Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson (JBER): Your PCS Guide to Alaska Living

About Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson — commonly called JBER — sits in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, at the base of the Chugach Mountains along the shores of Cook Inlet. The installation was formed in 2010 when Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson merged under the 2005 BRAC Commission. Today it covers more than 64,000 acres and supports the largest concentration of joint military force in Alaska.

Mission and Major Units

JBER serves as the headquarters for Alaskan Command (ALCOM), the 11th Air Force, the Alaskan NORAD Region (ANR), and Joint Task Force-Alaska (JTF-AK). On the Air Force side, the 3rd Wing operates F-22 Raptors, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, and E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft under Pacific Air Forces. The Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing contributes C-17, HC-130, and HH-60 assets. The 673d Air Base Wing serves as the host unit, providing installation support to over 5,500 joint military and civilian personnel.

On the Army side, JBER-Richardson is home to the 11th Airborne Division — the “Arctic Warriors” — which maintains high readiness for rapid airborne deployment in Arctic and mountainous environments. Together, these units provide JBER with a mission scope unlike most duty stations: homeland defense, Pacific theater projection, and Arctic operations all under one roof.

Installation Size and Scope

JBER’s $11.4 billion infrastructure encompasses 64,000 acres and supports medical care for over 35,000 joint service members, dependents, VA patients, and retirees throughout Alaska. The installation is divided into two main areas: JBER-Elmendorf (the former Air Force base) and JBER-Richardson (the former Army post). Knowing which side your unit is on will shape your gate, your housing search, and your daily commute.

2026 JBER BAH Rates (Anchorage, AK — MHA: AK404)

JBER BAH rates increased 4.9 percent in 2026. Service members with dependents receive 25 percent more than those without. JBER ranks 8th highest BAH out of all joint bases in the country — reflecting Anchorage’s genuinely elevated cost of living. Check current rates before finalizing your housing budget, and use the BAH calculator to confirm your specific rate.

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1	$2,277	$1,707
E-2	$2,277	$1,707
E-3	$2,277	$1,707
E-4	$2,277	$1,707
E-5	$2,874	$2,157
E-6	$2,892	$2,169
E-7	$3,045	$2,283
E-8	$3,240	$2,430
E-9	$3,486	$2,616
W-1	$2,895	$2,172
W-2	$3,123	$2,385
W-3	$3,369	$2,619
W-4	$3,528	$2,901
W-5	$3,723	$3,087
O-1	$2,886	$2,166
O-2	$2,889	$2,286
O-3	$3,360	$2,643
O-4	$3,789	$3,051
O-5	$4,095	$3,162
O-6	$4,131	$3,348
O-1E	$3,078	$2,310
O-2E	$3,333	$2,523
O-3E	$3,558	$2,853

Rates last verified January 2026. Confirm current figures at travel.dod.mil or with your finance office.

Alaska also comes with Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) in addition to BAH. COLA is designed to offset the higher cost of goods and services in Anchorage compared to the contiguous U.S. — which runs significantly higher for groceries, fuel, and consumer goods. Factor both BAH and COLA into your household budget before you commit to an off-base lease or purchase. See full 2026 BAH rates and 2026 military pay charts for complete data.

If you’re considering buying near JBER, your VA Home Loan benefit still works in Alaska — $0 down, no PMI, and competitively priced for qualified buyers. Start your PCS Plan© to connect with agents who know the Anchorage market and military relocation inside out.

JBER Gates: Hours, Locations, and Visitor Access

JBER has six passenger gates and two commercial gates. Knowing which gate serves your side of the installation — and which ones have Visitor Control Centers — matters from day one.

Main Gates and Visitor Control Centers

The Boniface Gate is the primary entry point for JBER-Elmendorf. It is open 24/7 for both inbound and outbound traffic, with the Visitor Control Center open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Boniface VCC is located at N. Boniface Parkway, Anchorage, AK 99506.

The Richardson Gate is the primary entry point for JBER-Richardson. Additionally, it is open 24/7, with its Visitor Control Center open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors needing unescorted access outside those hours should use the Boniface VCC.

