Vance Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Enid, Oklahoma
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Vance Air Force Base was established in 1941 and is located immediately southwest of Enid, in north-central Oklahoma. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Leon R. Vance Jr., the base serves exclusively as a pilot training installation under Air Education and Training Command (AETC). Vance is one of the Air Force’s primary undergraduate pilot training (UPT) bases and produces hundreds of newly rated Air Force and international pilots annually.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Conduct Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) to produce Air Force pilots for fighter, bomber, mobility, and other aviation platforms.
Major Units:
71st Flying Training Wing (host wing)
71st Operations Group
25th Flying Training Squadron (T-38 Talon)
32nd Flying Training Squadron (T-6A Texan II)
33rd Flying Training Squadron (T-6A Texan II)
71st Medical Group
71st Mission Support Group
Tenant Units: Doss Aviation (T-6 contractor operations), various AETC support elements

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Enid, OK (immediately adjacent); Oklahoma City, OK (approximately 75 miles south)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Enid Woodring Regional Airport (WDG) — limited commercial service; Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) — approximately 75 miles south is the primary commercial option
Gate Access: Main gate operates 24/7; visitor control center issues passes for civilians; CAC required for unescorted access; civilian visitors must present Real ID-compliant identification

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 1,500-2,500 (including student pilots)
Family Members: Approximately 2,500-3,500
Civilian Employees: Approximately 800-1,200
Total Installation Population: Approximately 5,000-7,000

Key Facilities

Medical: 71st Medical Group — primary care clinic for active duty and beneficiaries; dental clinic on base; specialty care referrals to Tricare network in Enid and Oklahoma City
Commissary: Yes — commissary on base serving the Vance military community
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — BX with retail, food court, and essential shopping; smaller than BXs at larger installations
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness center, outdoor tracks, basketball and tennis courts, swimming pool, bowling center, outdoor recreation area; community atmosphere common at smaller pilot training bases
Schools: Enid Public Schools serves dependent children; no DoDEA schools on installation
Childcare: Child Development Center on base; waitlists can occur; contact CDC directly for current availability upon receipt of orders
Veterinary Services: Vance AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility — services for military working dogs and eligible beneficiary pets; appointment required; limited hours typical at smaller installations
Legal Assistance / JAG: 71st Flying Training Wing Legal Office — legal assistance by appointment; powers of attorney and notary services available; contact office for current walk-in availability

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities — family housing available for enlisted and officer families; smaller inventory given installation size; approximately 500-700 units
Average Wait Time: Varies by grade; some units may be immediately available while others have short waits; contact housing office immediately upon receipt of orders
Off-Base Housing: Enid offers very affordable housing; average rent for a 2-3 bedroom home ranges approximately $700-$1,100/month; home purchase prices are among the lowest in the region; many families choose to purchase homes given the affordable market and typical 1-year or longer UPT training tours
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through the gaining squadron; UPT student sponsorship is typically coordinated through student flights; contact the 71st OSS or student squadron for sponsor assignment
In-Processing: Report to the 71st FSS MPF in-processing section; new student pilots report to their assigned flying training squadron; in-processing orientation typically completed within 2-3 days
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the 71st Medical Group and Airman & Family Readiness Center; enrollment required before PCS; Enid area has limited specialty care — assess family medical needs carefully and coordinate with EFMP office and gaining medical group before orders are finalized

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Continental climate with hot summers (temperatures regularly above 95 degrees F), cold winters with occasional ice and snow, and significant wind year-round; tornado risk during spring season (April through June); relatively low humidity compared to eastern Oklahoma
Cost of Living: Very low — Enid and north-central Oklahoma rank among the most affordable areas in the United States; housing, food, and services are all well below the national average
Nearby Attractions: Enid downtown historic district, Champlin Park and other city parks, Glass Mountains (selenite crystal-studded hills approximately 60 miles west), Gloss Mountains State Park, Great Salt Plains State Park (approximately 50 miles northwest), Oklahoma City day trips (approximately 75 miles south)
Spouse Employment: Enid’s job market is small; major employers include St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Enid Public Schools, and agriculture/energy sector; remote work is increasingly the preferred option for military spouses at this location

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.vance.af.mil/
Main Installation Phone: (580) 213-5000
MWR Website: https://www.vanceservices.com/
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) — contact via main installation line (580) 213-5000 for current location and appointment scheduling

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: www.vance.af.mil, AETC official resources, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, personal knowledge base through August 2025