NAS JRB Fort Worth PCS Guide

About NAS JRB Fort Worth

NAS JRB Fort Worth holds a unique place in U.S. military history — it was established on October 1, 1994, as the first joint reserve base in the country. Formerly known as Carswell Air Force Base, the installation is located on the west side of Fort Worth, Texas, about five miles from downtown. Today, approximately 10,000 active-duty military personnel, Guardsmen, Reservists, and civilian employees work across roughly 40 commands here. The tenant population spans the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Texas Air National Guard, which gives this base a genuinely joint-service feel that you notice in the parking lots, at the commissary, and in the neighborhoods around it.

Because NAS JRB Fort Worth is primarily a reserve installation, the active-duty population is smaller than at major fleet concentration areas. However, the support infrastructure — commissary, exchange, MWR, medical clinic, fitness center, legal services — is fully operational and available to all authorized patrons. The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex surrounding the base is one of the fastest-growing metros in the country, which means job opportunities for spouses, a strong housing market, outstanding food, and world-class healthcare access beyond the gate.

For a broader look at all military installations, visit the PCS Pay-It-Forward® base directory.

2026 BAH Rates — NAS JRB Fort Worth (MHA: TX356)

2026 BAH at NAS JRB Fort Worth increased by 1.4 percent from 2025 rates. Service members with dependents receive approximately 25.1 percent more BAH than those without. The housing office phone number is 817-782-5711 if you have questions about local rates or your specific situation. For a deeper breakdown of how BAH works and how to use it strategically, read the 2026 BAH rates guide.

2026 Enlisted BAH Rates

2026 Officer BAH Rates (Selected)

Notably, the Fort Worth market is moderately priced compared to coastal duty stations, so your BAH tends to stretch further here. Many families find they can cover rent comfortably or use the allowance toward a home purchase. If you are considering buying, review the VA Home Loan guide — the DFW market has strong inventory, and the VA loan’s zero-down-payment advantage is real here.

Housing at NAS JRB Fort Worth

On-Post (Privatized) Family Housing

On-base family housing at NAS JRB Fort Worth is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The privatized housing neighborhood is located on the installation and offers single-family homes for accompanied personnel. However, wait times can vary significantly depending on pay grade and family size, so contacting the housing office early is essential — ideally before you even have orders in hand if you can.

Balfour Beatty Communities 1330 Military Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76127 Phone: 817-386-5207 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Wednesday 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; First Saturday of every month 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Navy Housing Service Center (HSC) 1330 Military Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76127 Phone: 817-782-5711 | DSN: 739-5711 Email: FortWorth_Housing@us.navy.mil Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Use the Housing Early Assistance Tool (HEAT) to apply for housing before you depart your current command. The HSC staff can also provide a current projection of waitlist status when you call.

Off-Post Housing and Local Neighborhoods

Most families at NAS JRB Fort Worth live off-base in the surrounding communities, and many prefer it that way. The DFW area offers a wide range of price points, school districts, and commute times. Here are the most popular areas military families choose.

Westworth Village / White Settlement — These are the closest communities to the main gate. Consequently, they are popular for short commutes and reasonable rent. White Settlement ISD serves this area, and families generally describe the schools as solid without being flashy.

North Richland Hills — Situated northeast of the base, North Richland Hills is consistently popular with families who want top-rated schools and suburban comfort. The Birdville ISD and portions of Keller ISD serve this area, and the school ratings are notably strong. Commute times run roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Keller — Keller is among the most sought-after areas near Fort Worth for families prioritizing schools. Keller ISD consistently ranks among the best in the region. Additionally, the area has master-planned communities, low crime, and easy access to Highway 820. The trade-off is a longer commute to base — plan on 25–35 minutes.

Aledo — Aledo sits southwest of the base with a short commute and an outstanding small-town feel. Aledo ISD has an excellent reputation and is one of the highest-rated districts in Tarrant County. Furthermore, home prices are competitive for the school quality you get.

Benbrook / Lake Worth — These areas offer more affordable rent and home prices while keeping commutes under 15 minutes. Lake Worth ISD and portions of Fort Worth ISD serve these neighborhoods. Similarly, the lakefront along Lake Worth is a genuine lifestyle perk.

Fort Worth (West Side / Ridglea / Westover Hills) — For families who want urban proximity, walkable restaurants, and shorter commutes, the west side of Fort Worth proper delivers. Fort Worth ISD serves this area, and the district has made significant quality improvements in recent years, though campus quality varies considerably by school.

Honest Note on Traffic: The I-820 and Loop 820 corridors can get congested during peak hours, particularly around the interchange at I-30. If you are commuting to or from the base during rush hour, plan accordingly. Many families near North Richland Hills or Keller deal with 30-minute commutes that can stretch to 45 minutes on bad days.

