Barksdale Air Force Base: PCS Guide for Military Families

Barksdale AFB Installation Overview

Barksdale hosts the 2nd Bomb Wing, one of only two active-duty B-52H Stratofortress wings in the Air Force. Additionally, the installation is home to the headquarters of Air Force Global Strike Command and to 8th Air Force, the numbered air force that carries the “Mighty Eighth” name. The 307th Bomb Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit, flies the same airframe alongside the active-duty wing.

The base covers roughly 22,000 acres across the main base and the East Reservation. Approximately 15,000 military and civilian personnel work here. Because the B-52 fleet is being modernized to the B-52J standard, Barksdale’s mission is projected to continue for decades. For families, that stability is worth knowing. In practice, it means the local market is not at risk of a sudden drawdown.

What the mission means for your family

Mission tempo here is real. Bomber task force deployments, alert commitments, and exercises pull people away on short notice. Therefore, spouses who plug into a unit key spouse network and a base-wide community early tend to have a much better first year. Visit the official Barksdale AFB website for current base news and unit information.

BAH and Cost of Living at Barksdale AFB

Barksdale sits in the Shreveport/Barksdale AFB Military Housing Area, MHA code LA117. This MHA covers Bossier City, Shreveport, Haughton, Benton, and the surrounding zip codes. Rates here rose about 5.3% for 2026, which outpaced the national average increase.

With dependents, 2026 rates run from roughly $1,701 at the E-1 through E-4 level to about $2,352 for an E-9. Officer rates with dependents land between approximately $1,875 and $2,799. Without dependents, enlisted rates run from about $1,281 to $1,932. Rather than plan around a general range, look up your exact figure by pay grade and zip code using the BAH Calculator. For background on how the allowance is built and what it does not cover, see our 2026 BAH rates guide or the official DoD BAH calculator.

Last verified: August 2026. Rates change every January 1 — confirm your figure before signing a lease.

How far your allowance actually goes here

Housing costs in the Shreveport-Bossier metro run below the national average, and housing is the single biggest reason the overall cost of living sits under the national number. Utilities, however, run slightly above average, largely because of summer cooling. As a result, most families at the E-5 level and above find their allowance covers a three-bedroom home with room left over. Junior enlisted families have less margin, but the market is still workable.

Want to see exactly what your BAH buys near Barksdale at current rates? Your free VA Home Loan Snapshot runs the numbers — no credit pull, takes 60 seconds.

Neighborhoods Near Barksdale AFB

Choose your neighborhood around the gate you will use daily, not around the base as a single dot on a map. Gate hours vary widely, and the gate closest to your house may be closed when you need it. Below are the communities Barksdale families choose most often.

South Bossier City — closest to the main gate

South Bossier sits directly across the bridge from the West Gate, which never closes. Commutes typically run 10 to 15 minutes. Housing stock mixes older ranch homes with newer subdivisions, and prices stay among the most reasonable in the parish. Meanwhile, the short drive is the real draw for shift workers and anyone on alert rotations.

Haughton and Princeton — newer builds, east side

Families who want newer construction and a small-town feel usually land in Haughton or Princeton. Drives run roughly 15 to 25 minutes to the East or Bodcau gates. One caution matters here: the East Gate closes on weekends and federal holidays. Consequently, weekend trips to base mean rerouting to the West Gate or the Bodcau Gate.

North Bossier City — shopping and newer neighborhoods

The Airline Drive corridor carries most of the area’s retail, restaurants, and newer apartment inventory. Expect 15 to 25 minutes to the North Gate. Keep in mind that the North Gate closes at 5:45 p.m. on weekdays and stays closed on Sundays. Anyone working late or on weekends should plan on the West Gate instead.

Benton — top-rated schools, longer drive

Benton pulls families who prioritize schools above commute. Drives generally run 25 to 35 minutes depending on the gate and time of day. Home prices trend higher than the rest of the parish. Still, the school reputation keeps demand steady, so inventory moves quickly.

Southeast Shreveport — Caddo Parish and magnet options

Across the Red River, southeast Shreveport puts families 15 to 25 minutes from the West Gate. Caddo Parish operates a magnet program that draws families who want specific academic tracks. Neighborhood quality varies noticeably block to block in Shreveport, more so than in Bossier. Therefore, drive the streets yourself, or send someone who knows the area, before committing.

