Fairchild Air Force Base Complete Guide

Quick Facts

Location: Spokane, Washington (12 miles southwest of downtown Spokane)
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Size: 4,300 acres
Population: ~5,100 active duty, 800+ civilians, 1,200+ contractors
Major Units: 92nd Air Refueling Wing, 336th Training Group (Survival School)
Mission: Air refueling operations; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) training
Climate: Four distinct seasons – cold snowy winters, warm dry summers
Gateway to: Pacific Northwest outdoor recreation, mountains, lakes

Overview & History

Fairchild Air Force Base, established in 1942 as Spokane Army Air Depot, has served as a critical Air Force installation for over 80 years. The base was renamed Fairchild AFB in 1950 to honor General Muir S. Fairchild, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.

During the Cold War, Fairchild housed B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft as part of Strategic Air Command. The base played a crucial role in America’s nuclear deterrent and global power projection capabilities.

Today, Fairchild AFB hosts two primary missions. The 92nd Air Refueling Wing operates KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft providing aerial refueling for Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied aircraft worldwide. The KC-135, in service since 1957, remains the backbone of Air Force refueling operations despite its age. Fairchild’s tankers deploy globally supporting combat operations, exercises, and airlift missions.

The 336th Training Group operates the Air Force Survival School, training approximately 7,000 students annually in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) techniques. SERE training prepares aircrew members, special operations forces, and others at high risk of isolation for survival in hostile environments. The school’s location near mountains, forests, and varied terrain provides ideal training conditions.

Fairchild’s location in eastern Washington near Spokane provides access to excellent quality of life, four-season recreation, affordable cost of living, and Pacific Northwest natural beauty. The combination of critical refueling mission, world-renowned survival training, and outstanding location makes Fairchild a distinctive assignment.

Units Stationed Here

92nd Air Refueling Wing (Air Mobility Command): Base’s host unit and primary mission organization. Operates KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft supporting global operations.

92nd Operations Group: Flies and maintains mission readiness of KC-135 fleet. Multiple squadrons including:

  • 43rd Air Refueling Squadron: KC-135 operations
  • 336th Air Refueling Squadron: KC-135 operations
  • 92nd Operations Support Squadron: Mission planning, intelligence, weather, life support

92nd Maintenance Group: Maintains and generates KC-135 aircraft. Highly skilled maintainers keeping aging tanker fleet mission-ready through extensive depot-level maintenance and modifications.

92nd Mission Support Group: Installation support including security forces, civil engineering, communications, contracting, logistics, services.

92nd Medical Group: Base hospital and healthcare services.

336th Training Group (AETC): Operates Air Force Survival School providing SERE training.

336th Training Squadron: Conducts SERE training courses including:

  • SERE Level C: For aircrew and personnel at high risk of capture (most common course)
  • Water Survival Training: For aircrew operating over water
  • Advanced courses for special operations and specialized personnel

SERE training is physically and mentally demanding, conducted in field environments simulating hostile conditions. Training includes wilderness survival, evasion tactics, resistance techniques, and escape methods. Instructors are highly trained specialists.

141st Air Refueling Wing (Washington Air National Guard): Operates KC-135 aircraft alongside active duty 92nd ARW. Associate unit sharing aircraft and mission.

22nd Training Squadron (Det 1): Conducts Aerospace Physiology training including altitude chamber, hypoxia recognition, and other physiological training for aircrew.

Fairchild heritage includes tragic 1994 B-52 crash during airshow practice – significant aviation safety lessons learned, memorialized on base.

Housing Options

On-Base Housing

Provider: Balfour Beatty Communities manages Fairchild AFB family housing.

Neighborhoods:

Peacekeeper Park: Largest neighborhood, renovated 2-4 bedroom homes, family-friendly, central location near schools and amenities, playgrounds, community center. Most popular neighborhood with moderate wait times.

