Home  »  Military Base   »   Eglin Air Force Base Guide

Eglin Air Force Base Guide

Kena Sosa

Eglin Air Force Base is a sizable facility located in the Florida Panhandle. Eglin serves as a training site for almost 20,000 personnel, offering services to thousands more. The 96th Test Wing utilizes this site for testing and new developments.

The installation features five wings with 35 associate units from the Air Force, Army, Marine, and Navy, spanning over 700 miles. Elgin also has the advantage of over 130,000 square miles of air space and over 150 miles of shore. This expansive property currently houses 70 test sites.

The 96th Test Wing here tests “non-nuclear munitions, electronic combat systems, and navigation/guidance systems,” according to the DoD, hosting 40 tenant units. Learn more about Eglin Air Force Base services, housing, education, childcare, and important contact numbers for the base below.

Base History

Eglin Air Force Base, first founded in 1935, was named after Lt. Col. Frederick I. Eglin who had perished in a plane crash. The site has proven its durability by serving the country during five major conflicts.

Before WWII, the property the base now stands on was part of a national forest, but the land was recognized as useful for training due to its location, the weather and the large territory it was located on. Service members from the Air Corps Tactical School were looking for a new land for developments in gunnery and weapons.

The end of the war offered Eglin the chance to shine and promote its pioneering missile handling, being the site of the 1st Experimental Guided Missiles Group in 1946. Eglin then also became the site of the USAF Special Warfare Center in 1962. With the conflict raging in Asia in just a few years later, the testing site eventually gained division status.

Later in the 1990’s, the site scaled down a bit and faced deactivation of the Air Armament Center in 2012. However, Eglin AFB maintains its importance by supporting the 96th Test Wing and many major units representing most commands.

Today, Eglin AFB Eglin tests munitions, electronic combat systems, and navigation systems hosting 40 tenant units representing virtually every major command.

Surrounding Area

Nestled in the western sector of the Florida Panhandle, spanning 700 acres, Eglin Air Force Base is closest to Valparaiso. Its Okaloosa County location is not far from major travel and recreation hubs, including Destin and Pensacola.

It is as much known as a beach retirement area as an active military site. The area has beach-worthy weather for most of the year to highlight the crystal waters and enjoyable sandy beaches, giving it the noteworthy name, the Emerald Coast. Local top spots include the Air Force Armament Museum, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Destin Harbor Boardwalk, and Henderson Beach State Park.

Mission and Units

The Eglin Air Force Base facility is the Department of Defense’s second-largest testing complex. The site focuses on support for missions and weapons testing and development in the 96th Test Wing.

Major units include:

• 33rd Fighter Wing
• 6th Ranger Training Battalion
• 919th Special Operations Wing
• USAF Warfare Center
• 486th Flight Test Squadron
• 53rd Wing
• 96th Test Wing
• 7th Special Forces Group
• 58th Fighter Squadron
• 1st Special Operations Wing
• Air Combat Command

In-Processing and Check-In

Immediately upon arrival at Eglin AFB, locate your Commander Support Staff. They will provide the information and documentation you will need to facilitate check-in. Be sure to bring your current identification, orders and any other relevant documentation to ease the process. The Commander Support Staff will then assign you a sponsor. To request a sponsor, call the gaining unit’s Commander Support Staff or Military Personnel Services at (850) 882-6331.

Child Care

Child Development Centers in Eglin offer care for children as young as six weeks of age into grade school. There are Parents’ Night Out programs to help families have a break from time to time. Both center locations are on Boatner Road.

School Age Programs for kids from five to twelve are also available to entertain kids after school and during the summers. School aged kids will be kept busy with arts, academics and outdoor activities that maintain a healthy lifestyle. Costs depend on family income. Space may be limited, so look into the waiting list beforehand.

For those who prefer home care, this facility also has access to Family Child Care Centers from infancy to twelve years of age, including late night and weekend care. Rates for this service will also vary based on income.

Housing

All housing for service members at Eglin AFB is privatized and run by Mayroad. Mayroad maintains and manages the community and amenities. Single service member housing is also available. Typical floor plans include a room with a bathroom and kitchenette.  The Military Housing Office will have information on availability and application statuses. Contact the MHO in advance at (850) 882-4533.