Drive times last verified: August 2026. Treat them as approximate — traffic across the Red River bridges varies by hour.

Not sure which neighborhood fits your family? Start your free PCS Plan© and get matched with someone who knows this market. You can also ask the Barksdale PCS Pay It Forward® group what a specific street is actually like.

On-Base Housing at Barksdale AFB

On-base housing

Privatized family housing at Barksdale is owned and managed by Hunt Military Communities, operating locally as Barksdale Family Housing. The portfolio includes roughly 990 homes across six neighborhoods with two, three, and four bedroom floor plans.

Active-duty members pay no security deposit and no up-front rent, since rent is collected in arrears through a BAH allotment. Leasing runs through the Barksdale Family Housing office at 201 Langley Drive. Call (318) 395-6689 for the main office or (318) 536-1244 for leasing.

Before you sign any lease, on base or off, you must visit the Military Housing Office. That requirement is not a formality — the office also flags rental scams and problem landlords in the local market. Start the process through the Air Force Housing office for Barksdale and the Housing Early Assistance Tool as soon as you have orders in hand.

Wait times shift constantly with bedroom count, rank, and season. Rather than trust a number you read online, call the housing office and ask for a current estimate for your family size. Summer PCS season stretches every list.

Unaccompanied housing

Junior Airmen in the ranks of E-1 through E-3, and E-4s with less than three years of service, are typically assigned to unaccompanied housing on base. Rooms come furnished. Contact the Military Housing Office for current eligibility and assignment procedures.

Renting versus buying at Barksdale

Because the local market is affordable relative to allowance, buying is a serious option here even on a standard tour. Our VA Home Loan guide explains how the benefit works, including zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. For neighborhood-level price ranges, market pace, and property tax math near this specific installation, read Buying a Home Near Barksdale AFB.

One protection worth knowing: federal law under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act lets you terminate a residential lease after receiving qualifying PCS or deployment orders. That protection applies in every state, not just Louisiana. Give written notice with a copy of your orders, and keep records.

Temporary Lodging at Barksdale AFB

The Barksdale Inn is your first call for temporary lodging on base. Reserve at (318) 456-3091 or DSN 312-781-3091. The lodging office sits at 555 Davis Avenue, closest to the North Gate.

Temporary Lodging Expense reimbursement covers up to 14 days for a CONUS-to-CONUS move, so build that window into your plan. Barksdale has a reasonable number of rooms, but they fill fast between May and August. Notably, only a handful of units accept pets, and demand for them is high. Book kennel space early if you are traveling with animals.

Off-base options cluster along the Airline Drive corridor in Bossier City, generally three to seven miles from the West Gate. Most properties there offer government rates with a valid ID. For honest reviews of which ones are actually worth booking, ask in the Barksdale PCS Pay It Forward® group before you reserve.

Rates and availability change seasonally. Confirm current pricing and pet policy when you call.

Schools and Child Care Near Barksdale AFB

Which district serves your family

Families living on base and throughout Bossier City fall under Bossier Parish Schools. Those who settle in Shreveport attend Caddo Parish Public Schools. Both districts enroll significant numbers of military dependents, and both participate in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact, which smooths course placement and record transfers mid-year.

Zoning inside Bossier Parish is specific, and campus quality varies more than the district rating suggests. Before you commit to an address, check the district’s attendance boundary map and confirm the exact campus your street feeds into. School bus service from base housing reaches campuses including Stockwell, W.T. Lewis, T.L. Rodes, Platt, Princeton, Sun City, Bellaire, and Curtis, though routes change year to year.

School Liaison Program

Call the School Liaison Program Manager at (318) 456-4098 before you sign a lease, not after. This office handles registration questions, transfer issues, individualized education program placement, and homeschool guidance. In fact, one conversation here often saves a family from an address that feeds into the wrong campus.

Child Development Centers

Barksdale operates two Child Development Centers, each serving over 100 children from six weeks to five years old. Both hold national accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Hours run Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fees follow a DoD sliding scale based on total family income and include breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack.

