AIR FORCE ACADEMY
AIR FORCE
Colorado Springs, CO
United States
AIR FORCE ACADEMY
AIR FORCE
Colorado Springs, CO
United States
Air Force Academy
Above and Beyond
Base Essentials
The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs — an assignment for faculty, coaches, and support personnel at one of America's premier military institutions with Pikes Peak as a backdrop.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
USAF DRU
Status
Active
Est.
1954
Acres
18,500
Active Duty
4,000
Civilian
—
Population
750,000
Economic Impact
$1.5 billion
Air Force Academy History
The United States Air Force Academy was established in 1954 and opened its permanent campus north of Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1958. Modeled after West Point and the Naval Academy, it was created to provide a dedicated officer commissioning source for the then-new Air Force. The Cadet Chapel, completed in 1962, is an iconic example of modernist architecture and a National Historic Landmark. The Academy graduates approximately 1,000 new second lieutenants each year and has produced numerous astronauts, generals, and national leaders. It continues to evolve its curriculum to address space, cyber, and emerging technology domains.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
U.S. Air Force Academy
—
—
306th Flying Training Group
—
—
10th Air Base Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Air Force Academy.
Air Force Academy Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Air Force Academy.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Air Force Academy.
Information
U.S. Air Force Academy: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Information
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25 Fun Things To Do in Colorado Springs Near U.S. Air Force Academy
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U.S. Air Force Academy Dorms & Housing: 4 On-Campus Options
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Air Force Academy.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
In-Processing
Your first stop upon arrival is the Military Personnel Section (MPS) in the Community Center (5136 Eagle Drive, Suite K102). Bring your CAC, sealed MPF package, and five copies of your PCS orders. MPS is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and Wednesday 8 a.m.–noon. Blues are worn Monday through Wednesday, OCPs Thursday and Friday.
After MPS, check in with your unit's Commander's Support Staff. They'll hand you your in-processing checklist and get you signed up for Newcomers Orientation, which runs monthly on Tuesdays. If you're assigned to the 10th Air Base Wing, you'll also attend Right Start training on Thursday mornings.
Arriving after hours? Call Rampart Lodge at (719) 333-4910 — they handle temporary lodging on installation. For housing questions, reach the Housing Assistance office at (719) 867-9675. The Military & Family Readiness Center at (719) 333-3444 is your go-to for any other arrival support, from spouse employment resources to community programs.
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Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Air Force Academy.
On-post family housing at the U.S. Air Force Academy is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post residential communities occupy the northern portion of the Academy's grounds and offer homes primarily to cadre, faculty, and permanent-party staff. Inventory is allocated by rank and position; contact Balfour Beatty at (719) 472-1690 for availability. The Acad…
Local Market
$2,000/mo
rent
/
$440,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Air Force Academy
105
5% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Air Force Academy.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
3
High Schools
View schools
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
The Air Force Academy is its own installation north of Colorado Springs — a unique posting with the Cadet Area, active duty housing, and tight security. Faculty and staff families often live on base in the family housing areas or in the Monument/Northgate/Briargate neighborhoods just to the south, prized for their D-20 school district access.
Monument / Tri-Lakes Area
Small Town
The most popular off-base option for USAFA families — Monument is a small town immediately north of the Academy with outstanding Lewis-Palmer School District schools and a true small-town feel with easy interstate access. Higher price point but excellent quality of life.
Commute: 5–15 min
Schools: Lewis-Palmer School District 38
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Best schools near USAFA, small-town charm, mountain views, low commute
Northgate / Briargate (Colorado Springs)
Suburban
The northern Colorado Springs suburbs in Academy District 20 — one of Colorado's top-rated districts — are 15–20 minutes from the Academy's south gate. Newer subdivisions, full suburban amenities, and strong military community.
Commute: 15–20 min
Schools: Academy District 20
Families with kids
Dual military
Pet owners
D-20 schools, suburban amenities, active military community
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Air Force Academy.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
Yes
Military Pay Details
Colorado provides a military income subtraction for Colorado legal residents on active duty. Active duty pay received wh…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Colorado for Colorado income tax purposes. A qua…
Vehicle Registration
Colorado charges an annual Specific Ownership Tax on vehicles — a personal property tax equivalent — based on vehicle ag…
Property Tax
Colorado property taxes are set at the county level. El Paso County (Air Force Academy, Peterson SFS, Schriever SFS), Ar…
Pet Policies at Air Force Academy
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Air Force Academy.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Air Force Academy.
Commissary
1
US Air Force Academy Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Medical
1
10th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Air Force Academy.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
North Gate (North Gate Blvd / I-25 Exit 156B) is the primary visitor access gate, open Mon–Fri 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sat–Sun 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM. See the Gates section for the full schedule of all 2 gates and their access requirements.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Air Force Academy.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Air Force Academy.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.