KIRTLAND AFB
AIR FORCE
Albuquerque, NM
United States
KIRTLAND AFB
AIR FORCE
Albuquerque, NM
United States
Kirtland AFB
Base Essentials
A nuclear weapons and special missions hub embedded in Albuquerque, NM — hosting Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and DOE programs, with New Mexico's largest city and Sandia Mountain access.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFMC
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
52,000
Active Duty
4,000
Civilian
5,000
Population
920,000
Economic Impact
$3 billion
Kirtland AFB History
Named AfterColonel Roy C. Kirtland
Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was established in 1941 and occupies a vast area adjacent to Sandia National Laboratories and the Manzano Mountains. It has historically been central to nuclear weapons research, testing, and storage. Today Kirtland hosts the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate, and various special operations and rescue units. The base remains deeply connected to the nation's nuclear enterprise and advanced weapons research.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center
—
—
Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate
—
—
377th Air Base Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Established as Albuquerque Army Air Base
1945
Nuclear Weapons Testing and Development Hub
1971
Air Force Research Laboratory Established
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1941
Established as Albuquerque Army Air Base
The installation was established in 1941 near Albuquerque, New Mexico, and renamed Kirtland Field in 1942 in honor of Colonel Roy C. Kirtland, a pioneer of military aviation who died in 1941. It served as a bombardier training base during WWII.
1945
Nuclear Weapons Testing and Development Hub
Following WWII, Kirtland became closely associated with the nation's nuclear weapons program due to its proximity to Sandia National Laboratories and Sandia Base. The installation houses the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and is one of the primary storage sites for U.S. nuclear weapons.
1971
Air Force Research Laboratory Established
Kirtland became home to key Air Force Research Laboratory directorates focused on directed energy, space vehicles, and nuclear deterrence technology. Its proximity to Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories makes it a unique center for defense science and technology.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Kirtland AFB.
Kirtland AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Kirtland 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 Kirtland AFB.
Information
15 of the Best Kirtland AFB Things To Do
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Information
15 of the Best Restaurants Near Kirtland AFB
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Information
Kirtland AFB Housing: 2 On-Base Options
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Information
Kirtland Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Military News
Malmstrom AFB PCB Levels Raise Cancer Risk for Missileers
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Kirtland AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
377th Force Support Squadron — Team Kirtland Welcome Center
Phone
(505) 846-0741Hours
Mon–Fri, 0715–1600
In-Processing
Active-duty personnel report to their unit's CSS during duty hours. After-hours arrivals check in at the Roadrunner Inn (Building 22016) before reporting to CSS the next business day. The Welcome Center (Suite 119 of the Consolidated Support Center) provides streamlined in-processing with representatives from Finance, Medical, Housing, and the Military Personnel Flight in one location. Sponsors can schedule the appointment and lodging reservations using a copy of the member's orders.
The TEAM Kirtland Newcomers' Welcome Orientation and Information Fair is held monthly at the Mountain View Club from 0730 to noon. Members register through their CSS; spouses are strongly encouraged to attend. For relocation inquiries, email 377FSS.FSH.MFRF@us.af.mil. After-hours arrivals contact the Truman Gate Visitors Center at (505) 846-7509 (staffed 24/7).
Kirtland AFB hosts over 30 tenant units and serves as one of the Air Force's most diverse installations — home to nuclear weapons research, special operations training, and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Albuquerque offers outstanding quality of life, affordable housing, and proximity to skiing and outdoor recreation.
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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 Kirtland AFB.
On-post family housing at Kirtland AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post neighborhoods are located within the installation's boundaries in southeast Albuquerque. Given Kirtland's urban setting, many military families choose off-post housing throughout Albuquerque and surrounding communities like Rio Rancho. Kirtland AFB is located on the southeas…
Local Market
$1,600/mo
rent
/
$350,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Kirtland AFB
92
8% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Kirtland AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
4
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
Kirtland AFB is embedded in the southeast quadrant of Albuquerque, New Mexico — the state's largest city and a distinctive high-desert urban center at 5,300 feet elevation. Albuquerque offers the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, the International Balloon Fiesta, access to the Sandia Mountains, and a unique blend of Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo cultures. New Mexico's military tax environment is favorable.
Southeast Albuquerque / Four Hills
Suburban
The neighborhoods immediately adjacent to Kirtland's southeast boundary — particularly Four Hills and Kirtland Estates — minimize the commute to zero and offer established mid-century homes with mature landscaping. Albuquerque Public Schools serve most of the area, with Rio Grande HS and Highland HS zones. Access to Sandia Mountain hiking trails via Tramway Road is a significant lifestyle bonus.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Albuquerque Public Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
Outdoorsy types
Right at Kirtland's boundary, Sandia Mountain access, established neighborhoods, National Museum of Nuclear Science nearby
Rio Rancho
Suburban
Bernalillo County's sibling city across the Rio Grande, Rio Rancho has grown dramatically in recent years with master-planned communities, excellent Rio Rancho Public Schools, and a lower cost of living than comparable Albuquerque neighborhoods. The commute to Kirtland via US-550 and I-25 or I-40 is 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Families who prioritize school quality and newer housing often choose Rio Rancho.
Commute: 30 min
Schools: Rio Rancho Public Schools
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Budget-friendly
Strong Rio Rancho schools, newer construction, lower prices than ABQ, Balloon Fiesta access, Rio Grande Bosque trails
Corrales / North Valley
Rural
Along the Rio Grande north of Albuquerque, Corrales is a historic farming village with horse properties, irrigation acequias, and an arts community — one of New Mexico's most distinctive and sought-after small communities. North Valley is the urban equivalent, with established adobe neighborhoods and proximity to the Old Town district. Both are longer commutes (30–40 min) but offer a uniquely New Mexican lifestyle.
Commute: 35 min
Schools: Corrales Elementary / Albuquerque Public Schools (North Valley)
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
Pet owners
Families with kids
Horse properties, acequia culture, New Mexico agricultural tradition, Old Town ABQ proximity, unique lifestyle
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Kirtland 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 Kirtland AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Kirtland 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 Kirtland AFB.
Commissary
1
Kirtland AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
377th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Kirtland AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Truman 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
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 Kirtland 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 Kirtland 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.