Desert Storm Village: 2-4 bedroom homes, mix of renovated and older homes being updated. Good neighborhood for families.

Tanker Heights: Townhomes and duplexes, 2-3 bedrooms, good for smaller families or junior enlisted. Shorter wait times.

Officer Housing (Fairchild Estates): Separate neighborhood with larger homes (3-4 bedrooms), typically newer or better-maintained. Senior officer homes substantial.

Wait Times: Vary by rank, bedroom count, and neighborhood. E-5 and below: 4-8 months typical. E-6+: 2-4 months. Officers: 4-8 weeks usually. Peacekeeper Park most desired. Apply immediately upon orders.

Amenities: Community centers, playgrounds, basketball courts, tot lots. Most homes have yards and garages (important for Washington winters). Pets allowed with restrictions (breed/size limits).

Benefits: On-base housing convenient – no commute, access to all facilities, utilities included (heating costs in winter significant savings). Strong military community. Schools on base (K-8).

Contact: Balfour Beatty Communities, (509) 247-2146, www.fairchildfamilyhousing.com

Off-Base Housing

Spokane and surrounding communities offer extensive off-base housing options. Market affordable compared to most West Coast locations.

Spokane (West/Northwest): 15-25 minutes to base. Washington’s second-largest city (population 230,000, metro 585,000). Full-service city with all amenities. Homes $225k-$500k, rentals $1,200-$2,500/month (3BR). Wide range of neighborhoods – research carefully as quality varies significantly.

Airway Heights: Small city immediately adjacent to base (5-10 minutes). Population 10,000+. Most convenient location. Homes $200k-$400k, rentals $1,100-$2,000/month. Mix of older and newer housing. Medical Lake School District. Very popular with military families due to proximity.

Medical Lake: Small town 10 minutes west of base. Population 5,000. Rural character, quieter. Homes $180k-$350k, rentals $1,000-$1,800/month. Medical Lake School District. Good for families wanting small-town atmosphere close to base.

Cheney: College town 15 minutes south (home to Eastern Washington University). Population 13,000. Homes $200k-$400k, rentals $1,100-$2,000/month. Cheney School District. Good for families, college-town amenities, affordable.

Spokane Valley: East Spokane area, 25-35 minutes to base through Spokane. Population 100,000+. Suburban feel, shopping, schools. Homes $225k-$450k, rentals $1,200-$2,300/month. Central Valley and West Valley school districts (research specific schools – quality varies). Longer commute but more suburban amenities.

Liberty Lake: Growing community 30 minutes from base (east of Spokane). Newer developments, master-planned communities, family-oriented. Homes $300k-$600k+, rentals $1,500-$3,000/month. West Valley schools. Appeals to those wanting newer construction and higher-end amenities. Longer commute.

Spokane North Side: Various neighborhoods 20-30 minutes from base. Mead and North Spokane offer good schools and family neighborhoods. Homes $250k-$500k.

BAH Rates (2025):

  • E-5: $1,686/month (with dependents)
  • E-7: $1,893/month
  • O-3: $2,214/month
  • O-4: $2,502/month

BAH comfortably covers Airway Heights, Medical Lake, and Cheney. Spokane proper and nicer areas may require out-of-pocket depending on choices. Washington’s cost of living reasonable for West Coast.

Winter Considerations: Garage or covered parking highly desirable for Spokane winters. Snow removal services/equipment necessary. Budget for heating costs (natural gas or electric heat). Well-insulated homes important.

Recommendation: Airway Heights and Medical Lake offer best combination of convenience and value. Cheney good for families wanting small college-town feel. Spokane provides urban amenities but longer commute. On-base housing excellent if willing to wait.

Schools & Education

DoDEA Schools (On-Base)

Fairchild operates DoDEA schools for elementary and middle school students:

Fairchild Elementary School (K-5): On-base, approximately 300 students, strong academics, safe environment, experienced teachers familiar with military lifestyle. Excellent option for elementary students.

