{"id":29339,"date":"2018-01-23T03:45:58","date_gmt":"2018-01-23T03:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2018\/01\/23\/top-5-duty-stations-in-the-air-force\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T20:56:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T20:56:17","slug":"top-5-duty-stations-in-the-air-force","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/off-duty\/military-culture\/2018\/01\/23\/top-5-duty-stations-in-the-air-force\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 duty stations in the Air Force"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019ve done the best bases for the Army<\/a>, the Navy<\/a>, and the Marine Corps, so Air Force, it\u2019s your turn. While we\u2019re sure there will be some disagreement back and forth due to the variability of what each person values, we\u2019ve compiled a list of the top 5 Air Force bases to be stationed at while serving in the United States Air Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Joint Base San Antonio, Texas<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With two Air Force bases in the area, San Antonio tops our list. The cost of living in Texas is quite low and there are plenty of activities for both families and single airmen. It does get a little hot in the summertime, but San Antonio has realized that and there are four water parks to choose from as well as a multitude of lakes and water recreation areas. Combined with the friendly attitude towards the military in San Antonio, this combination easily tops our list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Scott Air Force Base, Illinois<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A joint service color guard presents the colors during the U.S. Transportation Command change of command ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Oct. 14, 2011. (Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey\/Air Force)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The great thing about Scott Air Force Base is that it fits whatever lifestyle you have. Whether you\u2019re single or have a family, there is a nice mix of things to do. Located just outside of St. Louis, Missouri, on the Illinois side, service members can go to sporting events or enjoy the amenities of downtown life. If city living isn\u2019t your thing, the quiet Midwest suburbs are perfect for you as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. MacDill AFB, Florida<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. is home to 19 Aircraft worth $1 billion. This includes 16 KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft that help to carry out the Air Mobility Command\u00d5s mission to \u00d2provide rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America\u00d5s armed forces.\u00d3 (Courtesy Photo)\r<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re not saying everywhere in Florida is nice, but this base is definitely a great place to be. Located right outside of Tampa, Florida, on a peninsula all it\u2019s own, MacDill boasts some of the best weather (minus hurricanes) around. Couple the weather with all the beach and sporting amenities, it\u2019s an outdoor-friendly base with beautiful ocean scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Champaign Gal B-25 Mitchell bomber performs a flyby over the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in honor of the 70th reunion of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders in 2013. (Tech. Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III\/Air Force)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Housing the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB is another great base to be stationed at. Located right in the middle of several major metropolitan areas, you can literally go almost anywhere for a weekend trip. From Chicago to Detroit to Indianapolis. Everything is nearby and there is plenty to do locally as well with museums and sports teams alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. United States Air Force Academy, Colorado<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More than 1,300 basic cadets salute June 26 during their first reveille formation at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo\/Mike Kaplan)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Colorado Springs is just close enough and just far enough away from Colorado Springs and Denver to get all the big city amenities, without all of the big city hassles. Whether it\u2019s winter or summertime there are always things to do in Colorado. You can mountain bike or ski\/snowboard, take in a Rockies or Broncos game, or stay home and enjoy the picturesque mountain scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally published by American Grit<\/a>. Read more from American Grit here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n