The benefit most families miss

Anyone with a permanent change of station to or from Barksdale is eligible for 20 hours of free child care per child, available within 60 days of the arrival or departure date. This benefit runs through Family Child Care and the Air Force Aid Society. Deployment and remote tours carry a separate allowance of 16 free hours per child per month. Ask about both when you call.

Waitlists exist for every age group, so register on MilitaryChildCare.com the day your orders drop. Hourly care through the Youth Center is available when space allows. For summer coverage once school lets out, our summer camps for military kids guide lists programs worth applying to early.

In-Processing and Gate Access at Barksdale AFB

Gate hours

Barksdale operates four gates. Three serve the main base, and one serves the East Reservation. Hours differ substantially, and this table is the most useful thing on this page for a family arriving with a moving truck.

Last verified: August 2026. Hours shift for federal holidays, family days, and unit training — check the official Barksdale gate hours page before you drive.

Moving trucks and commercial vehicles

All commercial vehicles must enter and exit through the East (Industrial) Gate during its operating hours. Trucks turned away at another gate get redirected, which burns time on an already long day. Since that gate closes on weekends and holidays, schedule your household goods delivery on a weekday morning.

Visitor centers and base access

The West Gate Visitor Center operates 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week, and can be reached at (318) 456-4984. Meanwhile, the East Gate Visitor Center runs 6:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. When both centers are closed, the West Gate issues visitor passes. Call (318) 456-3587 with access questions.

REAL ID requirements apply for all visitor passes and base access. Acceptable identification includes a REAL ID-compliant license, a U.S. passport or passport card, a DoD ID, a permanent resident card, or a trusted traveler card. A temporary driver’s license will not work. If your license is not compliant, a birth certificate paired with a Social Security card is one accepted combination.

Where to report when you arrive

The 24-hour arrival point is the West Gate Visitor’s Center at 425 Lindbergh Avenue. Staff there help you reach your sponsor at any hour, which matters when you roll in at midnight. Call (318) 456-5334 for the West Gate guard.

If you arrive during duty hours, contact your gaining squadron immediately. Your Commander Support Staff handles in-processing, inventories your records, and schedules your Right Start Newcomer’s Orientation. First-term Airmen without a sponsor on hand should report to the Lodging Office at 555 Davis Avenue and notify their squadron from there.

Your first-week stops

• Right Start Orientation — held at 155 Rickenbacker, Building 1955. Your Commander Support Staff schedules it. Questions go to (318) 456-8400, option 1.
• TMO personal property — third floor of Building 4400, Monday through Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m.
• Finance — Room 2201, Building 4400, Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday at 9 a.m.
• DEERS and ID cards — Military Personnel Flight, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., (318) 456-3710.
• School Liaison — separate appointment at (318) 456-4098 if you have school-aged children.

Hand-carry your orders with at least five copies, identification for every family member, vehicle registration and insurance, medical and dental records, immunization records, and school transcripts. For a complete document list and a week-by-week timeline, use our PCS binder and checklist.

Medical Care at Barksdale AFB

The 2nd Medical Group provides primary care on base for active-duty members and enrolled family members. Call (318) 456-6555 to reach the appointment line, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note that the clinic closes the second Wednesday of every month for training.

The clinic has no emergency room. This is the single most important medical fact for a new family here. For emergencies, go to a civilian emergency department in Bossier City or Shreveport. For anything you are unsure about, the Nurse Advice Line runs 24 hours a day at (800) 874-2273.

Enroll or register with the 2nd Medical Group by calling (888) 874-9378 or through milConnect. Care is prioritized: active-duty members come first, then TRICARE Prime enrollees at this clinic, then others on a space-available basis. Specialty care routes to civilian providers in the metro through TRICARE referrals. Visit the Barksdale AFB clinic TRICARE page to set up care after you arrive.

Update your address in DEERS before anything else. Skipping that step is the most common reason new arrivals cannot book an appointment during their first week.

Getting to Barksdale AFB

Driving in

Interstate 20 is the main corridor through the metro, and every gate is reachable from it. Rather than navigate to “Barksdale AFB” as a general destination, route your GPS to the specific gate address you plan to use. Otherwise you may arrive at a gate that closed an hour ago.

