MAXWELL-GUNTER AFB
AIR FORCE
Montgomery, AL
United States
MAXWELL-GUNTER AFB
AIR FORCE
Montgomery, AL
United States
Maxwell-Gunter AFB
Base Essentials
Home of Air University and professional military education for the Air Force in Montgomery, AL — a prime assignment for officers pursuing advanced degrees or staff roles in the Deep South's most military-integrated city.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AETC
Status
Active
Est.
1918
Acres
4,000
Active Duty
5,000
Civilian
4,000
Population
385,000
Economic Impact
$2 billion
Maxwell-Gunter AFB History
Named AfterSecond Lieutenant William C. Maxwell; Mayor William A. Gunter (civilian)
Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, was established in 1918 and is the intellectual center of the Air Force. Maxwell is home to Air University, which encompasses the Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School, and other professional military education programs. Gunter Annex hosts various technology and information systems functions. The Wright Brothers' first civilian flying school operated on the site in 1910, making it one of the oldest airfields in continuous use. Maxwell continues to shape Air Force doctrine, education, and leadership development.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Air University
—
—
Air War College / Air Command and Staff College
—
—
42nd Air Base Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1910
Wright Brothers Establish Flying School
1918
Established as Maxwell Field
1946
Air University Established at Maxwell
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1910
Wright Brothers Establish Flying School
Wilbur Wright established a flying school on the site in 1910 after the Wright Brothers were contracted to train military aviators, making Maxwell one of the earliest sites of organized military aviation in the United States.
1918
Established as Maxwell Field
Maxwell Field was formally established in 1918 as an Army Air Service installation, named for Second Lieutenant William C. Maxwell, an Alabama native and military aviator killed in a 1920 Philippines crash.
1946
Air University Established at Maxwell
Air University was established at Maxwell AFB in 1946 as the Air Force's center for professional military education, including the Air War College and Air Command and Staff College. Maxwell remains the intellectual center of the Air Force, training senior officers from the U.S. and allied nations.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Maxwell-Gunter AFB.
Maxwell-Gunter AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Maxwell-Gunter 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 Maxwell-Gunter AFB.
Career & Pay
How to Spend Your Air Force Sign-On Bonus
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Information
20 of the Best Maxwell-Gunter AFB Restaurants
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Maxwell-Gunter AFB Housing: 7 On-Base Options
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Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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17 of the Best Things To Do Near Maxwell-Gunter AFB
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Maxwell-Gunter AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
42nd Force Support Squadron — Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
Phone
(334) 953-2353Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Permanent-party personnel arriving at Maxwell-Gunter AFB report to their unit during duty hours. After-hours arrivals check in at the University Inn lodging (open 24 hours) before reporting to their CSS the next business day. Finance in-processing is held Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 0900–1500 and Thu 0900–1200 in the Brown Building (third-floor conference room). The Military Personnel Flight is in Building 804, 50 LeMay Plaza South.
The mandatory Right Start Newcomer Orientation is held on the first Wednesday of each month; members register through their CSS. The M&FRC coordinates Heartlink orientation for military spouses (quarterly). PME students follow a separate in-processing process coordinated by their respective Air University schools (Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School, etc.).
Maxwell-Gunter AFB is home to Air University — the Air Force's professional military education system — and the 42nd Air Base Wing. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the area offers an affordable cost of living and is an attractive assignment for career development and advanced education.
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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 Maxwell-Gunter AFB.
On-post family housing at Maxwell-Gunter AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities (Maxwell Communities). The residential neighborhoods are located primarily on the Maxwell side and offer 2–4 bedroom homes. The Gunter Annex, a few miles away, is primarily office facilities with limited on-post residential options. Montgomery, Alabama is the state capital with a m…
Local Market
$1,300/mo
rent
/
$245,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Maxwell-Gunter AFB
85
15% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Maxwell-Gunter AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
3
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
Maxwell-Gunter AFB is the home of Air University, located in Montgomery, Alabama — the state capital and a city with deep historical significance in both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Montgomery has a growing downtown arts and food scene, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and affordable housing. Alabama does not tax military retirement pay and has favorable active-duty military tax rules.
Montgomery (East Side / Midtown)
Urban
The neighborhoods east of downtown Montgomery — including the Midtown and Garden District areas along Zelda Road — are the most popular with Maxwell-Gunter officer families for their character and ease of commute. Montgomery Public Schools serve the city, with quality varying significantly by school zone and many military families using private or charter alternatives. The historic F. Scott Fitzgerald neighborhood and Cloverdale add to the cultural appeal.
Commute: 12 min
Schools: Montgomery Public Schools / private options
Single service members
Retirees
Dual military
Families with kids
Historic neighborhood character, Civil Rights Trail proximity, growing dining scene, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts nearby
Prattville
Suburban
The Autauga County seat north of Montgomery on I-65, Prattville is the preferred choice for military families who prioritize school quality and suburban safety. Autauga County Schools consistently outperform Montgomery City Schools. Newer subdivisions, a walkable downtown historic district on the Autauga Creek, and easy I-65 access to Maxwell make it the top school-driven choice near the base. Alabama's military tax advantages apply throughout.
Commute: 20 min
Schools: Autauga County Schools
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Best schools near Maxwell, suburban safety, growing commercial development, Autauga Creek historic district, I-65 access
Pike Road
Suburban
A fast-growing community east of Montgomery, Pike Road has become a hot spot for military families seeking Pike Road Schools — an independent charter-style district that is routinely rated among Alabama's very best. Newer developments are abundant, and the Pike Road character is planned-community suburban. The commute to Maxwell via the Eastern Bypass and US-80 is about 20 minutes.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: Pike Road Schools (independent district)
Families with kids
Dual military
Top-rated Alabama school district, newest developments, strong military family concentration, rapidly growing community
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Maxwell-Gunter AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Alabama fully exempts all active duty military pay from state income tax for Alabama legal residents, including base pay…
Spouse Income Tax
Under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA), military spouses may maintain their legal domicile in another s…
Vehicle Registration
Alabama requires vehicle registration in the county of residence. Military members who are not Alabama legal residents m…
Property Tax
Alabama has some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Rates are set at the county level and are generally und…
Pet Policies at Maxwell-Gunter AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Maxwell-Gunter 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 Maxwell-Gunter AFB.
Commissary
2
Maxwell AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
42nd Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Maxwell-Gunter AFB.
01
Are any base gates open 24 hours?
2 of Maxwell-Gunter AFB's 4 gates operate 24/7; others have restricted hours or access levels. See the Gates section for individual gate 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 Maxwell-Gunter 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 Maxwell-Gunter 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.