Fairchild Middle School (6-8): On-base, approximately 200 students, solid academics, good preparation for high school. Small class sizes, dedicated teachers.

No DoDEA High School: High school students attend off-base schools in local districts (Medical Lake, Cheney, or Spokane area depending on housing location).

DoDEA schools at Fairchild well-regarded by families. Convenient on-base location for residents.

Local School Districts

Medical Lake School District: Serves Airway Heights and Medical Lake areas. Most common district for off-base military families due to proximity.

Schools:

  • Hallett Elementary, Parkway Elementary: Elementary schools
  • Medical Lake Middle School: Grades 6-8
  • Medical Lake High School: Small school (~350 students), adequate academics, limited AP offerings, safe environment, personalized attention. Graduation rates good. Smaller school means fewer extracurriculars than larger schools but tight-knit community.

Medical Lake schools are adequate and military-friendly. Not top-ranked but solid education in safe environment.

Cheney School District: Serves Cheney area.

Schools:

  • Cheney High School: Larger than Medical Lake (~750 students), better AP offerings, more extracurriculars, college-town influence, decent academics. Good option for high school students.
  • Cheney Middle School, Sunset Elementary, Betz Elementary: Feeder schools

Cheney schools generally strong option, better than Medical Lake for high school.

Spokane Public Schools: Large district serving Spokane proper. Quality varies dramatically by school – research specific schools carefully.

Notable Schools:

  • Ferris High School (South Spokane): Strong academics, good programs
  • Lewis and Clark High School (Downtown): Historic school, college prep focus, International Baccalaureate program
  • Mead School District (North Spokane): Separate district, generally well-regarded
  • Central Valley School District (Spokane Valley): Good reputation, multiple schools

Private Schools:

Gonzaga Preparatory School (Spokane): Catholic Jesuit college prep, grades 9-12, strong academics, competitive admission, $16k-$20k/year. One of region’s best schools.

St. George’s School (Spokane): Independent college prep, PreK-12, strong academics, $20k-$30k/year depending on grade. Excellent but expensive.

Various Catholic elementary schools throughout Spokane area, typically $5k-$8k/year.

Homeschooling community active in area, particularly within military community.

Colleges & Universities

Gonzaga University (Spokane): Private Jesuit university, nationally ranked, strong academics, Division I athletics, beautiful campus. Military tuition assistance accepted.

Eastern Washington University (Cheney): Public 4-year university, comprehensive programs, affordable, military-friendly. Popular with military members pursuing degrees.

Whitworth University (North Spokane): Private Christian liberal arts college, strong academics, smaller school, military TA accepted.

Spokane Falls Community College & Spokane Community College: Two-year colleges, affordable, transfer programs, vocational certificates. Convenient options for associates degrees or general education credits.

Washington State University (Pullman – 75 miles south): Flagship state university. Spokane has WSU extension campus for graduate programs and select degrees.

Online Education: Many Fairchild personnel pursue online degrees. Base education office provides support and resources.

Healthcare Facilities

92nd Medical Group (Fairchild AFB Hospital)

Facility Type: Military Treatment Facility (MTF) – small hospital with limited services

Services Available:

  • Primary care (family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine)
  • Emergency care (urgent care capability – stabilization, transfer for serious emergencies)
  • Pharmacy (formulary medications)
  • Laboratory and radiology (basic X-ray, limited imaging)
  • Physical therapy
  • Mental health services (behavioral health, counseling, psychiatry)
  • Immunizations and preventive care
  • Flight medicine
  • Optometry
  • Women’s health (routine GYN care, prenatal care – deliveries occur off-base)
  • Dental clinic (separate facility)

Services NOT Available:

  • Surgical procedures (beyond minor)
  • Specialty care (most specialties referred out)
  • Labor and delivery
  • Advanced imaging (MRI, CT typically off-base)
  • Inpatient care

Off-Base Care (TRICARE):

Most specialty care, surgeries, and hospitalizations occur in Spokane:

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center (Spokane): 20 minutes from base, large regional medical center, Level II trauma center, full-service hospital, emergency room, surgery, labor/delivery, ICU, most specialties, TRICARE network. Primary referral hospital for Fairchild.