Related: Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator

Commissary

1511 Memorial Trail Bldg 1755, Suite 1
Eglin AFB, FL32542
(850) 389-6660

The Eglin AFB Commissary has a wide selection of necessary household items. The commissary also offers special orders for fresh produce, meat, cheese trays, cakes, and cupcakes. Fresh sushi is available to order and made daily. To ensure availability, try to order 24 hours in advance.

PCS and TDY Lodging

Eglin does not have many temporary lodging facilities, so reserving a stay ahead of time is key. Contact Eglin Inns for availability and registration at (850) 882-8761.

Transportation

For those flying into the area, the closest airports are The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Regional Airport and Pensacola Regional Airport. The prior is a fifteen-minute trip from Niceville, and the latter is closer to Pensacola.

Pensacola Regional Airport is about 70 miles away. The easiest way to get to Eglin AFB will be using I-10. If you drive in, the easiest way to the base is off I-10. You can get to I-10 from Hwy 85 or Hwy 123 until you reach Interstate 10. It should be noted that there is limited public transportation once on base, so it is advised to look into shuttle schedules ahead of time.

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

Bringing a vehicle into Florida requires registration, Personal Injury Protection, and Liability insurance. Both forms of insurance must have a $10,000 minimum coverage. The insurance company must also be an approved insurance vendor in the state.

Obtaining a license will require a vision test, proof of original Social Security card, and a pair of other forms of identification. Vehicles do not have to be registered separately to enter the base. At all times, maintain and carry proof of vehicle registration, driver’s license for Florida, insurance card, and military ID.

Schools

Children of military service members near Eglin will usually attend schools in the Okaloosa County School District. Children entering Kindergarten through fourth grade go to class at Eglin Elementary School. Fifth through eighth graders go to Addie R. Lewis Middle School in Valparaiso. And high schoolers attend Niceville High School in Niceville. If your child has special needs or services required or for voluntary transfers to other schools, see your School Liaison Officer for options.

Colleges and Universities

For adult education and information on degree programs from undergraduate to master’s degrees, Eglin’s Educational Center is the prime resource for service members. Members have access to the Community College of the Air Force and the Air Force Institute of Technology as well as military training seminars. Open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, Eglin Educational Center can be reached at (850) 882-8141.

Related: Ultimate GI Bill Guide

Contacts

Installation Address
502 W Van Matre Ave, Suite 1 Bldg 205
Eglin AFB, FL 32542
(850) 882-9060

• Adult Education Center (850) 882-8141
• Barracks/Single Service Member Housing (850) 882-5153
• Child Development Center (850) 882-5519
• Civilian Personnel Office (850) 882-6258
• Commissary (850) 882-3172
• Housing Office/Government Housing (850) 882-4533
• ID/CAC Card Processing (850) 882-2742
• School Age Care (850) 882-8291
• School Liaison (850) 882-4319
• Temporary Lodging/Billeting (850) 882-8761
• Visitor Center (850) 882-0791
• Youth Programs (850) 882-8212

Related: Ultimate Military Benefits Guide

Military Bases in Florida

The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there are more than a million and a half veterans living in the state. Florida has the third largest veteran population in the nation, second only to California and Texas. This state has more than 20 military bases, with Pensacola, Florida being recognized by some as the “cradle of Navy aviation.”

If you are traveling to Florida on PCS orders, look up the BAH in your new duty location using our BAH Calculator. You can also find veterans benefits offered in Florida.

Air Force Bases in Florida

• Eglin Air Force Base
• Hurlburt Field
• MacDill Air Force Base
• Tyndall Air Force Base
• Arnold Air Force Base

Space Force Bases in Florida

• Patrick Space Force Base

Did you know? The State of Florida offers qualifying members of the Florida National Guard a program called Educational Dollars for Duty. This program pays public tuition in state-supported Florida colleges “for the period of the Guard member’s service,” according to the official site. You can use the program to earn a Technical Certificate, Associate’s, Baccalaureate, or Master’s Degree.