Secondary Gates

• Muldoon Gate: Open Monday–Friday 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Post Road Gate: Open 7 days a week, 6 a.m.–6 p.m. (both passenger and commercial traffic).
• Government Hill Gate: Open Monday–Thursday 5:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday 5:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Opens 30 minutes earlier on UTA weekends.
• Arctic Valley Gate: Currently closed.

Visitor Access Rules

All visitors requesting unescorted access must present a REAL ID-compliant identification. DoD ID cardholders can pre-register guests up to 72 hours before arrival through either VCC or the JBER visitor log system. Guests older than 16 without a DoD ID will be directed to the VCC to obtain a DBIDS pass. Sponsors are responsible for their guests at all times while on the installation. Verify current gate status at jber.jb.mil.

Housing at JBER

On-Base Housing: Aurora Military Housing

On-base family housing at JBER is managed by Aurora Military Housing, which operates 19 distinctive neighborhoods across both JBER-Elmendorf and JBER-Richardson with nearly 70 floor plan options. Homes typically include heated garages — a practical necessity in Alaska — and the neighborhoods feature community centers, parks, playgrounds, and pet-friendly policies. Unaccompanied junior enlisted (E-1 to E-3, and E-4 under three years of service) are provided dormitory housing; E-4s with more than three years of service and above move into housing in the local community.

Aurora Housing offices are located at:

• JBER-Elmendorf (Main): Building 6350 Arctic Warrior Drive — Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• JBER-Richardson: Building 338 Hoonah Avenue — Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Phone: 907-753-1023

Expect housing wait times of one to three months, especially for larger units. Start your application as soon as you receive PCS orders — do not wait until you arrive. Note that some dog breeds are restricted on the installation; verify the current pet policy with Aurora before shipping your animals.

Off-Base Neighborhoods

Most military families at JBER choose from three main off-base communities. Each has a distinct character, and your gate assignment will shape which makes most sense for your family.

Eagle River

Eagle River is the most popular choice for families who want suburban comfort with manageable commute times. Located north of JBER along the Glenn Highway, Eagle River offers newer housing stock, strong schools (Eagle River High School has a strong academic reputation), and a tight-knit community with a notably high military family concentration. Commute to the Boniface or Muldoon Gates runs approximately 20–30 minutes depending on Glenn Highway traffic, which can be genuinely frustrating during peak hours. However, the trade-off — space, newer homes, and community — is worth it for many families.

Anchorage (Midtown and East Anchorage)

Anchorage proper offers the shortest commutes for families assigned to JBER-Elmendorf, with 10–20 minutes to the Boniface Gate in normal conditions. East Anchorage and Midtown provide easy access to shopping, dining, healthcare, and the University of Alaska Anchorage. Additionally, several off-base apartment complexes near the base cater specifically to military tenants. School quality varies by neighborhood within the Anchorage School District, so research specific schools before signing a lease.

Chugiak and Palmer

Families who want more space, lower housing costs, and a quieter lifestyle often look to Chugiak (just north of Eagle River) or Palmer in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Commute times from these areas stretch to 30–50 minutes depending on Glenn Highway conditions. In exchange, you get more land, lower prices, and proximity to some of Alaska’s most spectacular outdoor recreation. Furthermore, Palmer is home to Palmer High School, which serves many military families in the Mat-Su Valley.

Schools Near JBER

There are no DoDEA schools at JBER. All K-12 education is provided through the Anchorage School District (ASD), one of the largest and most diverse school districts in Alaska. JBER has an active School Liaison Office at 907-384-7500 to assist families with enrollment, school selection, and educational transitions.

On-Base Elementary Schools

Five ASD-operated elementary schools are located on JBER itself, which means your child’s school assignment depends on which neighborhood of the installation you live in:

• Aurora Elementary (JBER-Elmendorf)
• Mount Spurr Elementary (JBER-Elmendorf)
• Orion Elementary (JBER-Elmendorf)
• Ursa Major Elementary (JBER-Richardson) — includes an Early Childhood Special Education preschool program
• Ursa Minor Elementary (JBER-Richardson)

Bus transportation is provided for all middle and high school students living on base.

