JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD
JOINT BASES
Tacoma, WA
United States
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD
JOINT BASES
Tacoma, WA
United States
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Base Essentials
One of the largest Army-Air Force joint bases in the US, JBLM sits south of Tacoma, WA — Stryker brigades and C-17 airlift with unmatched Pacific Northwest outdoor recreation.
Base Details
Type
Joint Base
Branch
JOINT BASES
Command
FORSCOM
Status
Active
Est.
2010
Acres
87,000
Active Duty
40,000
Civilian
14,000
Population
3,900,000
Economic Impact
$9 billion
Joint Base Lewis-McChord History
Named AfterCaptain Meriwether Lewis; Colonel William Caldwell McChord
Joint Base Lewis-McChord south of Tacoma, Washington, was created in 2010 by merging Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. It is the largest military installation in the Pacific Northwest and one of the most populated in the entire Department of Defense. Home to I Corps, the 2nd Infantry Division (now back to its homeland), the 7th Infantry Division, the 62nd Airlift Wing (C-17s), and the 1st Special Forces Group, JBLM is a major power projection platform for the Pacific. The base is critical to the Army and Air Force's ability to deploy forces rapidly across the Indo-Pacific theater.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
I Corps
—
—
2nd Infantry Division
—
—
62nd Airlift Wing (C-17)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1917
Camp Lewis Established by Pierce County Land Donation
1927
Camp Lewis Redesignated Fort Lewis as Permanent Post
1950
2nd Infantry Division Deploys to Korea from Fort Lewis
2003
First Stryker Brigade Combat Team Certifies at Fort Lewis
2010
Fort Lewis and McChord AFB Merge to Form JBLM
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1917
Camp Lewis Established by Pierce County Land Donation
On January 6, 1917, Pierce County residents voted to bond themselves for $2 million to purchase approximately 70,000 acres to donate to the federal government for a new military post named Camp Lewis after explorer Meriwether Lewis. In just 90 days, construction crews erected 757 buildings, and the first recruits moved in on September 5, 1917.
1927
Camp Lewis Redesignated Fort Lewis as Permanent Post
On September 30, 1927, War Department General Order 15 officially redesignated Camp Lewis as Fort Lewis, transforming it from a temporary World War I training facility into a permanent Army installation. Construction of permanent red-brick barracks, a chapel, and hospital facilities began immediately, replacing the deteriorating World War I-era wooden structures.
1950
2nd Infantry Division Deploys to Korea from Fort Lewis
In 1950, Fort Lewis's 2nd Infantry Division became the first full American division to leave the United States for Korea, rushing to the Pusan Perimeter as North Korean forces threatened to overrun the peninsula. The division fought for two years in Korea and the post became a major mobilization and training hub for the entire Korean War effort.
2003
First Stryker Brigade Combat Team Certifies at Fort Lewis
On September 23, 2003, Fort Lewis's 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division became the first certified Stryker Brigade Combat Team in the U.S. Army, completing the transformation initiative announced by Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki in 1999. The 3rd Brigade then deployed to Iraq on November 2, 2003, becoming the first Stryker unit to see combat.
2010
Fort Lewis and McChord AFB Merge to Form JBLM
On October 1, 2010, Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base were formally consolidated into Joint Base Lewis-McChord pursuant to the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendation. The merger created one of the largest military installations in the U.S. by land area, combining the Army's I Corps headquarters with the Air Force's 62nd Airlift Wing.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
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 Lewis-McChord.
Information
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Welcome Guide
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Health & Fitness
TRT Treatment Helps Service Members Get Their Lives Back
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Information
History Lovers HAVE to Visit the Washington State History Museum
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Information
19 of the Best Joint Base Lewis McChord Things to Do Nearby
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Information
Units
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Installation Reception Center (IRC)
Phone
(520) 706-8613Hours
24/7 (Waller Hall in-processing services: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Location
2150 Liggett AveIn-Processing
Army personnel report to the Installation Reception Center (IRC) at Building 2021, Pendleton Avenue, which operates 24/7. In-processing follows a 5-day program: Monday is "Courage Day" with leadership training and chaplain-led "Keys to Connection" sessions.