• West (Shreveport) Gate — sits at the end of the Shreveport-Barksdale Bridge on Barksdale Boulevard. Visitor Center address: 425 Lindbergh Avenue, Barksdale AFB, LA 71110.
• North (Bossier) Gate — 449 Davis Avenue West, Bossier City, LA 71112.
• East (Industrial) Gate — off Industrial Drive on the northeast side of the installation.

Flying in

Shreveport Regional Airport is the closest commercial field, generally 20 to 30 minutes from the West Gate depending on traffic. The airport is small, so most itineraries connect through a larger hub. There is no military shuttle from the airport to base. Arrange a rental car, a rideshare, or a pickup from your sponsor before you land.

Dallas is roughly three hours west by car, and Little Rock sits about three hours north. Consequently, families flying standby or hunting cheaper fares sometimes drive to a larger airport instead.

Things to Do Near Barksdale AFB

On base

The Barksdale Global Power Museum is free and open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Outdoor displays include multiple B-52s and an SR-71. Visiting relatives who are not DoD cardholders need an approved access pass request submitted roughly 30 days ahead, and they enter through the North Gate. Plan that paperwork before booking anyone’s flight.

The 2nd Force Support Squadron runs outdoor recreation, the youth center, fitness facilities, and discounted attraction tickets. Check current hours and programs at barksdalelife.com.

Off base

• Louisiana Boardwalk — riverfront shopping, dining, and a movie theater in Bossier City, minutes from the West Gate.
• Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area — camping, fishing, and a small zoo near Benton, popular with families year-round.
• Lake Bistineau State Park — cypress-lined lake about 40 minutes southeast, good for paddling and weekend camping.
• Bodcau Wildlife Management Area — hunting, fishing, and trails on the northeast side of the parish.
• Shreveport riverfront and museums — a hands-on science center, an art gallery with free admission, and a walkable riverfront district.

Fall and spring are excellent outdoors here. Summer, honestly, is not. Plan indoor options from June through September.

Barksdale AFB Phone Directory

Last verified: August 2026. Phone numbers and office hours change — call the base operator if a line has moved.

PCS Tips for Your Move to Barksdale

• Route to a gate, not to the base. Navigation apps pick whichever entrance is closest, and three of the four gates close. Save the West Gate address as your default, since it never closes.
• Schedule household goods delivery on a weekday. Moving trucks must use the East Gate, and that gate closes on weekends and federal holidays.
• Register on MilitaryChildCare.com the day orders drop. Then call and ask about your 20 free PCS child care hours, which many families never claim.
• Call the School Liaison before you sign a lease. Bossier Parish zoning is specific, and the campus your street feeds into may surprise you.
• Book lodging early if you move in summer. Pet-friendly rooms are extremely limited, so reserve kennel space as a backup.
• Prepare for the heat. Summers are long and humid here, so make working air conditioning a non-negotiable on any rental walkthrough.

Weighing a personally procured move against government movers? Our DITY and PPM move guide breaks down weight allowances and reimbursement math. For packing and timeline strategy, see our military moving tips.

Every smooth PCS starts with a plan. Start your free PCS Plan© and get a personalized roadmap for your move to Barksdale. The Barksdale PCS Pay It Forward® group is where you ask the questions no official guide answers.

Barksdale AFB PCS FAQs

What is the BAH rate for Barksdale AFB?

Barksdale falls in the Shreveport/Barksdale AFB Military Housing Area, MHA code LA117. With dependents, 2026 rates run from about $1,701 for E-1 through E-4 to roughly $2,352 for an E-9, with officer rates reaching approximately $2,799. Without dependents, enlisted rates run from about $1,281 to $1,932. Look up your exact figure by pay grade and zip code using the BAH Calculator, since rates change every January 1.

Which gates are open at Barksdale AFB?

Barksdale operates four gates. The West (Shreveport) Gate is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The North (Bossier) Gate runs 6:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday. The East (Industrial) Gate runs 5:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. weekdays only, and the Bodcau Gate opens at 4:30 a.m. daily with late-night closing hours.

Which gate do moving trucks use at Barksdale AFB?

All commercial vehicles must enter and exit through the East (Industrial) Gate during its operating hours. Trucks that show up at another gate get turned around and redirected. Because the East Gate closes on weekends and federal holidays, schedule your household goods delivery for a weekday morning.