Middle Schools Serving JBER Families

Students in grades 7–8 who live on base may attend Begich, Central, Clark, Gruening, or Mirror Lake Middle Schools depending on their residential location on JBER. School assignment for middle and high school students is determined by where the family resides on the installation.

High Schools

Senior high students (grades 9–12) on JBER attend Bartlett High School, Eagle River High School, or Chugiak High School, depending on residence location. Families living off base attend the district school corresponding to their home address. Specifically, visit asdk12.org to confirm school assignments before finalizing your housing choice.

JBER also participates in the JBER/ASD School Partnership Program and the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps ease educational transitions for military-connected students. For more on your child’s transfer rights, visit mic3.net.

Medical Care at JBER

JBER operates a comprehensive military hospital that serves over 35,000 beneficiaries throughout Alaska — making it one of the most significant military medical facilities in the Pacific region.

JBER Hospital — 673d Medical Group

• Address: 5955 Zeamer Ave., Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK 99506
• Main Appointment Line: 907-580-2778
• Website: elmendorfrichardson.tricare.mil

The 673d Medical Group functions as a DoD/VA Joint Venture Hospital, providing surgical care, primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, dental, pharmacy, mental health, and emergency services. Key clinic contacts include:

• Pediatrics: 907-580-2908
• Women’s Health & Pregnancy: 907-580-5808
• Pharmacy: 907-580-3012 (satellite location near Commissary)
• Pharmacy Refill Line: 907-202-7059
• Mental Health / Behavioral Health: 907-580-5858
• Family Advocacy (24/7 Hotline): 907-947-0888
• TRICARE Beneficiary Counseling (BCAC): 907-580-2015
• MHS Nurse Advice Line (24/7): 800-874-2273, Option 1

JBER Soldier Centered Medical Home

Army service members on JBER-Richardson access primary care through the Soldier Centered Medical Home, located at 786 D Street, Fort Richardson, AK 99505. Hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with sick call available on training holidays from 6:30–8 a.m.

EFMP and Special Needs Families

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) office is located in the Bear Wing of JBER Hospital. Contact them at 907-580-4609 before your PCS if your family has special medical or educational needs — Alaska’s geographic isolation means some specialty services require off-island travel, and early coordination is essential.

Base Facilities and Quality of Life

JBER’s on-base amenities are genuinely strong — a practical necessity given Alaska’s winters. Your family can go weeks without needing to leave the installation if you choose, which many families actually appreciate during the coldest months.

Shopping, Dining, and Essentials

• Commissary: 5800 Westover Ave. | 907-580-4425
• Exchange (BX/PX): 5800B Westover Ave. | 907-753-4422
• Finance Office: Building 8517, 20th Street | 907-552-8080
• Legal Assistance (Richardson): 600 Richardson Drive | 907-384-0371
• Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT): 9497 20th Street, Arctic Oasis Community Center | 907-753-2378

Recreation and Fitness

JBER’s recreation options are genuinely exceptional for a military installation. The Arctic Oasis Community Center on JBER-Elmendorf includes a fitness facility, bowling alley, indoor playground, and dining. Hangar 5 Field House (Building 7309 Johnson Avenue, 907-552-3624) is a former hangar converted into a functional fitness facility with a large indoor track. Buckner Fitness Center on JBER-Richardson offers cardio, weight training, group classes, ice skating, and swimming.

Outdoor recreation is JBER’s crown jewel. Notable on-base options include:

• Hillberg Ski Area — on-base ski hill with tubing, north of JBER-Elmendorf
• Moose Run Golf Course — open to the public, off Arctic Valley Road
• Otter Lake — cabin rentals, boat rentals, camping on JBER-Richardson
• Black Spruce Campground — near Otter Lake
• On-base trails — running, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing year-round
• Outdoor Recreation Center — gear rental, trip planning, guided recreation programs
• iSportsman Recreation Permit — required for all on-base recreational use; register at jber.isportsman.net

Family Support Services

The Airman and Family Readiness Center and Army Community Service (ACS) both operate on JBER and offer newcomer orientations, financial readiness workshops, spouse employment assistance, deployment support, and family relocation programs. The ASYMCA Welcome Center (located on JBER-Elmendorf) provides additional programs and resources for families new to the installation.