Tuesday through Friday, Soldiers rotate through cohorts covering medical and dental checks, financial readiness briefings and Smart Voucher processing at Waller Hall (Building 2140, Liggett Avenue), housing briefings at American Lake Conference Center, and unit integration. Contact the IRC at (253) 967-7004 or JBLMIRCQA@ARMY.MIL.
Air Force personnel at McChord Field report directly to their unit Commander's Support Staff (CSS) and attend a mandatory Newcomers Orientation. The Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) at (253) 982-7027 provides relocation support for Air Force personnel.
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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 Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
WA311
MHA
On-post housing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is managed by Lendlease, which operates family communities across the installation in the South Puget Sound area of Washington State with 2- to 5-bedroom homes available across neighborhoods organized by rank. Lendlease maintains 24/7 maintenance services, community centers, playgrounds, and an online resident portal for a…
Local Market
$2,200/mo
rent
/
$500,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Joint Base Lewis-McChord
115
15% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
1
Middle Schools
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4
High Schools
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3
Colleges & Universities
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4
Other Schools
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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
Lakewood
Suburban
Lakewood is the primary off-post community for JBLM and home to a massive military population. It sits just outside the main gate with a dense mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family rentals across every price point. The city has invested in redevelopment in recent years, adding retail corridors and parks. For families who want maximum convenience and variety, Lakewood is the default choice.
Commute: 5–15 min
Gate: Main Gate (I-5 Corridor)
Schools: Clover Park School District
Families with kids
Single service members
Dual military
Budget-friendly
Abundant dining, retail, and services catering to military families. Easy I-5 access for weekend trips to Seattle or Portland. American Lake is minutes away for outdoor recreation.
DuPont
Suburban
DuPont is a master-planned community near JBLM's South Gate that consistently ranks among the most desirable spots for military families in the area. The homes are newer, the streets are clean, and the overall feel is notably more polished than Lakewood. Especially popular with officers and senior NCOs who want a quieter neighborhood without sacrificing access to post.
Commute: 10–15 min
Gate: South Gate (DuPont)
Schools: Steilacoom Historical School District
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Dual military
Planned neighborhoods with walking paths, parks, and a small historic town center. Close to Sequalitchew Creek Trail and American Lake. Lower crime rate and well-maintained community make it a top pick for families.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Washington has no state income tax. Active duty pay, military retirement, and all military allowances are completely unt…
Spouse Income Tax
Washington has no state income tax. Popular military domicile state.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military may keep home-state plates.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemption.
Pet Policies at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
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Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
13
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
1
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Commissary
1
Commissary
Exchange
PX
Daily 9am–9:30pm
Medical
1
Madigan Army Medical Center — Medical Center
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Liberty Gate (Lewis Main) 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 many commissaries are on base?
Joint Base Lewis-McChord has 2 commissary locations: JBLM Lewis Main Commissary and JBLM McChord Field Commissary. All accept Click2Go online ordering for curbside pickup.
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03
Is there a PX on base?
Yes, Joint Base Lewis-McChord has a PX (Post Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders. Hours: Daily 9am–9:30pm.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Madigan Army Medical Center is the primary military treatment hospital serving Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Call (253) 968-1110 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there an on-base vet clinic?
Yes, JBLM Veterinary Center provides veterinary care for pets of active-duty and retired military members. Call (253) 982-3954 to schedule.
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06
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Joint Base Lewis-McChord 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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07
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Joint Base Lewis-McChord 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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08
What school district serves the base?
Clover Park School District (rated B- (Niche)) serves most military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Visit cloverpark.k12.wa.us for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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09
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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10
Is there on-base pet boarding?
Yes, The Pet Brigade offers on-base boarding and daycare for military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Call (253) 912-4898 to check availability and reserve.
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11
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Joint Base Lewis-McChord 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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12
Is military pay taxed in Washington?
Washington has no state income tax, so military members at Joint Base Lewis-McChord owe no state taxes on military pay, allowances, or retirement income.
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13
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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14
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 Lewis-McChord.
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15
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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16
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 Lewis-McChord.
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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.