For help thinking through your housing decision, start your PCS Plan at and map out neighborhoods relative to your priorities — schools, commute, or budget.

Unaccompanied Housing

Unaccompanied Housing (UH) at NAS JRB Fort Worth houses approximately 340 personnel across four buildings. E-1 through E-3, and E-4 with fewer than four years of service, are generally required to live on-base. Building 1568 serves as the check-in point. Linens are provided at check-in, and facilities include laundry, vending, fitness access, and recreational lounges.

Unaccompanied Housing Office 1568 Military Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76127 Phone: 817-782-3388 | DSN: 739-3388

Schools Near NAS JRB Fort Worth

There are no DoDEA schools at NAS JRB Fort Worth. Children living on or near the installation will attend schools in one of several local public school districts. Notably, 76 public school districts fall within the School Liaison’s area of responsibility for this installation, which means your school assignment will depend entirely on your neighborhood.

The School Liaison Office is an outstanding resource, specifically when navigating registration, sports eligibility, or special education transitions. Contact them early — they can often prevent headaches that show up weeks after you arrive.

School Liaison Office: 817-782-5287 | DSN: 312-739-5287

Key school districts serving families near NAS JRB Fort Worth:

Furthermore, Texas has a robust charter school ecosystem. The Charter School Locator at https://tea.texas.gov can help you find campuses near your address. The Military Interstate Compact (MIC) applies to all public school enrollments and protects your child’s placement, extracurricular eligibility, and graduation requirements during transitions.

Texas also has a Purple Star Campus designation that recognizes schools especially supportive of military-connected students. Ask the School Liaison to identify designated campuses near your housing choice.

Medical and TRICARE at NAS JRB Fort Worth

The primary medical facility on base is the Branch Medical/Dental Clinic, co-located in a single building. TRICARE East (Humana Military) is the regional contractor for NAS JRB Fort Worth.

Branch Medical/Dental Clinic 1710 Doolittle Avenue, NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX 76127 Main Phone: 817-782-5900 | DSN: 312-739-5900 Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Closed Saturday and Sunday

Pharmacy Main Number: 817-782-5906 Refill Call-In: 1-877-520-6582 Pick-Up / Refill: 817-782-5929 TRICARE Mail Order: 1-866-363-1296 Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Closed weekends

TRICARE East (Humana Military) Active-Duty Hotline: 1-877-249-9179 East Region Customer Service: 1-800-444-5445 Website: https://www.humana-military.com

Importantly, the on-base clinic is a branch clinic rather than a full-service military hospital. Families needing specialty care, obstetrics, or complex services will generally be referred into the civilian network. Because the DFW metro has exceptional civilian medical infrastructure — including top-ranked children’s hospitals and research centers — this is generally a non-issue. However, you will want to enroll in TRICARE and establish a Primary Care Manager (PCM) promptly after arriving.

In-Processing at NAS JRB Fort Worth

The Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) handles check-in and in-processing for incoming personnel. Report to the installation upon arrival and proceed through check-in before doing anything else. The PSD processes pay and allowances, updates your records, and ensures your family’s DEERS enrollment is current.

Gate Hours (from official .mil source)

Visitor access requires a valid government-issued ID. Sponsors should arrange base access passes in advance when possible. For ID card appointments, use the RAPIDS system at https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/

MWR and Base Amenities

NAS JRB Fort Worth’s MWR program covers a solid range of amenities for a reserve installation. The Ten Grill is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, lunch, and a late-afternoon menu. Movie Reel hosts screenings on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays at $5 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Community Recreation (Building 3328, 817-782-6121) sells discounted tickets to local attractions in person.

Additionally, the installation has fitness centers, a youth program, commissary, AAFES Exchange, chapel, legal services, and a Navy College office. Discount tickets are available for local and regional attractions, sports venues, and theme parks — that perk matters more than people expect in a metro the size of DFW.

Living in the Fort Worth Area

Fort Worth consistently surprises people who arrive with low expectations. It is genuinely a livable, affordable, and community-oriented city with a distinct identity separate from Dallas. The Stockyards National Historic District, the Cultural District with the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum, Sundance Square downtown, and Benbrook Lake are all accessible within 20–30 minutes of base.

The cost of living in Fort Worth is notably lower than coastal duty stations. Groceries, restaurants, housing, and entertainment are all more affordable than what most military families coming from California, Virginia, or Hawaii are used to. Furthermore, Texas has no state income tax, which is real money when you are calculating your overall financial picture. The PCS tax write-offs guide covers what you can deduct from your move expenses.

Summers are hot — expect sustained triple-digit heat from June through September. Winters are mild but can include ice storms that essentially shut the city down because Texas infrastructure is not built for it. If you arrive in winter and encounter a freeze warning, take it seriously and stock your pantry.

