MOUNTAIN HOME AFB
AIR FORCE
Mountain Home, ID
United States
MOUNTAIN HOME AFB
AIR FORCE
Mountain Home, ID
United States
Mountain Home AFB
Base Essentials
Home of the 366th Fighter Wing and the Air Force's premier aggressor training program in the remote high desert of southern Idaho — an isolated but operationally significant posting with exceptional low-altitude ranges.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
ACC
Status
Active
Est.
1943
Acres
9,100
Active Duty
4,500
Civilian
1,000
Population
30,000
Economic Impact
$500 million
Mountain Home AFB History
Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho was established in 1943. After periods of reduced activity, it became home to the 366th Fighter Wing, which was designed as one of the Air Force's premier composite wings. Today the base operates F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15SG aircraft. Mountain Home's remote location adjacent to the vast Saylor Creek and Juniper Butte ranges provides unparalleled access to training airspace, making it well-suited for large-force exercises and advanced combat training.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
366th Fighter Wing (F-15E)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1943
Established as Mountain Home Army Air Field
1992
Air Intervention Wing Concept Established
—
View Key Moments
(2)
1943
Established as Mountain Home Army Air Field
Mountain Home Army Air Field opened in 1943 as a B-24 Liberator training base in southwestern Idaho. After several post-WWII closures and reactivations, it was permanently established as Mountain Home Air Force Base in 1966.
1992
Air Intervention Wing Concept Established
The 366th Wing at Mountain Home was reorganized in 1992 as the Air Force's first composite "Air Intervention Wing," integrating multiple aircraft types — F-15C, F-15E, B-52, F-16, and KC-135 — under a single wing for rapid deployment. The concept proved the viability of composite air power packages.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Mountain Home AFB.
Mountain Home AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Mountain Home 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 Mountain Home AFB.
Information
21 of the Best Mountain Home AFB Restaurants
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Mountain Home AFB Housing: 7 On-Base Options
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17 of the Best Mountain Home AFB Things To Do
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The Best Mountain Home AFB Schools: Daycare - High School
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Mountain Home Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Mountain Home AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
366th Force Support Squadron — Gunfighter Airman and Family Readiness Center
Phone
(208) 828-6869Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Mountain Home AFB report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours. The CSS schedules all required appointments, including Finance, Medical, Housing, and the mandatory Gunfighter Welcome Newcomer's Orientation. After-hours arrivals contact the on-base lodging facility (Juniper Lodge), which serves as the 24/7 arrival point.
All permanent-party members attend the mandatory Newcomers Orientation, which covers base services, the high-desert southern Idaho environment, and community resources in Mountain Home and the broader Treasure Valley (Boise metro area, about 50 miles west). The A&FRC at (208) 828-6869 coordinates relocation assistance and school liaison services.
Mountain Home AFB is home to the 366th Fighter Wing (F-15E Strike Eagle) — one of the Air Force's composite wings — and is known for its rigorous readiness posture. The remote location means on-base amenities and unit cohesion are especially important to daily quality of life.
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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 Mountain Home AFB.
On-post family housing at Mountain Home AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Given the installation's remote high-desert location 10 miles from the small town of Mountain Home, on-post housing is the primary choice for most families. The on-post community offers 2–4 bedroom homes and is the center of military family life for the installation. Mountain Home,…
Local Market
$1,100/mo
rent
/
$245,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Mountain Home AFB
82
18% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Mountain Home AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison
1
Middle Schools
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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
Mountain Home AFB is located in Elmore County in south-central Idaho, near the small city of Mountain Home. The 366th Fighter Wing calls this remote desert base home. The Snake River Plain geography is stark and beautiful, and the outdoor recreation — including the Owyhee Mountains, Boise River, and desert canyons — compensates significantly for the base's remoteness. Boise is 45 miles west on I-84.
Mountain Home
Small Town
The city of Mountain Home is the primary off-post community for the base and has the most rental housing and essential services within close range. Mountain Home School District serves the city. The community is genuinely military-friendly and has the convenience of minimal commute. The Elmore County lifestyle is quiet, outdoors-oriented, and authentic. The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area is within 30 minutes.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Mountain Home School District
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Outdoorsy types
Closest to base, very affordable, Snake River access, Birds of Prey NCA nearby, genuine small-town Idaho character
Boise
Urban
Idaho's capital and by far the best city for quality of life in the region, Boise is 45 minutes west on I-84. Boise School District is one of Idaho's best, and the city has excellent outdoor recreation access, a nationally recognized restaurant scene, Boise State University, and a booming tech and outdoor industry economy. Many Mountain Home families commute daily to Boise — it's long but the lifestyle trade-off is considered worthwhile by many.
Commute: 48 min
Schools: Boise Independent School District
Families with kids
Single service members
Dual military
Outdoorsy types
Best city in the region, top Idaho schools, nationally acclaimed outdoor culture, Boise River Greenbelt, BSU athletics
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Mountain Home AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Idaho taxes active duty military pay for Idaho legal residents, with an exclusion for active duty pay received while sta…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Idaho for Idaho income tax purposes. A qualifyin…
Vehicle Registration
Idaho charges a 6% sales tax on vehicle purchases. Military members who are not Idaho legal residents may maintain their…
Property Tax
Idaho has moderate property tax rates. Elmore County (Mountain Home AFB area) has rates typical for rural Idaho. Idaho p…
Pet Policies at Mountain Home AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Mountain Home 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 Mountain Home AFB.
Commissary
1
Mountain Home AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
366th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mountain Home AFB.
01
Are the base gates open 24 hours?
All 1 gates at Mountain Home AFB operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access levels vary by gate — some are restricted to military and DoD ID holders only.
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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 Mountain Home 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 Mountain Home AFB.
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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.