CANNON AFB
AIR FORCE
Clovis, NM
United States
CANNON AFB
AIR FORCE
Clovis, NM
United States
Cannon AFB
Base Essentials
Home of the 27th Special Operations Wing in eastern New Mexico near Clovis — a remote AFSOC posting with extreme winds, very affordable cost of living, and a close-knit special operations community.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFSOC
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
25,000
Active Duty
5,500
Civilian
1,000
Population
50,000
Economic Impact
$500 million
Cannon AFB History
Named AfterGeneral John Kenneth Cannon
Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis, New Mexico, was activated in 1942 as a bombardment training base. It served as a Tactical Air Command fighter base during the Cold War. In 2007 it transitioned to Air Force Special Operations Command and is now home to the 27th Special Operations Wing. The wing operates specialized aircraft including the CV-22 Osprey, AC-130 gunships, and various intelligence and mobility platforms. Cannon's remote location and access to vast training ranges make it well-suited for special operations training.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
27th Special Operations Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Established as Clovis Army Airfield
2007
27th Special Operations Wing Established
—
View Key Moments
(2)
1942
Established as Clovis Army Airfield
Clovis Army Airfield opened in 1942 as a pilot training base in eastern New Mexico, later redesignated Cannon AFB in 1957 in honor of General John K. Cannon, a decorated WWII air commander in the Mediterranean theater.
2007
27th Special Operations Wing Established
Following the 2005 BRAC process that nearly resulted in Cannon's closure, the installation was redesignated as a special operations hub and the 27th Special Operations Wing was activated in 2007. Cannon became home to Air Force Special Operations Command's fixed-wing aircraft.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Cannon AFB.
Cannon AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Cannon 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 Cannon AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Cannon AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron — Military and Family Readiness Center
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Cannon AFB report to their unit's Commander Support Staff (CSS) within 48 hours of arrival. The CSS schedules all mandatory appointments, including the 27th Special Operations Wing newcomer in-processing briefing. Civilian employees report to the Civilian Personnel Office (Building 600, Room 2038) during duty hours. After-hours arrivals check in at the Caprock Inn lodging office, the 24/7 arrival point.
The Commando Newcomer's Orientation is mandatory for all newly assigned permanent-party personnel. The 27th SOMDG also conducts a monthly Medical Right Start briefing on the fourth Thursday of each month at 0900 in the Base Theater. If a sponsor has not made contact within 45 days before arrival, contact the M&FRC at (575) 784-4228 or 27sofss.mfrc@us.af.mil.
Cannon AFB is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing (AFSOC) and is located near Clovis, NM in the eastern New Mexico high plains. Due to the remote location and SOF mission tempo, pre-arrival contact with your unit and sponsor is especially important.
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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 Cannon AFB.
On-post family housing at Cannon AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post neighborhood includes a variety of 2–4 bedroom homes and is popular with families given the installation's remote location — Cannon is 7 miles west of Clovis, New Mexico, making on-post amenities and housing especially convenient. Clovis, New Mexico is a small agricultural and…
Local Market
$1,000/mo
rent
/
$175,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Cannon AFB
78
22% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Cannon AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office/Community Schools
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
Cannon AFB is located near Clovis in eastern New Mexico, a high-plains agricultural city that serves as the primary off-post community for the 27th Special Operations Wing. The region is remote and rural, but Clovis has grown to support the military community well. Amarillo, Texas, is the nearest metro city at about 100 miles east on US-60/84.
Clovis
Small Town
The Curry County seat is the primary and essentially only significant off-post community for Cannon families. Clovis has expanded its retail and dining footprint significantly in recent years, with a Walmart, Target, and several chain and local restaurants now available. Clovis Municipal Schools and local charter options serve military families. BAH provides comfortable housing given the low local cost of living. The military community is tight-knit and well-supported.
Commute: 10 min
Schools: Clovis Municipal Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Only significant community near Cannon, very affordable housing, strong military community infrastructure, BAH goes far
Portales
Small Town
Home to Eastern New Mexico University, Portales is a small college town 18 miles south of Clovis on US-70. It offers a slightly different character from Clovis — a campus environment, local dairy operations, and a quieter residential feel. Roosevelt County Schools serve the area. Some Cannon families choose Portales for the ENMU community events and lower housing costs, accepting a slightly longer commute.
Commute: 28 min
Schools: Roosevelt County Schools
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Single service members
College town character, ENMU campus and events, lower housing costs than Clovis, quiet residential
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Cannon AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
New Mexico provides a deduction for active duty military pay for New Mexico legal residents. New Mexico income tax rates…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside New Mexico for New Mexico income tax purposes. A…
Vehicle Registration
New Mexico charges a 4% motor vehicle excise tax on vehicle purchases. Military members who are not New Mexico legal res…
Property Tax
New Mexico has among the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Doña Ana County (WSMR, Holloman), Curry County (Cannon…
Pet Policies at Cannon AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Cannon 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 Cannon AFB.
Commissary
1
Cannon AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Medical
1
27th Special Operations Medical Group — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cannon AFB.
01
Are the base gates open 24 hours?
All 2 gates at Cannon 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 Cannon 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 Cannon 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.