Kirtland Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Kirtland Air Force Base is located in the southeast quadrant of Albuquerque, New Mexico, immediately adjacent to Albuquerque International Sunport. Home to the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) and the Directed Energy Directorate, Kirtland is a critical node in the nation’s nuclear weapons program and advanced energy research. The 377th Air Base Wing serves as the installation host for over 22,000 military and civilian employees. Kirtland also houses the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles and Directed Energy directorates, making it a center for cutting-edge defense research in the high desert of New Mexico.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide nuclear weapons center services, manage the nuclear weapons stockpile sustainment program, and conduct advanced directed energy and space vehicle research and development.
Major Units: 377th Air Base Wing (installation host); Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) headquarters; Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) – Directed Energy Directorate; AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate; Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) elements
Tenant Units: Sandia National Laboratories (Department of Energy, immediately adjacent); Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); Army National Guard; Air National Guard 150th Wing

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Albuquerque, NM (population approximately 560,000) – installation within city limits, southeast quadrant
Nearest Commercial Airport: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) – immediately adjacent to base; base uses commercial runways for some military operations
Gate Access: Wyoming Gate (primary), Gibson Gate, other access points; CAC/military ID required; visitor passes at Visitor Control Center; Sandia Labs adjacency creates significant controlled access requirements

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,000
Family Members: Approximately 5,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 19,000+ (including DOE/Sandia and contractor workforce)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 27,000 (one of the highest civilian-to-military ratios in the AF)

Key Facilities

Medical: 377th Medical Group Clinic; primary care, dental, behavioral health; specialty referrals to University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (Level I Trauma) or Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque
Commissary: Yes – commissary on base
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes – AAFES exchange and facilities on base
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness centers; outdoor pool; golf course (Tijeras Arroyo Golf Course); auto skills; Albuquerque metro offers excellent year-round outdoor recreation; Sandia Mountains (10,378 ft) adjacent to base for hiking and skiing
Schools: Albuquerque Public Schools and Rio Rancho Public Schools serve military families; no DoDEA schools; APS is a large urban district with varying school quality; private school options available
Childcare: Child Development Center on base; waitlists common; register immediately upon receipt of orders
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base; wellness and preventive care
Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance Office, 377th Air Base Wing; appointment-based

Housing

On-Post Housing: Privatized housing on base; managed by Hunt Military Communities; approximately 1,200 units; good condition overall; high-desert adobe-style architecture
Average Wait Time: 30-60 days typical; Albuquerque off-post market is extensive
Off-Post Housing: Albuquerque and Rio Rancho offer extensive options; neighborhoods south and east of base (Kirtland area, Tijeras Canyon communities) are popular; average rent approximately $1,400-$2,100/month for 3-bedroom; Albuquerque is affordable relative to major metros
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at Defense Travel Management Office (dtmo.mil)

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining unit; 377th ABW sponsorship program; nuclear and research community assignments often have specialized sponsorship
In-Processing: 377th Wing in-processing; typically 2-3 days; security clearance verification critical given nuclear/classified mission
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Airman and Family Readiness Center; enrollment required; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center provides excellent specialist coverage

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Semi-arid high desert at 5,312 ft elevation; warm sunny summers (average high 93F/34C in June-July); cold winters (average low 23F/-5C in January); low humidity; over 310 sunny days per year; occasional afternoon thunderstorms in monsoon season (July-August); light snow possible in winter
Cost of Living: Low to moderate; Albuquerque is affordable for a mid-size metro; no state income tax on military pay in New Mexico
Nearby Attractions: Sandia Peak Tram (world’s longest aerial tramway) and Sandia Mountains hiking/skiing; Old Town Albuquerque; Balloon Fiesta (October, world’s largest hot air balloon festival); Santa Fe (60 miles, world-class arts, culture, cuisine); White Sands National Park (3 hours); Taos Pueblo (2 hours)
Spouse Employment: Albuquerque offers employment in government research (Sandia, AFRL, DOE), healthcare (UNM Health Sciences), military contracting, and technology; significant federal/defense sector; University of New Mexico is a major employer; A&FRC assists

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.kirtland.af.mil
Main Installation Phone: (505) 846-0011
MWR Website: https://kirtlandforcesupport.com
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), Kirtland AFB; (505) 846-0488; relocation, financial readiness, employment, family support

Last updated: 2026-02-23
Sources: https://www.kirtland.af.mil; https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/kirtland-air-force-base; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KirtlandAirForce_Base, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law