Navy Bases in Florida

• Naval Air Station Jacksonville
• Naval Air Station Key West
• Naval Air Station Pensacola
• Naval Air Station Whiting Field
• Naval Station Mayport
• Naval Support Activity Orlando
• Naval Support Activity Panama City

Army Bases in Florida

• USSOUTHCOM/U.S. Army Garrison-Miami
• USAREC, Jacksonville Battalion
• USAREC, Miami Battalion
• USAREC, Tampa Battalion

Coast Guard Bases in Florida

• USCG Base Miami Beach

Get more info on VA benefits for veterans, retirees, separating service members, spouses, dependents, and disabled veterans. Learn more about the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, monthly housing allowances, VA loans, and TRICARE.

VA Centers in Florida

The Villages VA Clinic

8900 Southeast 165th Mulberry Lane
The Villages, FL 32162-5884
352-674-5000
Mental health: 352-674-5166 x305166

Ocala VA Clinic

4826 Southwest 49th Road
Ocala, FL 34474-6299
352-369-3320
Mental health: 352-547-1583

Tavares VA Clinic

1390 East Burleigh Boulevard
Tavares, FL 32778-4305
352-253-2900
Mental health: 352-235-2900

Lecanto VA Clinic

2804 West Marc Knighton Court
Suite A
Lecanto, FL 34461
352-746-8000

Clermont VA Clinic

3200 Citrus Tower Boulevard
Clermont, FL 34711-7012
352-536-8200
Mental health: 352-536-8200

Brooksville VA Clinic

14540 Cortez Boulevard
Suite 108
Brooksville, FL 34613-6001
352-597-8287
Mental health: 352-597-8287 x4140

Medical View Lane VA Clinic

6938 Medical View Lane
Daughterly Road Professional Center
Building 7, Suite 7
Zephyrhills, FL 33542-6848
813-780-2550

Zephyrhills VA Clinic

37827 Eiland Boulevard
Zephyrhills, FL 33542-1857
813-780-2550
Mental health: 813-780-2550 x3119

Gainesville VA Clinic

5469 SW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608-5032
352-548-6000

Gainesville 1 VA Clinic

5465 SW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608-5032
352-384-3560

Lake Baldwin VA Clinic

5201 Raymond Street
Orlando, FL 32803-8208
407-646-5500
Mental health: 407-646-5400

Gainesville Sixty-Fourth Street 3 VA Clinic

5571 Southwest 64th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608-9608
352-337-4900

Gainesville Sixty-Fourth Street 2 VA Clinic

5533 Southwest 64th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608-9608
352-271-5967

Gainesville Sixty-Fourth Street 1 VA Clinic

5415 Southwest 64th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608-9605
352-338-4900 x161200

Gainesville VA Domiciliary

1604 Southeast 3rd Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32641-7346
352-548-1800

Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

1601 Southwest Archer Road
Gainesville, FL 32608-1135
352-376-1611
Mental health: 352-384-3560

Palatka VA Clinic

400 North State Road 19
Suite 48
Palatka, FL 32177-2449
386-329-8800
Mental health: 386-329-8800

Gainesville Ninety-Eighth Street VA Clinic

3401 Northwest 98th Street
Gainesville, FL 32606-5010
352-376-1611 x137090

Kissimmee VA Clinic

701 Union Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741-5007
407-518-5004
Mental health: 407-518-5004

New Port Richey VA Clinic

7900 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654-5405
877-741-3400
Mental health: 727-869-4100 x4350

Deer Park VA Clinic

5138 Deer Park Boulevard
Suites 101 and 102
New Port Richey, FL 34653-7027
727-372-1481

VA Vet Centers In Florida

Ocala Vet Center

3300 Southwest 34th Avenue
Suite 140
Ocala, FL 34474
352-237-1947

Clermont Vet Center

1655 East Highway 50
Suite 102
Clermont, FL 34711
352-536-6701

Gainesville Vet Center

105 NW 75th Street
Suite 2
Gainesville, FL 32607
352-331-1408

Orlando Vet Center

5575 South Semoran Boulevard
Suite 30
Orlando, FL 32822
407-857-2800

Pasco County Vet Center

5139 Deer Park Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34653
727-372-1854

Other Military Bases in the Continental United States

• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
• Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
• Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas
• Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado
• Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia

Look up the BAH in your new duty location by searching for your zip code’s housing allowance using our BAH Calculator. You can also review our complete list of Military Bases by State.