Facilities in Military Families in the US: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction to Military Base Amenities
In the United States, every military base offers a range of facilities to support the families of service members. These essential amenities provide a sense of community and support for those who serve. Understanding these facilities can help ensure a smooth transition and enjoyable living experience on any military base.
Base Exchange
The Base Exchange is the primary retail center on most military bases. Similar to shopping at Walmart or Target, the Base Exchange offers a variety of products, including outdoors equipment, clothing, jewelry, and home electronics. Base Exchanges often feature a food court with various fast food restaurants, making it a one-stop shopping and dining destination for military families.
Mini-Mall or Shopette
The Mini-mall or Shopette is the military equivalent of a convenience store. Offering essential items like snacks, beverages, and basic necessities, Mini-malls serve as a quick and convenient shopping option for families. Many bases have a military equivalent to 7-Eleven or Circle K for those who need a quick errand.
Gas Station/Service Station
Every military base provides a gas station or service station where vehicles can be fueled. These stations often offer a range of services, including vehicle maintenance and repairs, making it convenient for military families to keep their vehicles in top condition.
Commissary
The Commissary is a grocery store where military families can purchase food and other household essentials. Commissaries offer a wide variety of fresh produce, dairy products, and various grocery items at competitive prices. Unlike many civilian grocery stores, the Commissary is discount only, making it an important resource for cost-conscious families.
Gymnasium
Every military base has a Gymnasium for fitness and recreational activities. These facilities often offer a range of amenities, including cardio equipment, weightlifting areas, and group exercise classes. The Gymnasiums are designed to keep military families fit and healthy, contributing to overall wellness and readiness.
Family Rec Center
The Family Rec Center is a hub for various activities and events, especially for children. Here, kids can play video games, use the ping-pong table, pool, and foosball. Parks and recreational sports facilities nearby may also be available, providing a variety of options for family entertainment and physical activity.
Bowling Alley
Some military bases provide a Bowling Alley where families can spend time together, enjoying a fun pastime. Bowling alleys often host family nights and special events, providing a fun and engaging social activity for military families.
Child Day Care
Many military bases offer Child Day Care facilities to accommodate working parents. These centers provide a safe and nurturing environment for children while parents are at work, allowing them to focus on their duties without worrying about their children.
Library
A Library on the base is another valuable resource for military families. These libraries offer books, magazines, and other resources for both children and adults, promoting literacy and educational growth within the family unit.
US Post Office
The US Post Office on the base provides a convenient option for mailing and receiving mail. This service is essential for anyone stationed on a military base, ensuring efficient and reliable communication with family and friends back home.
Movie Theater
Military bases often have their own Movie Theater, offering a more affordable and convenient option for entertainment. These theaters typically show films that have been out on the market for a few weeks, with ticket prices and concessions significantly cheaper than local downtown theaters. While single-screen, these theaters provide a dedicated venue for family movie nights and other entertainment activities.
Housing for Military Families
The housing for military families can vary significantly depending on the installation and the rank of the service member. Housing units can range from solitary structures to duplexes, providing varying levels of space and comfort.
Higher-ranking officers, such as Generals or Colonels, are typically provided with spacious living quarters. Lower-ranking officers and senior NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) have more modest but still comfortable living arrangements. For other service members, housing is usually shared with neighbors, fostering a sense of community and support within the base.
Additional Amenities on Military Bases
Military bases often have various amenities such as arts and crafts shops and auto hobby shops. While these are becoming less common, some bases still offer spaces for service members to work on their vehicles or engage in creative hobbies.
Most military installations provide a range of other facilities, including post exchanges, commissaries, gas stations, gyms, medical clinics, golf courses, and community swimming pools. The specific amenities available can vary from base to base, so it's essential to explore each installation to understand the full range of services provided.
Understanding and utilizing these facilities can greatly enhance the quality of life for military families, making life on a military base both comfortable and convenient.