ALTUS AFB
AIR FORCE
Altus, OK
United States
ALTUS AFB
AIR FORCE
Altus, OK
United States
Altus AFB
Base Essentials
Altus AFB trains aircrews on the KC-135, C-17, and KC-46 in southwest Oklahoma — a small-town posting with a strong air mobility mission, very low cost of living, and a tight crew community.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AETC
Status
Active
Est.
1943
Acres
6,400
Active Duty
3,000
Civilian
700
Population
25,000
Economic Impact
$400 million
Altus AFB History
Altus Air Force Base was activated in 1943 as a training field during World War II near the town of Altus in southwestern Oklahoma. After a period of closure it was reactivated during the Cold War and became home to strategic bomber and tanker units. Today it is home to the 97th Air Mobility Wing under Air Education and Training Command, serving as the sole formal training base for C-17 Globemaster III and KC-46 Pegasus aircrews. Its mission makes it critical to the future of airlift and aerial refueling training for the Air Force.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
97th Air Mobility Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Altus AFB.
Altus AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Altus AFB.
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 Altus AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Altus AFB.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
In-Processing
Upon arrival during duty hours, report first to your unit orderly room. All in-processing appointments are scheduled through the orderly room. If arriving after duty hours, on weekends, or holidays, check in at the Billeting Office in Building 82, which operates 24 hours a day. Contact your sponsor ahead of time to confirm lodging arrangements, especially during peak PCS season.
Newcomers Orientation is mandatory for all incoming military personnel and is held on the second Thursday of every month at Club Altus, 0830–1130. Spouses are strongly encouraged to attend. The Military Personnel Flight (MPF) falls under the 97th Force Support Squadron (97 FSS). For MPF information, contact the base at (580) 481-6761.
The Housing Management Office is at 401 L Ave and can be reached at (580) 481-7235; privatized family housing is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) offers relocation support at (580) 481-6761. For after-hours emergencies, call (580) 481-6313.
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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 Altus AFB.
On-post family housing at Altus AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities under the Air Force's Residential Communities Initiative. The on-post neighborhoods offer 2–4 bedroom homes convenient to the flight line and base facilities. Given Altus's small-city setting, on-post housing is popular with families who appreciate the close-knit community feel. Altus, Okla…
Local Market
$950/mo
rent
/
$155,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Altus AFB
75
25% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Altus AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
1
Middle Schools
View schools
1
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Altus AFB is located in Jackson County in southwest Oklahoma, just south of the city of Altus. The area is rural plains country with a warm, dry climate. Altus is the primary off-post community, providing all essential services to base families. Oklahoma City is about 2.5 hours northeast for major metro amenities.
Altus
Small Town
The Jackson County seat is the primary residential choice for Altus AFB families. The city has a Walmart, grocery stores, a hospital, and a reasonable restaurant scene anchored by local barbecue and Mexican eateries. Altus Public Schools serve the city. Housing is extremely affordable by national standards — BAH covers comfortable homes with ease. The community has a strong military tradition given the long tenure of the 97th Air Mobility Wing.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Altus Public Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Very affordable housing, all essential services in city, tight-knit military community, Oklahoma City day trip
Blair / Olustee area
Rural
Small rural communities east and northeast of Altus attract families who want large lots, quiet surroundings, and agricultural land at very low prices. Schools are served by rural Oklahoma districts. The trade-off is a longer drive to base services and minimal retail in the immediate area. Best for families with livestock, horses, or who prioritize rural land ownership.
Commute: 20 min
Schools: Blair Public Schools / Olustee-Eldorado Schools
Outdoorsy types
Pet owners
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Cheapest land near Altus AFB, quiet rural lifestyle, large acreage available, minimal traffic
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Altus AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Oklahoma fully exempts active duty military pay from Oklahoma income tax for Oklahoma legal residents. Oklahoma National…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Oklahoma for Oklahoma income tax purposes. A qua…
Vehicle Registration
Oklahoma charges a motor vehicle excise tax on vehicle purchases (3.25% for new vehicles). Military members who are not…
Property Tax
Oklahoma has some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Jackson County (Altus AFB), Oklahoma County (Tinker AF…
Pet Policies at Altus AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Altus AFB.
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 Altus AFB.
Commissary
1
Altus AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
97th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Altus AFB.
01
Are the base gates open 24 hours?
All 2 gates at Altus AFB operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access levels vary by gate — some are restricted to military and DoD ID holders only.
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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 Altus AFB.
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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 Altus AFB.
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Question
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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.