MultiCare Deaconess Hospital (Spokane): Downtown Spokane, full-service hospital, similar capabilities to Sacred Heart, TRICARE accepted.

Providence Holy Family Hospital (North Spokane): Community hospital, emergency room, surgery, labor/delivery, basic specialties.

MultiCare Rockwood Clinic: Large physician group with clinics throughout Spokane area, primary care and specialty care, TRICARE network.

TRICARE Prime: Fairchild MTF serves as primary care manager. Referrals issued for specialty care. System works well given proximity to Spokane hospitals.

TRICARE Select: More flexibility to self-refer to civilian providers. Higher out-of-pocket costs but good option if preferring civilian care throughout or needing frequent specialty access.

Maternity Care: Prenatal care available on-base. Deliveries occur at Sacred Heart or other Spokane hospitals. Hospitals have strong labor/delivery services. Many military families deliver at Sacred Heart. Coordinate with TRICARE and providers early in pregnancy.

Behavioral Health: Mental health services available on-base through 92nd Medical Group. Military OneSource provides additional free confidential counseling. Spokane has extensive civilian mental health resources available through TRICARE if needed.

Base Amenities

Commissary: Full-service commissary on Fairchild with good selection. Competitive prices. Adequate size for base population. Can be busy weekends. Monthly case lot sales. Essential given limited civilian grocery options in Airway Heights/Medical Lake.

Exchange: Base Exchange (BX) with standard offerings – clothing, electronics, household goods, barber/beauty shops, food court. Smaller than major base exchanges but meets needs. Gas station with competitive prices. Class Six package store. Shoppette for quick items.

Fitness Centers:

Fitness & Sports Center: Modern facility with extensive cardio equipment, free weights, machines, functional fitness area, basketball courts, racquetball, group fitness classes (spin, yoga, Zumba, CrossFit-style), locker rooms. Open extended hours. Well-equipped for base size.

Outdoor Recreation: Equipment rental critical for Pacific Northwest lifestyle – camping gear, fishing equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, skis/snowboards (winter), bikes. Discount tickets for local attractions including Silverwood Theme Park, ski resorts (Mt. Spokane, Schweitzer, 49 Degrees North). Guided trips available.

Swimming Pool: Indoor pool open year-round. Lap swimming, family swim times, swim lessons, water aerobics. Essential during cold months.

Youth Programs: School-Age Program (before/after school care), Child Development Center (infant through PreK – two facilities), Youth Center, summer camps, sports leagues, Teen Center. CDC waitlists exist – register immediately upon orders.

Library: Base library with books, computers, wifi, children’s programs. Good collection for base size.

Bowling Center: 20-lane bowling facility, pro shop, arcade, food service, league play. Popular year-round entertainment, especially during winter.

Auto Hobby Shop: Self-service vehicle maintenance bays, tools available, knowledgeable staff. Essential for DIY maintenance and winterizing vehicles.

Arts & Crafts Center: Woodworking shop, ceramics, framing, scrapbooking. Classes and open shop times.

Golf: Fairchild Golf Course – 9-hole course, affordable rates, well-maintained, beautiful setting. Open seasonally (weather dependent). Pro shop, driving range.

