and OGradys Irish Bar is a popular bar that offers a taste of home in burgers and beer. If You Are Married or Have Dependents If you are married and reside with your spouse or minor dependents, you will live in housing on base or receive a military housing allowance to live off-base. Be forewarned, though, Yongsan is set for closure (date TBD). People in Okinawa drive teeny, overpacked cars, and you will too. Not only are there plenty of water activities, there are also loads of hiking trails that vary in terrain and difficulty -- from climbing waterfalls to navigating thick jungle. Families love living here for many reasons, including affordable housing. LIKE IN THE FUTURE. Contact Us Best base amenity: The base is co-located with an international airport, so flights in and out are easy to access. Being a military family isn't easy and often comes with plenty of hardships, but the work that these great people do is crucial. What are the best Air Force bases for married couples? For the family-friendly, the aquatic center with its water slides and "Octopus Ride" is a huge hit. The military base is also close to the Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree National Park for family vacations when the time allows. 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Dayton also supports its military demographic with plenty of exclusive discounts and promotions for service members and families. The weather is tropical yet really pleasant in the winters if youre not a fan of the cold or snow. On Marine Corps bases, they are run by the Marine Corps Exchange (MEX), and on Navy bases, they are run by the Navy Exchange (NEX). "A lot of people have to have roommates just to not live in a bad area, which Columbus, Mississippi, has many of," Do said. Serving the United States Air Force could land you in one of these premium locations depending on what you are seeking during service. There are several military bases that have a lot to offer to military personnel and their families. It may be fun to have pristine beaches and Disneyland practically in the backyard of your duty station. Youll never regret a day at Lackland if you are single and looking to mingle. Real talk: life is hard. The number remains high and far above any other country in the world despite closing down hundreds of bases recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. What we heard across the board was that being away from family and in a foreign culture can be inherently challenging, but character building. In these cases, the family members can continue to live in military family housing, while the member is away. Matthew Rosa and Capt. Military.com. Final word: In Seoul, the local street food is where its at. When you do see the relatives, youll be on your best behavior because youll never be living ten minutes away. Related Article How To Join The US Air Force. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. If that happens, you may be able to receive BAH based on wherever you choose to live instead of where he is stationed. You have to be proactive., Capt. Just as we asked current and former military personnel from all branches of the service where they loved and hated being stationed in the United States, this time we wanted to know the best/most desired overseas assignments. McGuire Air Force Base, on the other hand, is very close to NYC, Philadelphia, and New Jersey for nightlife. The legal age to obtain a marriage license without parental consent in Texas is 18 years of age. Whether you're an old pro or new to the military moving game, there's stuff to learn about PCSing. 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. Its literally in the middle of nowhere: 3,300 miles west of Hawaii and 1,500 miles east of the Philippines? She and other mothers and fathers emphasize the value of comfort and safety on base. For most married service members, those allowances include Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Based on Air Force Times research, these are the five least-popular bases from fifth worst to worst to be stationed in the Air Force: 5. and our So, yeah, island fever is a real thing. Best base amenity: The USO offers guided tours and trips to local attractions and neighboring countries, as well as on-base classes that range from wine education to cooking to pottery. But nowhere is perfect! Meanwhile, Capt. MacDill Air Force Base sits just four miles outside of Tampa, and for families looking to live near the sun and surf, it seems ideal. Luke AFB is a major training facility for the military branch and has excellent amenities. While the state is usually not the top choice for many military families youll find a welcoming community with plenty of support. The Exchange runs well stocked stores, probably better selection of products than on state-side bases. It can also be tricky to get accompanied orders (i.e., bring spouses/family along), so you might be here solo. It boasts shopping centers, short commute times to large, surrounding cities, a massive 300-bed hospital, and a friendly and welcoming community atmosphere. "It's more of a celebration," Pizarro said. Learn more about them here. Read on. South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington also house several bases. There are just under 60 active U.S. Air Force bases in the country. Every military service member receives at least a base pay. Best base amenity: For those intimidated to plan their own travel, the Information, Tickets and Tours (ITT) Group on base sets up excursions for people on base. Commissaries can often help military families save money on grocery items, since stores are required by law to sell items at cost. Nicholas Parker and his wife U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class. EXCEPT at the Exchange. What are the best Air Force bases in the United States? Nightclubs are huge, multi-level behemoths heavy on light shows and electronic music. Life here is charming, but it can be dicey at times. Even if you choose to live somewhere other than his duty station while he is home or deployed, you will still receive BAH based on duty station, not your residence. Being in the military can leave individuals on alert 24/7, so dual-military couples often rely on a strong support system of friends and neighbors to help with the challenges of family life. His luck would have it that his first and second assignments were in Florida, close enough that his mom could drop off cookies. The overseas USAF base is top-notch even if it lacks modernized shopping. Though the weather isnt terrific its still a fantastic place to get stationed if you have to go outside the United States. Also a perk? Oh, I know, some have tried (I see those timeless and classic Longaberger baskets there, ladies) but PCSing every couple of years keeps the clutter at bay. Along with having the great wilderness as your backyard (more on that, below), its a great assignment for military families.
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