The job market for military spouses in DFW is strong. The metro has significant defense contractor presence, a robust healthcare sector, tech industry growth, and a large financial services industry. Remote work is widely available, and MSEP (Military Spouse Employment Partnership) has active partners in the region.

Getting Around Fort Worth

A car is essential — Fort Worth is a driving city. There is no meaningful public transit for most areas near the base. However, highway access is generally good, and Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport is approximately 25–30 minutes away, which makes travel manageable during deployments and leave. Parking is straightforward compared to coastal metros.

PCS Resources and Next Steps

Moving to a new duty station is a lot to manage. Consequently, PCS Pay-It-Forward® has built a suite of tools to help your family plan ahead and arrive prepared. Here is what to bookmark before your move:

• Start your PCS Plan
• PCS Toolkit
• VA Home Loan Guide
• DITY / PPM Move Guide
• Moving Tips
• Military Pay Charts
• PCS Binder Checklist
• BAH Guide

Furthermore, join the Fort Worth PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group to ask real questions and get real answers from families currently stationed here.

Contact Directory — NAS JRB Fort Worth

Key Takeaways

NAS JRB Fort Worth is the country’s original joint reserve base, and that joint-service culture is genuinely noticeable in how the community operates. The Fort Worth area offers lower cost of living than most duty stations, no state income tax, and a strong job market for military spouses. Your 2026 BAH increased 1.4 percent and stretches well in this market, particularly if you choose neighborhoods like Aledo, Keller, or Benbrook. There are no DoDEA schools here — school quality is your biggest variable, and your neighborhood choice determines your district, so research that decision carefully before you sign a lease. Medical care is provided through the on-base branch clinic for primary and routine needs, with a strong civilian network for specialists through TRICARE East. Start your PCS process early, use HEAT to get on the housing waitlist before you leave your current command, and connect with the Fort Worth PCS Pay-It-Forward® group for ground-level knowledge from families who just went through exactly what you are about to go through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there DoDEA schools at NAS JRB Fort Worth?

No. There are no Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools at NAS JRB Fort Worth. Consequently, all children living on or near the installation attend local public school districts. The most popular options for military families include Keller ISD, Aledo ISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and White Settlement ISD. The School Liaison Office at 817-782-5287 is your best resource for navigating enrollment, especially if you are arriving mid-year or have children with special needs.

What are the 2026 BAH rates for NAS JRB Fort Worth?

2026 BAH rates increased 1.4 percent from 2025. Specifically, an E-5 with dependents receives $2,118 per month, while an O-3 with dependents receives $2,460. Furthermore, service members with dependents receive approximately 25.1 percent more than those without. You can look up your exact rate using the official DTMO BAH calculator or read the full 2026 BAH guide.

How do I get on the housing waitlist for NAS JRB Fort Worth?

Contact the Navy Housing Service Center at 817-782-5711 or use the Housing Early Assistance Tool (HEAT) at https://homes.mil to apply before you leave your current command. The privatized housing partner is Balfour Beatty Communities, reachable at 817-386-5207. Additionally, check-in at the Housing Service Center upon arrival regardless of whether you plan to live on or off base — they maintain a verified rental database for the local area.

What TRICARE region covers NAS JRB Fort Worth?

NAS JRB Fort Worth falls under TRICARE East, managed by Humana Military. The customer service number is 1-800-444-5445, and the active-duty hotline is 1-877-249-9179. The on-base Branch Medical/Dental Clinic at 1710 Doolittle Avenue handles primary and routine care Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Specialty care is typically referred into the civilian network, which is extensive and high-quality throughout the DFW metro.

What are the best neighborhoods for military families near NAS JRB Fort Worth?

The most popular areas are Keller (outstanding schools, longer commute), Aledo (excellent schools, southwest of base, short commute), North Richland Hills (strong schools, 20–30 minute commute), and Benbrook / Lake Worth (affordable, very close to base, 10–15 minute commute). Moreover, the west side of Fort Worth proper is popular for families who want urban access and a shorter drive. Your best starting point is joining the Fort Worth PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group where families share firsthand neighborhood reviews regularly.

What gate should I use when arriving at NAS JRB Fort Worth?

The Main Gate is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is your best option for first arrival. The East Gate is staffed Monday through Friday and drill weekends from 0600–0800 and 1500–1700, excluding holidays. The Commercial Vehicle Inspection Gate (0830–1430) does not allow privately owned vehicles. If you are arriving with your household goods truck, coordinate with the housing office in advance about commercial vehicle access.

Is a car necessary living near NAS JRB Fort Worth?

Yes — a vehicle is essential. Fort Worth does not have meaningful public transit serving most areas near the base, and the city’s layout requires driving for most errands, school runs, and commuting. However, highway access is generally good, and the region’s road network is well-developed compared to similarly sized metros. Additionally, DFW International Airport is roughly 25–30 minutes from the base, which makes travel much easier for families managing deployments and leave.