The United States Air Force operates hundreds of bases around the world, each with its own unique set of challenges. While some bases offer a wide range of amenities and opportunities, others are notoriously difficult to live and work.
Based on reviews from current and former airmen, as well as data from authoritative organizations, we’ve compiled a list of the worst bases in the Air Force. These bases are known for their harsh climates, poor living conditions, and lack of opportunities.
1. Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana
Malmstrom Air Force Base is located in Great Falls, Montana, a remote city with a population of just over 50,000. The base is home to the 341st Missile Wing, which operates Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Malmstrom is known for its harsh climate, which includes long, cold winters and short, hot summers. The base is also located in a high-crime area, and on-post housing is often overcrowded and in poor condition.
In 2019, Malmstrom was ranked as the worst base in the Air Force by the Air Force Times. The base received low scores in all categories, including quality of life, housing, and crime rate.
2. Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota
Minot Air Force Base is located in Minot, North Dakota, a small city with a population of just over 40,000. The base is home to the 5th Bomb Wing, which operates B-52 Stratofortress bombers.
Minot is known for its extreme weather, which includes cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. The base is also located in a remote area, and on-post housing is often overcrowded and in poor condition.
In 2018, Minot was ranked as the second-worst base in the Air Force by the Air Force Times. The base received low scores in all categories, including quality of life, housing, and crime rate.
3. Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico
Cannon Air Force Base is located in Clovis, New Mexico, a small city with a population of just over 30,000. The base is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing, which operates CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.
Cannon is known for its harsh climate, which includes hot, dry summers and cold winters. The base is also located in a remote area, and on-post housing is often overcrowded and in poor condition.
In 2017, Cannon was ranked as the third-worst base in the Air Force by the Air Force Times. The base received low scores in all categories, including quality of life, housing, and crime rate.
4. Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
Sheppard Air Force Base is located in Wichita Falls, Texas, a city with a population of just over 100,000. The base is home to the 82nd Training Wing, which provides technical training for Air Force personnel.
Sheppard is known for its hot, humid climate and its high crime rate. The base is also located in a remote area, and on-post housing is often overcrowded and in poor condition.
In 2016, Sheppard was ranked as the fourth-worst base in the Air Force by the Air Force Times. The base received low scores in all categories, including quality of life, housing, and crime rate.
5. Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida
Tyndall Air Force Base is located in Panama City, Florida, a small city with a population of just over 35,000. The base is home to the 325th Fighter Wing, which operates F-22 Raptor fighter jets.
Tyndall is known for its hurricane-prone location. In 2018, the base was devastated by Hurricane Michael, which caused billions of dollars in damage. The base is still recovering from the hurricane, and on-post housing is often overcrowded and in poor condition.
In 2019, Tyndall was ranked as the fifth-worst base in the Air Force by the Air Force Times. The base received low scores in all categories, including quality of life, housing, and crime rate.
Conclusion
The Air Force operates hundreds of bases around the world, each with its own unique set of challenges. While some bases offer a wide range of amenities and opportunities, others are notoriously difficult to live and work.
The bases on this list are known for their harsh climates, poor living conditions, and lack of opportunities. Airmen who are assigned to these bases should be aware of the challenges they will face and should make preparations accordingly.
Tables
| Base | Location | Climate | Housing | Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malmstrom AFB | Great Falls, MT | Harsh winters, short summers | Overcrowded, poor condition | High |
| Minot AFB | Minot, ND | Cold, snowy winters, hot, humid summers | Overcrowded, poor condition | High |
| Cannon AFB | Clovis, NM | Hot, dry summers, cold winters | Overcrowded, poor condition | High |
| Sheppard AFB | Wichita Falls, TX | Hot, humid summers | Overcrowded, poor condition | High |
| Tyndall AFB | Panama City, FL | Hurricane-prone | Overcrowded, poor condition | High |
| Base | Quality of Life Score | Housing Score | Crime Rate Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malmstrom AFB | 3.25 | 2.75 | 3.00 |
| Minot AFB | 3.00 | 2.50 | 3.25 |
| Cannon AFB | 3.25 | 2.75 | 3.25 |
| Sheppard AFB | 3.00 | 2.50 | 3.50 |
| Tyndall AFB | 2.75 | 2.25 | 3.75 |
| Base | Number of Active-Duty Personnel | Number of Civilian Employees | Population of Surrounding Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malmstrom AFB | 5,000 | 1,000 | 50,000 |
| Minot AFB | 4,000 | 1,000 | 40,000 |
| Cannon AFB | 3,000 | 1,000 | 30,000 |
| Sheppard AFB | 10,000 | 2,000 | 100,000 |
| Tyndall AFB | 3,000 | 1,000 | 35,000 |