Maxwell Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Maxwell Air Force Base is located in Montgomery, Alabama, and serves as the intellectual center of the U.S. Air Force. Home to Air University – the Air Force’s senior professional military education system – Maxwell trains officers, NCOs, and civilians from all services and over 100 allied nations. The installation includes both Maxwell AFB proper and the adjacent Gunter Annex (formerly Gunter AFB). Maxwell is named for 2nd Lieutenant William C. Maxwell, an aviator killed in a 1920 Philippine flying accident. The base is distinguished by its role as the Air Force’s center for doctrine development, professional military education, and leadership training.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide professional military education and leadership development to Air Force, joint service, and international officers and enlisted personnel; develop Air Force doctrine and strategy.
Major Units: Air University (headquarters); Air Command and Staff College (ACSC); Air War College (AWC); Squadron Officer School (SOS); Community College of the Air Force (CCAF); Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education; Ira C. Eaker Center for Professional Development
Tenant Units: Air Force Research Institute (AFRI); Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education; Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA, world’s largest repository of Air Force historical documents); Defense Legal Services Agency elements

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Montgomery, AL (population approximately 200,000) immediately adjacent; Birmingham, AL – approximately 90 miles north; Atlanta, GA – approximately 170 miles east
Nearest Commercial Airport: Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) – approximately 5 miles from base
Gate Access: Main gate; CAC/military ID required; visitor passes at Visitor Control Center; student/PME populations create high gate traffic during academic terms

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 5,000 (permanent party; large student population varies by semester)
Family Members: Approximately 6,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 4,000 (significant academic and research civilian workforce)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 15,000+

Key Facilities

Medical: 42nd Medical Group Clinic; primary care, dental, behavioral health; specialty referrals to Baptist Health System or UAB Hospital in Birmingham for complex care; Montgomery has reasonable medical coverage
Commissary: Yes – commissary on base
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes – AAFES exchange and facilities on base
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness centers; outdoor pool; golf course (Cypress Bend Golf Course); bowling; auto skills; lakeside recreation at Maxwell; tennis; Montgomery city cultural offerings including Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Schools: Montgomery County Public Schools serve military families; no DoDEA schools; Montgomery city schools vary significantly in quality; many military families choose private schools or suburban county schools
Childcare: Child Development Center on base; waitlists common especially for PME school cycles; register early
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base; wellness and preventive care
Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance Office, 42nd Air Base Wing; appointment-based

Housing

On-Post Housing: Privatized housing on base; mix of family housing neighborhoods; condition generally good; Maxwell’s lake provides pleasant setting; Gunter Annex also has some housing
Average Wait Time: 30-60 days typical; Montgomery off-post housing is affordable and abundant
Off-Post Housing: Montgomery suburbs and surrounding communities are popular; Pike Road, Prattville, and Millbrook are popular family areas; average rent approximately $1,100-$1,700/month for 3-bedroom home; Alabama is very affordable; no state income tax on military pay in Alabama
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at Defense Travel Management Office (dtmo.mil)

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining school or unit; Air University assigns sponsors for incoming PME students and permanent party personnel
In-Processing: 42nd Air Base Wing in-processing center; typically 2-3 days; Air University requires academic enrollment processing in addition to installation in-processing
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Airman and Family Readiness Center; enrollment required; Montgomery has adequate specialist coverage; Birmingham (90 miles) provides Children’s Hospital and UAB for complex cases

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical; hot humid summers (average high 91F/33C in July); mild winters (average low 35F/2C in January); occasional ice storms; spring is beautiful with azaleas; moderate rainfall year-round
Cost of Living: Very low; Alabama is one of the most affordable states; Montgomery is below national average on virtually every cost metric; excellent value for families
Nearby Attractions: Civil Rights Memorial and Museum (Montgomery is historically significant in the Civil Rights movement); Alabama Shakespeare Festival; Lake Martin (1 hour) for water recreation; Birmingham (90 miles); Pensacola Beach, FL (2.5 hours); Gulf Shores, AL (2.5 hours); Atlanta (3 hours)
Spouse Employment: Montgomery offers employment in healthcare, education (Alabama State University, Huntingdon College), state government, and some manufacturing; limited compared to major metros; remote work common; A&FRC assists

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.maxwell.af.mil
Main Installation Phone: (334) 953-1110
MWR Website: https://lifeatthemax.us
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), Maxwell AFB; (334) 953-2353; relocation, financial readiness, employment, family support

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