BARKSDALE AFB
AIR FORCE
Bossier City, LA
United States
BARKSDALE AFB
AIR FORCE
Bossier City, LA
United States
Barksdale AFB
Base Essentials
Home of Air Force Global Strike Command and the B-52H fleet outside Shreveport, LA — a nuclear mission posting with deep heritage, Louisiana's very affordable lifestyle, and a strong bomber community.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFGSC
Status
Active
Est.
1933
Acres
22,000
Active Duty
8,000
Civilian
3,000
Population
450,000
Economic Impact
$1.6 billion
Barksdale AFB History
Named AfterSecond Lieutenant Eugene Hoy Barksdale
Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana, was established in 1933 and is one of the oldest continuously operating air bases in the country. It served as a major bomber training base during World War II and later became a Strategic Air Command installation during the Cold War. Today Barksdale is home to the Eighth Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters, making it the nerve center for the nation's bomber force. The base operates B-52H Stratofortress aircraft and is expected to receive B-21 Raider bombers as the Air Force transitions its long-range strike fleet.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Air Force Global Strike Command (HQ)
—
—
Eighth Air Force (HQ)
—
—
2nd Bomb Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1930
Barksdale Field Established in Louisiana
1948
Strategic Air Command B-36 Bombers Assigned
1958
2nd Bomb Wing Converts to B-52 Stratofortress
1991
B-52s Launch Opening Salvo of Operation Desert Storm
2009
Air Force Global Strike Command Established at Barksdale
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1930
Barksdale Field Established in Louisiana
Barksdale Field was established near Bossier City, Louisiana, as part of the Army Air Corps expansion program. Named after Lt. Eugene Barksdale — a pioneering WWI aviator who died in a 1926 crash — the field became one of the South's major bomber training and operational bases.
1948
Strategic Air Command B-36 Bombers Assigned
Strategic Air Command B-36 Peacemaker intercontinental bombers were assigned to Barksdale, establishing the base as a frontline nuclear deterrent installation during the early Cold War. The massive six-engine B-36 required significant infrastructure improvements to the base.
1958
2nd Bomb Wing Converts to B-52 Stratofortress
The 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale converted from the B-36 to the jet-powered B-52 Stratofortress in 1958. The B-52 became Barksdale's signature aircraft through the Cold War and remains in service at the installation into the 21st century, a record of longevity unmatched in Air Force history.
1991
B-52s Launch Opening Salvo of Operation Desert Storm
On January 17, 1991, B-52G Stratofortresses from Barksdale's 2nd Bomb Wing launched the opening salvo of Operation Desert Storm, firing 35 AGM-86C conventionally armed cruise missiles at Iraqi targets. The 35-hour, 14,000-mile round-trip mission was the longest combat bombing mission in aviation history at that time.
2009
Air Force Global Strike Command Established at Barksdale
Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) was activated at Barksdale Air Force Base on August 7, 2009, assuming command of all Air Force nuclear-capable bombers (B-52 and B-2) and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Barksdale became the headquarters for America's airborne leg of the nuclear triad.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Barksdale AFB.
Barksdale AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Barksdale 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 Barksdale AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Barksdale AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Westgate Visitor's Center
Phone
(318) 456-4984Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (after-hours assistance available 24/7 through West Gate security)
In-Processing
Upon arrival at Barksdale AFB, service members should report to the Westgate Visitor's Center at 425 Lindbergh Avenue for initial assistance. If arriving during duty hours, contact your assigned unit or squadron immediately. If you are unable to reach your sponsor, proceed to the Barksdale Inn lodging office at 555 Davis Avenue West to secure temporary quarters. Bring several copies of your orders along with all medical and dental records. Your Commander Support Staff (CSS) will inventory your records and begin scheduling mandatory in-processing appointments.
In-processing typically takes 2–3 days and includes stops at the Military Personnel Section (Building T4353, 800 Kenney Avenue), Finance, the Military Housing Office, Medical/Dental, and your gaining unit. Newcomers' Welcome/Orientation is held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Barksdale Club, beginning at 7:45 AM, and is mandatory for all arriving permanent-party Air Force members and DoD civilians. First-term Airmen must also complete the First Term Enlisted Course (FTEC) within 30 days of arrival — a five-day course held Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Military and Family Readiness Center at 801 Kenney Avenue, Suite 1400, provides comprehensive PCS support including relocation assistance, newcomer information packets, financial readiness programs, spouse employment assistance, and the Exceptional Family Member Program. The center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Wednesday from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM (phone: (318) 456-8400). Before signing any lease or housing contract, service members must visit the Military Housing Office for mandatory counseling and guidance.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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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 Barksdale AFB.