Child and Youth Services (CYS) operates childcare, school-age programs, youth sports, and teen programs on both sides of the installation. Register for childcare as early as possible — Alaska’s childcare waitlists are long, and demand consistently outpaces supply.

Lodging at JBER

On-base lodging is available through JBER Life. Make reservations as soon as you receive PCS notification — do not wait. Call 907-552-2454 or visit jberlife.com/lodging to book. Arriving in Alaska without confirmed lodging — especially in winter — creates significant stress that is entirely avoidable with early planning.

Living Honestly in Alaska: What Military Families Say

Alaska is not like any other duty station. Families who thrive here prepare specifically for its challenges — and there are real ones.

The Glenn Highway

If you live in Eagle River, Chugiak, or the Mat-Su Valley, the Glenn Highway is your daily reality. Rush hour traffic can turn a 20-mile commute into 45–60 minutes. Additionally, winter conditions — ice, freezing fog, and reduced visibility — demand all-season tires at minimum and studded snow tires are strongly recommended. Budget time and stress for this commute before choosing your neighborhood.

Cost of Living

Anchorage’s cost of living runs noticeably higher than most CONUS assignments. Groceries at civilian stores can run 30–40% higher than national averages. However, COLA partially offsets this, and the Commissary becomes significantly more valuable here than at most installations. Use it. Fuel costs also run higher, and heating costs are substantial in winter — factor $200–400/month for utilities into your off-base housing budget depending on home size and efficiency.

Deployment Tempo and Isolation

JBER units deploy. The 11th Airborne Division and 3rd Wing both maintain high operational tempo, and families should prepare for deployments and TDYs. Furthermore, Alaska’s geographic isolation means that flights home to the Lower 48 are expensive ($400–$900+ round trip) and time-consuming. Build your support network early — the JBER Facebook community and on-base programs exist for exactly this reason.

PCS Logistics — Alaska Is Different

Shipping household goods to Alaska means your belongings travel via the Port of Seattle before heading north by ship. This adds weeks to your delivery timeline. Specifically, plan for household goods to arrive 4–8 weeks after you do, especially if PCSing in summer when shipping volumes spike. Review the DITY/PPM move guide if you’re considering a partial PPM to bring critical items in your POV, and use the PCS binder checklist to track every document and timeline. Also review what PCS expenses you can write off — Alaska moves generate above-average costs worth documenting.

Why Families Love JBER

Despite the challenges — and there are real ones — JBER routinely produces the kind of memories that military families talk about for decades. The Northern Lights over the Chugach Mountains. Watching moose cross the road on a Tuesday morning. Skiing after work in February. Salmon fishing on weekends. Glaciers within driving distance. Alaska changes people in genuinely good ways, and the military community here is unusually close because everyone arrived together in the same boat — far from home, figuring it out together.

Planning Your Move to JBER

A successful Alaska PCS starts 90–120 days out, not 30. Use these resources to build your plan:

• Start Your PCS Plan© — personalized roadmap with local experts
• PCS Toolkit — checklists, guides, and moving resources
• Military Moving Tips — what experienced families wish they’d known
• 2026 BAH Rates — verify your JBER rate before budgeting
• VA Home Loan Guide — if buying is on the table
• Find Your Base Directory — guides for every installation

Join the JBER PCS Pay It Forward® Facebook Group to connect with families already stationed here. You’ll get real-time answers on neighborhoods, schools, housing wait times, and the quirks that only locals know.

Frequently Asked Questions: JBER Alaska

What are the main gates at JBER and which is open 24/7?

JBER has two 24/7 gates: Boniface Gate (main gate for JBER-Elmendorf, with VCC open 6 a.m.–10 p.m.) and Richardson Gate (main gate for JBER-Richardson, with VCC open Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Muldoon Gate, Post Road Gate, and Government Hill Gate operate on limited hours. The Arctic Valley Gate is currently closed.

What is JBER BAH for an E-5 with dependents in 2026?

