Hanscom Air Force Base

“At Hanscom Air Force Base, we acquire critical warfighting systems for the Air Force and our sister services”, including radar, communication and intelligence systems, command and operations centers, network infrastructure and cyber defense, according to the Hanscom MilitaryINSTALLATIONS page. The base is in Massachusetts, and the page notes that “Base personnel live in six states, so the housing research area is wide.”

Prepare for the cost of living

“This is one of the top three areas in the country for cost of living”, the installation page says. When read in October 2026, it warned that housing “most likely will be much more expensive and difficult to find”, with two-bedroom apartments starting at $2500+ per month, and that off-base child care runs $350 to $600 per week and is difficult to secure, so contact the CDC or Family Child Care early or use MilitaryChildCare.com. “There are no longer any lodging facilities on base.”

From October to April, expect black ice or snow and ice; good windshield wipers, plenty of washer fluid and a full tank of gas are critical, and the page warns about moose, deer and other wildlife on the roads from dusk to dawn.

In-processing by organization

Air Force Life Cycle Management Center members report to Building 1604, Room 125, First Floor, 16 Eglin Street, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with their PCS package including AF Form 899 and AF Form 330, the check-in page says. Members of the 66th Air Base Group and its squadrons, recruiters other than the 319th Recruiting Squadron, the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Naval War College start at the Military Personnel Section. The 319th Recruiting Squadron reports to its CSS at 59 Otis St., Building 1211, the duty day after arrival (781-225-6570). DoD civilians register for in-processing through the Civilian Personnel Office.

Finance in-processing briefings are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Brown Building, Building 1305. Bring your medical, dental and shot records, passport if applicable, on-the-job training record and education records. The Visitor/Welcome Center in Building 1662 at 2 Old Bedford Rd. is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. (781-225-5605); visitors who drive on base must show proof of license, registration and insurance.

Housing

“Hanscom Housing is privatized and DoD Civilians are eligible to apply”, per the housing page, which suggests checking with the Privatized Housing Office at The Landings for rent specials. The Base Housing Office is at 20 Schilling Cir., Building 1305, 3rd Floor.

Medical care: outpatient only

“The 66th Medical Squadron’s medical treatment facility is an ambulatory, outpatient-based facility”, the health care page says, and it names Lahey Hospital and Medical Center and Emerson Hospital as the nearest hospitals with emergency capabilities. The clinic is at 90 Vandenberg Drive, Building 1900 (781-225-6789). Hanscom and local communities have 911 services, and you can call 911 from base offices, per the emergency assistance page; register for base emergency alert notifications on your phone and email.

Schools: Lincoln Public Schools on base

“There are two schools located on Hanscom AFB for children residing in base housing; Hanscom Primary School and Hanscom Middle School”, which are part of the Lincoln, Massachusetts, public school system, per the education page. Students in grades 9 through 12 are transported to Bedford High School. School Liaison Officer: 781-225-1482.

Before you arrive

Budget for deposits and high rents, get on child care wait lists early, book off-base lodging since none exists on base, and find your organization’s in-processing location before your first day.