Little Rock Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Jacksonville, Arkansas
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Little Rock Air Force Base is located approximately 17 miles northeast of downtown Little Rock, Arkansas, near the city of Jacksonville. Established in 1955, the installation is home to the 19th Airlift Wing and serves as the primary training base for the C-130 Hercules airlifter in the U.S. military, training aircrews and maintenance personnel from all U.S. military services and allied nations. The base plays a critical role in tactical airlift operations and global mobility.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: C-130 Hercules airlift training and tactical airlift operations in support of combatant commanders worldwide.
Major Units:
19th Airlift Wing (host wing)
19th Operations Group
19th Maintenance Group
19th Mission Support Group
19th Medical Group
61st Airlift Squadron
62nd Airlift Squadron
41st Airlift Squadron (associate)
189th Airlift Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard (associate unit, also flies C-130H)
Tenant Units: 314th Airlift Wing (formal training unit for C-130 aircrew and maintainers); various Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard associate units

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Little Rock, AR (approximately 17 miles southwest)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Little Rock, approximately 17 miles
Gate Access: Main gate (East Gate) staffed 24/7 for CAC holders. Visitor Control Center processes visitor passes for non-CAC holders during normal duty hours. Real ID or equivalent identification required. Contact 19th Security Forces Squadron for current gate hours and visitor procedures.

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 6,000 to 7,000
Family Members: Approximately 8,000 to 10,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 1,500 to 2,500
Total Installation Population: Approximately 16,000 to 20,000 (including contractors and Guard/Reserve)

Key Facilities

Medical: 19th Medical Group — full outpatient clinic with primary care, dental, mental health, and pharmacy; complex specialty care referred to Baptist Health or UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock
Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary serving the installation community
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Main Exchange (BX) with a retail store, food court, gas station, and specialty shops
Fitness & Recreation: Fleeman Fitness Center, outdoor recreation areas, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course (Eagle’s Nest Golf Course), bowling center, youth sports
Schools: Jacksonville/North Pulaski School District serves most military dependents; no DoDEA school on installation; several private school options in the greater Little Rock area
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on base; School Age Program also available; waitlists are common — families should apply for CDC enrollment as soon as PCS orders are received
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base — services for military working dogs and eligible beneficiaries including pets; appointments recommended
Legal Assistance / JAG: Staff Judge Advocate office on base — legal assistance available by appointment; powers of attorney typically available as walk-in service during business hours

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities; a mix of neighborhoods with various home sizes for different grades; some renovated units available
Average Wait Time: Varies by rank and family size; typically ranges from 30 to 120 days; E-1 through E-4 without families may have limited on-base options
Off-Base Housing: Jacksonville, Cabot, Sherwood, and North Little Rock offer affordable housing; average rent for a 3-bedroom home ranges from approximately $1,000 to $1,600 per month (2024 estimates); home purchase market is also relatively affordable
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Sponsors assigned through gaining unit; contact your gaining unit’s orderly room or first sergeant to request a sponsor before arrival
In-Processing: Report to the Airman and Family Readiness Center and Military Personnel Flight; standard in-processing takes 3 to 5 business days
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the 19th Medical Group EFMP office; enrollment is mandatory prior to PCS for family members with special needs; contact the EFMP coordinator for specific services and referrals

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical; hot and humid summers (highs near 95 degrees F); mild winters with occasional ice storms; spring severe weather season (tornadoes possible)
Cost of Living: Low to moderate — Arkansas consistently ranks among the lowest cost-of-living states; housing and everyday expenses are well below national average
Nearby Attractions: Pinnacle Mountain State Park (hiking); downtown Little Rock (restaurants, arts, River Market District); Heifer International Village; Lake Maumelle (fishing, water sports)
Spouse Employment: Moderate job market in the greater Little Rock area; healthcare, education, government, and retail sectors offer opportunities; remote work increasingly viable

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.littlerock.af.mil/
Main Installation Phone: (501) 987-1110
MWR Website: https://www.littlerockfss.com/ (19th Force Support Squadron)
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), 19th Force Support Squadron — contact via main installation directory or (501) 987-6823 (verify current number upon arrival)

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: Training knowledge base; https://www.littlerock.af.mil/; https://www.littlerockfss.com/; DTMO BAH reference; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law