On-post housing at Barksdale Air Force Base is managed by Hunt Companies, which operates family communities on and near the installation in Bossier City, Louisiana, with 2- to 4-bedroom homes across several neighborhoods featuring modern floor plans, updated kitchens, fenced yards, and access to playgrounds and community centers. Hunt provides 24/7 maintenance servi…
Local Market
$1,150/mo
rent
/
$195,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Barksdale AFB
82
18% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Barksdale AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer (SLO) Barksdale
1
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
View schools
3
High Schools
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4
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Barksdale AFB anchors the Bossier City-Shreveport metro in northwest Louisiana, home of the 2nd Bomb Wing. The base sits on the east bank of the Red River, directly adjacent to Bossier City. Families enjoy one of the lowest costs of living of any major Air Force installation, with Louisiana's warm climate and strong cultural character adding to quality of life.
Bossier City
Suburban
Bossier City sits directly across Red River from Barksdale and is the default community for Air Force families stationed there. It's a mid-size Louisiana city with a full range of amenities, good schools, and a dense military population. The Barksdale corridor along Airline Drive has grown substantially with new retail, restaurants, and housing. Bossier's proximity to the base makes it the practical and popular choice.
Commute: 5–15 min
Gate: Main Gate (Barksdale Blvd)
Schools: Bossier Parish Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Dual military
Budget-friendly
Bossier Strip entertainment corridor has casinos, restaurants, and nightlife. Shreveport-Bossier is a surprisingly vibrant metro area. Close to Toledo Bend Reservoir for outstanding fishing and outdoor recreation. Louisiana's low cost of living makes BAH stretch further.
Shreveport (South)
Suburban
South Shreveport offers Air Force families a more polished suburban experience across the river from Bossier City. The neighborhood around Broadmoor and Pierremont has excellent schools, better retail, and a more established feel than much of Bossier. The commute adds 10-15 minutes to the gate, but families who prioritize school quality consistently choose the Shreveport side.
Commute: 20–30 min
Gate: Main Gate (Barksdale Blvd)
Schools: Caddo Parish Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
LSU Shreveport and Centenary College add academic energy. R.W. Norton Art Gallery is a hidden gem. Cross Lake recreation area for boating and fishing. Shreveport has a more developed dining and arts scene than the Bossier side.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Barksdale AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Louisiana has a flat 3% individual income tax rate as of 2025 (reduced from higher graduated rates by 2025 tax reform).…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in Louisiana are exempt from Louisiana income tax o…
Vehicle Registration
Standard SCRA protections apply for nonresident service members — home-state registration is honored. Louisiana does not…
Property Tax
Disabled veterans: 50–69% disability = $2,500 additional homestead exemption; 70–99% = $4,500; 100% = full homestead exe…
Resources
Pet Policies at Barksdale AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Barksdale AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Barksdale Veterinary Clinic
Phone
(318) 456-3923Hours
Mon–Fri (hours vary with mission requirements; call ahead)
Restricted Breeds
3
Prohibited Animals
12
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Barksdale AFB.
Commissary
1
Barksdale AFB Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
BX
Medical
1
2nd Medical Group — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Barksdale AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
West Gate (Shreveport Gate / Main Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Barksdale AFB Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Tue–Fri 9:30am–7pm, Sat–Sun 9:30am–5pm, Mon closed.
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03
Is there a BX on base?
Yes, Barksdale AFB has a BX (Base Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
2nd Medical Group is the primary military treatment clinic serving Barksdale AFB. Call (318) 456-6550 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Barksdale AFB has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Barksdale AFB has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Bossier Parish Schools (rated B) serves most military families at Barksdale AFB. Visit https://www.bossierschools.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Barksdale AFB restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Barksdale AFB has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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10
How is military pay taxed in Louisiana?
Partially exempt. See the Finance section of this page for a full breakdown of Louisiana's tax rules for military members.
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11
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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12
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 Barksdale AFB.
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13
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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14
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 Barksdale 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.