GRAND FORKS AFB
AIR FORCE
Grand Forks, ND
United States
GRAND FORKS AFB
AIR FORCE
Grand Forks, ND
United States
Grand Forks AFB
Base Essentials
A remotely positioned ISR and tanker wing on the North Dakota plains — Grand Forks AFB offers very low cost of living and a close military community tied to the University of North Dakota.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AMC
Status
Active
Est.
1956
Acres
5,400
Active Duty
3,200
Civilian
800
Population
100,000
Economic Impact
$500 million
Grand Forks AFB History
Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota was established in 1956 as a Strategic Air Command bomber and tanker base. During the Cold War it operated B-52s, KC-135s, and Minuteman ICBMs. After BRAC realignments reduced its flying mission, the base transitioned and is now home to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, operating the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system. Grand Forks continues to adapt its mission to the unmanned aerial systems domain and benefits from its proximity to growing UAS industry clusters in the region.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
319th Reconnaissance Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Grand Forks AFB.
Grand Forks AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Grand Forks AFB.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
In-Processing
Upon arrival, report to your gaining unit orderly room (CSS or First Sergeant) to complete the Initial Duty Assignment (IDA) worksheet and have orders endorsed. Bring copies of your orders, military ID, social security cards, vehicle documents, and medical and dental records. If arriving after duty hours, proceed to the Warrior Inn (Building 117, 632 Holzapple Street), which operates 24/7 at (701) 747-7200. Advance lodging reservations are strongly recommended — PCS members can book up to 3 months in advance with a copy of orders.
The Military Personnel Flight (MPF) is located at Building 101, 226 Steen Blvd. Phone: (701) 747-3165. Appointments are strongly recommended due to wait times. In-processing typically spans several days across multiple base agencies; your unit CSS will provide a checklist.
The Newcomer’s Orientation (Right Start) is mandatory for all incoming active duty members and is held monthly. Contact the Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) at Building 207, 575 Holzapple Street, (701) 747-3241, Mon–Fri 0730–1630. Privatized on-base housing is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities at (701) 594-8000. Housing Management Office: (701) 747-3035.
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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 Grand Forks AFB.
On-post family housing at Grand Forks AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post neighborhoods are well-maintained and popular with families given the installation's remote Northern Plains location — being on-post minimizes weather-related commute challenges during North Dakota's harsh winters. Grand Forks AFB is located approximately 16 miles west of…
Local Market
$1,100/mo
rent
/
$230,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Grand Forks AFB
85
15% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Grand Forks AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office/Community Schools
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
Grand Forks AFB sits in the flatlands of eastern North Dakota, south of the city of Grand Forks and adjacent to the University of North Dakota. The region has a continental climate with severe winters but warm summers. Grand Forks is a college city with surprisingly good amenities for its size, and the overall cost of living is very low. The border with Canada is just 60 miles north.
Grand Forks
Small Town
The primary off-post community, Grand Forks is home to the University of North Dakota and has a full-service retail and dining market along South Columbia Road and 32nd Avenue. Grand Forks Public Schools and West Fargo Public Schools for some address zones serve the city. The downtown area has a rebuilt riverwalk after the 1997 flood and an active arts scene anchored by UND. Housing is among the most affordable of any Air Force base in the country.
Commute: 12 min
Schools: Grand Forks Public Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Retirees
Most affordable housing of any major AFB, UND campus and culture, Red River recreation, very low cost of living
East Grand Forks, MN
Small Town
Across the Red River in Minnesota, East Grand Forks is a small city with a few distinct advantages for military families: Minnesota's different tax structure (income tax applies, but various military exemptions exist), a growing waterfront area, and a school district (East Grand Forks Independent SD 595) with strong ratings. The commute to Grand Forks AFB runs about 20 minutes via bridge and US-2. Many families choose East Grand Forks for the slightly better school options.
Commute: 20 min
Schools: East Grand Forks Independent SD 595
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Retirees
Minnesota side of the border, Red River waterfront, slightly better school district ratings, affordable housing
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Grand Forks AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
North Dakota taxes active duty military pay for North Dakota legal residents but provides deductions for active duty pay…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside North Dakota for North Dakota income tax purpose…
Vehicle Registration
North Dakota charges a 5% motor vehicle excise tax on vehicle purchases. Military members who are not North Dakota legal…
Property Tax
North Dakota has moderate property tax rates set at the county level. Grand Forks County and Ward County (Minot AFB area…
Pet Policies at Grand Forks AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks AFB.
Commissary
1
Grand Forks AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Fri 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
319th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Grand Forks AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
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
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 Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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.