An E-5 with dependents at JBER receives $2,874 per month in BAH in 2026, following a 4.9 percent increase from 2025. Rates vary by pay grade and dependency status. Verify yours using the BAH calculator.

What schools are on JBER?

Five ASD-operated elementary schools serve on-base families: Aurora, Mount Spurr, Orion (JBER-Elmendorf), and Ursa Major and Ursa Minor (JBER-Richardson). Middle and high school students attend off-base Anchorage School District schools, with bus transportation provided. There are no DoDEA schools on JBER.

Who manages on-base housing at JBER?

Aurora Military Housing (AMH) manages family housing across 19 neighborhoods on JBER. Contact them at 907-753-1023 or visit auroramilitaryhousing.com. Expect wait times of one to three months; apply immediately upon receiving orders.

What is the hospital phone number at JBER?

The 673d Medical Group (JBER Hospital) main appointment line is 907-580-2778. The hospital is located at 5955 Zeamer Ave., JBER, AK 99506. The TRICARE website for JBER is elmendorfrichardson.tricare.mil.

What is the difference between JBER-Elmendorf and JBER-Richardson?

JBER-Elmendorf is the former Air Force base, home to the 3rd Wing (F-22s, C-17s, E-3s) and the 673d Air Base Wing. JBER-Richardson is the former Army post, home to the 11th Airborne Division and U.S. Army Alaska. Both sides share installation services but have separate gates, housing neighborhoods, schools, and some separate medical facilities.

Is Alaska COLA paid in addition to BAH?

Yes. Anchorage qualifies for Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), which is paid on top of BAH to offset the higher cost of goods and services in Alaska versus CONUS. COLA amounts vary by pay grade and dependency status. Check your current entitlement with your finance office upon arrival.

How long does it take for household goods to arrive in Alaska?

Plan for household goods to arrive 4–8 weeks after you do, as shipments route through the Port of Seattle before traveling north by ship. This timeline extends further for summer PCS moves when shipping volumes peak. Ship essential items early and coordinate carefully with your transportation office to avoid arriving in Alaska with nothing.

What neighborhoods near JBER are best for military families?

Eagle River is the most popular choice — suburban, family-friendly, and military-heavy. Midtown and East Anchorage offer the shortest commutes to JBER-Elmendorf. Chugiak and Palmer appeal to families wanting more space and lower costs, though commute times lengthen significantly. Your gate assignment should drive your neighborhood decision.

Can I buy a home near JBER using a VA loan?

Yes. VA loans work in Alaska, offering $0 down and no PMI. JBER’s elevated BAH rates provide meaningful purchasing power in the Anchorage market. Start with the VA Home Loan guide and connect with an agent through the PCS Plan© who knows the Alaska market.

What do I need to know about PCS’ing to Alaska that other bases don’t require?

Several things: your household goods ship via Seattle, so expect extended delivery timelines. Alaska-specific vehicle prep (battery tenders, block heaters, cold-weather tires) is essential. Childcare waitlists are long — apply for CYS immediately. Housing wait times run 1–3 months. Build extra lead time into every aspect of your move and connect early with the JBER community for local advice.

Key Takeaways

• JBER BAH increased 4.9% in 2026 — an E-5 with dependents receives $2,874/month; rates rank 8th highest among all joint bases.
• Two 24/7 gates serve as your main access points: Boniface Gate (JBER-Elmendorf) and Richardson Gate (JBER-Richardson) — both with Visitor Control Centers.
• Housing wait times run 1–3 months — apply to Aurora Military Housing (907-753-1023) the day you receive orders.
• Five ASD elementary schools operate on-base; middle and high school students attend off-base Anchorage schools with bus transportation provided.
• JBER Hospital (673d Medical Group) serves 35,000+ beneficiaries — main line is 907-580-2778; EFMP families should contact 907-580-4609 before PCSing.
• Household goods ship via Port of Seattle — plan for 4–8 weeks delivery after you arrive, more in summer.
• Alaska COLA supplements BAH — verify your combined entitlement with finance immediately on arrival.
• Your PCS starts 90–120 days out in Alaska, not 30 — use the PCS Plan© to get ahead of every deadline.

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