Georgia has long been a strategic cornerstone in the defense of the United States. With a rich military history and thirteen active installations across multiple branches, the Peach State remains vital to national security, troop readiness, and logistics. Whether you’re a service member PCSing to Georgia military bases, a military family planning your next move, or simply exploring Georgia’s defense footprint, this guide provides an in-depth look at the key military bases throughout the state.
Overview of Georgia’s Military Bases
Every branch of the U.S. military—except the Coast Guard—maintains a presence in Georgia. From high-tech cyber operations to heavy infantry and logistics hubs, these installations cover a wide spectrum of military functions. Georgia military bases wings are spread across rural towns and metropolitan areas, contributing to both national defense and local economies.
What Military Spouses and Active Duty Service Members are Saying About Life at Georgia Military Bases
Pros and Cons From Real Military Members and Their Spouses
We asked military families stationed in Georgia military bases how life here compares to other duty stations across the country. Their responses were raw, honest, and deeply insightful. While some have found community, beauty, and opportunity, others have struggled with climate, infrastructure, and culture shock. So if you are PCSing to a Georgia military base anytime soon, here is the good, the bad, the surprising, and the ugly about military life in Georgia:
✅ Pros of Military Life in Georgia
- Access to Nature, Travel & Adventure
Many respondents loved being within a few hours’ drive of both the mountains and the beach. Weekend getaways to places like Savannah, Atlanta, Biloxi, and even Disney World were frequently mentioned as highlights.
“We are a large family and can get to awesome places in less than 5 hours.”
“You are within a 2-3 hour drive from the ocean and the mountains.”
“This is a great place to travel away from — Orlando, Savannah, etc.”
- Slower Pace of Life & Friendly People
A recurring theme was the slower, more relaxed Southern lifestyle and the friendliness of locals—especially when compared to faster-paced bases like Vegas or California.
“It’s not constantly GO GO GO… Georgia is a slow Sunday stroll.”
“People are more friendly and willing to help out. We made friends faster here than any other base.”
- Lower Cost of Living & Quality of Life Perks
Affordable living, vibrant greenery, and charming small-town communities were praised by several families. Many preferred living off base and building lasting connections in local towns.
“The moss, the trees, the green. It has a homey feel here.”
“We chose to live outside the general military area… very sweet, small town that has grabbed us within their warmth.”
❌ Cons of Military Life in Georgia
- Harsh Climate & Pest Problems
Georgia’s sweltering heat, humidity, and abundance of insects were frequently cited as major quality-of-life issues. Many mentioned cockroaches, gnats, mosquitoes, and even scorpions or yellow flies.
“The bugs don’t do it!!!! The gnats bite! The flies bite! The mosquitoes will swoop down and carry your dog away!”
“It’s hot and there are alligators and cockroaches everywhere.”
“Mold mold mold. Always sick and my children sick.”
- Medical Care and School Challenges
Several families shared serious concerns about healthcare access and quality, especially in on-base ERs and hospitals. Others mentioned bullying in schools and a lack of support for special needs or EFMP programs.
“Doctors and specialists are very difficult to be seen by.”
“Not the EFMP station they talk it up to be.”
“The hospital sucks… I wouldn’t trust the ER on post in an emergency.”
- Social Isolation, Cultural Mismatch, and Discrimination
Some military spouses expressed difficulty finding community, especially stay-at-home parents. Others reported experiences of racism, homophobia, and religious pressure, making integration difficult for diverse families.
“It has felt very isolating for me as a stay-at-home mom.”
“We have experienced more open racism here. My kids have been constantly bullied.”
“As a non-Christian, it’s often uncomfortable. People try to push me to go to church.”
Georgia military bases offers military families natural beauty, travel access, and Southern hospitality—but it’s not without its drawbacks. Your experience here may depend heavily on housing choices, unit culture, and the local community you build. Whether you’re preparing for your PCS to Georgia or reflecting on past duty stations, knowing both the perks and challenges can help you plan for a more successful and supported assignment.
