JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING
JOINT BASES
Washington, DC
United States
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING
JOINT BASES
Washington, DC
United States
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Base Essentials
A small, high-profile Navy-Air Force joint base immediately adjacent to Washington, DC — a prestige posting with full capital access, senior-level career opportunity, and DC-area housing costs.
Base Details
Type
Joint Base
Branch
JOINT BASES
Command
AFDW
Status
Active
Est.
2010
Acres
905
Active Duty
4,000
Civilian
3,000
Population
6,300,000
Economic Impact
—
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling History
Named AfterColonel Raynal Cawthorne Bolling
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., was created in 2010 by merging the historic Naval Support Facility Anacostia and Bolling Air Force Base. The installation sits along the Anacostia River and hosts the Defense Intelligence Agency headquarters, Air Force ceremonial units including the U.S. Air Force Band, and numerous other defense and intelligence organizations. Its location in the national capital makes it important for ceremonial, intelligence, and administrative functions.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Defense Intelligence Agency (HQ)
—
—
Air Force District of Washington
—
—
Historic Timeline
1918
Naval Air Station Anacostia Established
1918
Bolling Field Established for Army Air Service
2010
Merged as Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1918
Naval Air Station Anacostia Established
Naval Air Station Anacostia was established in 1918 on the banks of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., serving as the Navy's primary East Coast flight test and logistics facility during WWI. It became a key installation for naval aviation research between the wars.
1918
Bolling Field Established for Army Air Service
Bolling Field opened in 1918 as the Washington, D.C., headquarters installation for the Army Air Service, named for Colonel Raynal C. Bolling, the first senior U.S. officer killed in WWI. It later served as a ceremonial and VIP transport hub for the capital.
2010
Merged as Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
The two adjacent installations were merged on October 1, 2010, as Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling under the 2005 BRAC directive. The joint base is home to the Defense Intelligence Agency headquarters and numerous senior military and government tenant organizations.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
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 Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
Information
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Is America’s Key to Innovation
Read
Information
JBAB Housing: On-Base Options
Read
Information
Here Are the Best Local Restaurants in D.C. Near JBAB
Read
Information
Fun & Unique Things To Do in Washington, D.C., Near JBAB
Read
Information
Washington, D.C., School Districts: Education Near JB Anacostia-Bolling
Read
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
11th Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
Phone
(202) 767-4749Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours. Given the installation's location within Washington, D.C. and hosting of sensitive intelligence and defense agency tenants, security and access badging are integral to in-processing. CSS schedules all mandatory appointments.
All permanent-party members attend the mandatory Newcomer's Orientation covering JBAB's joint defense agency mission, base services, and National Capital Region resources. The A&FRC at (202) 767-4749 provides relocation assistance and DC metro area orientation. JBAB hosts DIA, DLA, Joint Chiefs support, and numerous other organizations.
JBAB is a small joint installation on the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers in Southwest DC. The DC housing market is among the most expensive in the country — start housing research early and consider a wide search area including Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
On-post family housing at JBAB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities and is limited given the installation's small footprint in Southwest Washington, D.C. Most personnel assigned to JBAB live off-post throughout the DC metro area — Northern Virginia, suburban Maryland, and the District itself. JBAB's location in Washington, D.C. means access to one of the most ex…
Local Market
$3,200/mo
rent
/
$680,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
Loading calculator...
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
150
50% Above National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
Open Calculator
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
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
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling sits at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers in southeast Washington, D.C. Families stationed here have the unique experience of living within the nation's capital, with access to every cultural, historical, and government resource D.C. offers. The trade-off is some of the highest housing costs and most challenging traffic of any military assignment.
Oxon Hill / Ft. Washington
Suburban
Prince George's County Maryland communities just across the Wilson Bridge from D.C., Oxon Hill and Fort Washington offer more affordable housing than the District while maintaining reasonable commute times via I-295 or National Harbor. PG County Schools serve the area. National Harbor's waterfront development has significantly improved the neighborhood character and adds dining and entertainment options.
Commute: 18 min
Schools: Prince George's County Public Schools
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Single service members
More affordable than D.C., National Harbor waterfront, I-295 access, Potomac River recreation, convenient to both JB and VA
Alexandria (Huntington / Belle Haven)
Suburban
Northern Virginia's Alexandria provides Fairfax County or Alexandria City Schools depending on exact address, with the Blue and Yellow Metro lines at Huntington Station giving car-free options for the commute and for reaching downtown D.C. Alexandria's historic waterfront, Del Ray neighborhood, and King Street restaurant corridor add significant quality of life. Price is a step up from PG County.
Commute: 20 min
Schools: Fairfax County Public Schools / Alexandria City Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Dual military
Retirees
Metro accessible, Alexandria historic waterfront, King Street dining, Fairfax County schools, strong investment neighborhood
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully taxed
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Washington, D.C. taxes income for D.C. legal residents at rates from 4% to 10.75%. Most military members stationed at Jo…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside D.C. for D.C. income tax purposes. A qualifying…
Vehicle Registration
D.C. charges an excise tax on vehicle registration based on vehicle weight and fuel efficiency. Military members who are…
Property Tax
D.C. real property tax rates are approximately 0.85% for Class 1 residential property. Property values in D.C. are very…
Pet Policies at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
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 Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
Commissary
1
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
Bolling Medical Squadron Clinic (11th Medical Squadron) — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
South Gate (Visitor's Gate) is the primary visitor access gate, open Mon–Fri 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM, weekends closed. See the Gates section for the full schedule of all 3 gates and their access requirements.
Read answer
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.
Read answer
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 Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
Read answer
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.
Read answer
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 Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
Read answer
Question
More JOINT BASES Installations
Explore other JOINT BASES bases and installations.
Ellington Field JRB
Houston, TX
JEB Little Creek-Fort Story
Virginia Beach, VA
Joint Base Cape Cod
Buzzards Bay, MA
Joint Base Charleston
North Charleston, SC
Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson
Anchorage, AK
Joint Base Langley-Eustis
Hampton, VA
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Tacoma, WA
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Wrightstown, NJ
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Arlington, VA
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Honolulu, HI
Joint Base San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Pacific Command
Aiea, HI
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.