Who manages on-base housing at Barksdale AFB?

Hunt Military Communities manages privatized family housing at Barksdale, operating as Barksdale Family Housing. There are roughly 990 homes across six neighborhoods, including Heritage Heights, New Heritage Heights, Liberty Heights, and three Main Base communities. Call (318) 395-6689 for the main office or (318) 536-1244 for leasing. Active-duty members pay no security deposit and no up-front rent.

How long is the on-base housing waitlist at Barksdale AFB?

Wait times vary by bedroom count, rank, and season rather than following a fixed timeline. Summer PCS season stretches every list. Contact the Military Housing Office and Barksdale Family Housing as soon as your orders arrive and ask for a current estimate for your family size. Budget for temporary lodging or a short-term rental in case the wait runs long.

What school district serves Barksdale AFB?

Families living on base and in Bossier City attend Bossier Parish Schools. Those who settle in Shreveport attend Caddo Parish Public Schools. Zoning is specific and campus quality varies within each district, so check the attendance boundary map before choosing an address. Call the School Liaison Program Manager at (318) 456-4098 to confirm your campus before signing a lease.

Where do I report when I arrive at Barksdale AFB?

The 24-hour arrival point is the West Gate Visitor’s Center at 425 Lindbergh Avenue, and staff there can help you reach your sponsor at any hour. If you arrive during duty hours, contact your gaining squadron immediately so your Commander Support Staff can begin in-processing. First-term Airmen without a sponsor should report to the Lodging Office at 555 Davis Avenue.

Does the Barksdale AFB clinic have an emergency room?

No. The 2nd Medical Group provides primary care only, and there are no emergency services at the base medical facility. For emergencies, go to a civilian emergency department in Bossier City or Shreveport. The Nurse Advice Line is available 24 hours a day at (800) 874-2273, and the clinic appointment line is (318) 456-6555.

How do I get child care at Barksdale AFB?

Barksdale runs two Child Development Centers, each serving over 100 children from six weeks to five years old, open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Register for the waitlist through MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as your orders arrive. Fees follow a DoD sliding scale based on family income. Families PCSing to or from Barksdale also qualify for 20 free child care hours per child within 60 days of arrival or departure.

Where can my family stay while we wait for housing?

The Barksdale Inn is the on-base lodging option, reachable at (318) 456-3091. Temporary Lodging Expense reimbursement covers up to 14 days for a move within the continental United States. Rooms fill quickly between May and August, and only a handful accept pets. Off-base hotels along the Airline Drive corridor sit three to seven miles from the West Gate and typically offer government rates.

Can visitors get onto Barksdale AFB?

Yes, with an approved pass and REAL ID-compliant identification. The West Gate Visitor Center issues passes daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and the West Gate handles passes when the centers are closed. Call (318) 456-3587 with access questions. Visitors touring the Barksdale Global Power Museum need an access pass request submitted roughly 30 days in advance.

Is Barksdale AFB a good assignment for military families?

Most families rate Barksdale well, largely because housing costs stay below the national average and the community is tight-knit. However, this is an operational bomber wing, so deployments, alert commitments, and exercises come frequently. Families who connect with their unit network and the local military community early tend to have the smoothest tour. The long, humid summers are the most common complaint.

Key Takeaways

• Pick your neighborhood around your gate. Only the West Gate is open 24 hours, and the East Gate closes entirely on weekends.
• Verify your BAH before you budget. Barksdale sits in MHA LA117, and rates rose about 5.3% for 2026 — use the BAH Calculator for your exact figure.
• Contact Barksdale Family Housing the day orders drop. Hunt Military Communities manages all six on-base neighborhoods, and active duty pays no deposit.
• Know there is no ER on base. The 2nd Medical Group handles primary care only, so identify a civilian emergency department near your house early.
• Claim your 20 free PCS child care hours. Register on MilitaryChildCare.com immediately and ask about the benefit when you call.
• Call the School Liaison at (318) 456-4098 before signing a lease. Zoning determines your campus, and one call prevents an expensive mistake.
• Get support before you arrive. Start your free PCS Plan© and get matched with someone who knows this base and this market.