Georgia’s Military Bases Map
Army Bases in Georgia
We asked military families stationed in Georgia how life here compares to other duty stations across the country. Their responses were raw, honest, and deeply insightful. While some have found community, beauty, and opportunity, others have struggled with climate, infrastructure, and culture shock. So if you are PCSing to a Georgia military base anytime soon, here is the good, the bad, the surprising, and the ugly about military life in Georgia military bases:
Fort Gordon
Located near Augusta, Fort Gordon is the Army’s cyber warfare and intelligence epicenter. It’s home to the U.S. Army Cyber Command, the Cyber Center of Excellence, and NSA Georgia.
Key Missions:
- Cyber operations and signal intelligence
- Electronic warfare training
- Home of the U.S. Army Signal Corps
Fort Stewart
Situated in Liberty County near Savannah, Fort Stewart is the largest Army base east of the Mississippi River and houses the 3rd Infantry Division.
Key Missions:
- Mechanized warfare training
- Rapid deployment readiness
- Tank and artillery support
Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning)
Near Columbus, Fort Moore is known as the “Home of the Infantry.” It’s a premier site for training soldiers in infantry, airborne, and ranger tactics.
Key Missions:
- Infantry and airborne training
- Officer Candidate School (OCS)
- Ranger School operations
Hunter Army Airfield
Located in Savannah and directly supporting Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield is critical for aviation training and deployment logistics.
Key Missions:
- Helicopter and aviation operations
- 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade
- Rapid troop deployment support
Fort Gillem
A smaller Army installation in Forest Park, Fort Gillem historically served logistics functions and now supports law enforcement and forensic operations.
Fort McPherson
Located in East Point, Fort McPherson formerly served as a major command headquarters. Though largely decommissioned, it holds historical and strategic significance.
Camp Frank D Merrill
A specialized training site in Dahlonega, this base is primarily used by Army Rangers and mountain warfare specialists.
Air Force Bases in Georgia
Moody Air Force Base
Found in Valdosta, Moody AFB is a combat-ready base specializing in search and rescue and A-10 fighter support.
Key Missions:
- Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
- HH-60 Pave Hawk training
- A-10 Thunderbolt II operations
Robins Air Force Base
Near Warner Robins, Robins AFB is one of the largest logistics and maintenance hubs in the Air Force, playing a pivotal role in aircraft sustainment.
Key Missions:
- Aircraft maintenance and depot-level repair
- Air Force Sustainment Center
- Logistics support for multiple aircraft platforms
Dobbins Air Reserve Base
Located in Marietta, Dobbins ARB is the largest multi-service reserve training facility in the world.
Key Missions:
- 94th Airlift Wing operations
- Joint-force Reserve and Guard training
- Humanitarian and disaster response preparation
Navy and Marine Corps Bases in Georgia
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
Positioned in Camden County near St. Marys, Kings Bay is the East Coast home to the Navy’s Trident ballistic missile submarines.
Key Missions:
- Strategic deterrence and submarine deployment
- Submarine maintenance and support
- Nuclear security and readiness
Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany
Near Albany in southern Georgia, MCLB Albany provides critical support for the Marine Corps’ logistics operations.
Key Missions:
- Depot-level maintenance
- Supply chain management
- Equipment readiness for deployed units
NAS Atlanta (General Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center)
Though no longer an active-duty Navy base, NAS Atlanta remains a key location for National Guard aviation and reserve units.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the largest military base in Georgia?
Fort Stewart holds the title, spanning over 280,000 acres and supporting the 3rd Infantry Division.
What Air Force bases are in Georgia?
- Moody Air Force Base (Valdosta)
- Robins Air Force Base (Warner Robins)
- Dobbins Air Reserve Base (Marietta)
What is the primary Navy base in Georgia?
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is Georgia’s main Navy installation, home to the Atlantic Fleet’s ballistic missile submarine force.
Are there Marine Corps bases in Georgia?
Yes. MCLB Albany is the central logistics and depot base for Marine Corps operations on the East Coast.