Outdoor Activities: Pacific Northwest location provides exceptional recreation:

  • Hiking: Riverside State Park (adjacent to Spokane), Mt. Spokane State Park, countless trails
  • Water Sports: Multiple lakes nearby – Lake Coeur d’Alene (30 min), Lake Pend Oreille (1.5 hrs), Priest Lake, Columbia River, Spokane River (kayaking, rafting)
  • Skiing/Snowboarding: Mt. Spokane Ski Resort (45 min), Schweitzer Mountain (1.5 hrs – Idaho), 49 Degrees North (1.5 hrs), Silver Mountain (1 hr – Idaho)
  • Fishing: Lakes, rivers, streams – trout, bass, perch. Excellent fishing throughout region
  • Hunting: Deer, elk, waterfowl, upland game birds. Washington offers good hunting opportunities
  • Rock Climbing: Spokane area has climbing spots
  • Mountain Biking: Extensive trail systems
  • Winter: Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling

Clubs & Dining:

  • Top of the Rock Club: On-base club with dining, events, catering
  • Enlisted dining facility
  • Food court at BX
  • Starbucks on base

MWR Programs: Trips to Seattle, Portland, Vancouver BC (Canada – 5 hrs), national parks, ski resorts. Discount tickets. Active MWR given excellent regional opportunities.

Employment Opportunities

Civilian Jobs on Base: Fairchild employs approximately 800+ civilian employees:

Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS): Positions in aircraft maintenance, administration, logistics, contracting, civil engineering, communications, security. Check USAJOBS.gov regularly. Aircraft maintenance technicians for KC-135 fleet in demand.

92nd Air Refueling Wing Hiring: Maintenance technicians, logistics specialists, administrative support, various technical positions supporting refueling operations.

336th Training Group: SERE instructors (highly specialized – prior military experience typically required), administrative support, training support positions.

Contractor Positions: Defense contractors including Boeing (KC-135 support), various services contractors. Check company websites and contractor job fairs. Clearances often preferred.

Spouse Employment:

Military Spouse Preference (MSP): Available for federal civil service positions. Provides hiring advantage. Apply through USAJOBS and indicate MSP status clearly.

On-Base Jobs: Exchange, commissary, CDC, youth programs, fitness center, library hire regularly. Check websites and apply in person.

Spokane Employment: Healthcare (Providence and MultiCare health systems hire extensively), retail, education (multiple school districts, universities hire teachers/staff), Spokane International Airport, service industries, tech sector (growing). Spokane economy diverse for city size.

Remote Work: Increasingly common option. Spokane internet infrastructure solid. Many spouses pursue remote employment for flexibility and career continuity regardless of PCS location.

Unemployment: Washington state unemployment typically near national average (4-5%). Spokane job market reasonably healthy though not booming. Plan ahead and network.

Education Benefits: Military spouses eligible for MyCAA (up to $4,000), SECO resources, base education office support.

Washington Economy: Diverse economy including aerospace (Spokane has some Boeing presence), healthcare, education, government (military), agriculture (eastern Washington), tourism. No state income tax but Washington has relatively high sales tax (approximately 9%).

Recommendation: Federal employment and contractor positions offer best stability. Spokane provides adequate civilian opportunities. Healthcare sector strong for medical professionals. Remote work excellent option. Network through spouse groups and base employment assistance programs.

Nearby Cities & Attractions

Spokane: 12-20 minutes to downtown. Population 230,000 (metro 585,000). Eastern Washington’s largest city. Full-service with shopping (River Park Square mall downtown, NorthTown Mall, Spokane Valley Mall), diverse dining (farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, ethnic food), entertainment (theaters, concerts, events), Spokane Arena (concerts, hockey), Spokane Convention Center.

Riverfront Park: Downtown, 100-acre urban park along Spokane River, site of 1974 World’s Fair. Spokane Falls (beautiful waterfalls), SkyRide over falls, Looff Carrousel (antique carousel), Garbage-Eating Goat sculpture, Pavilion, ice ribbon (winter skating), playgrounds, concerts/events. Free admission (some attractions charge). Beautiful park and Spokane’s crown jewel.

Manito Park: South Spokane, 90-acre park with formal gardens (Duncan Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden), duck pond, conservatory. Free admission. Beautiful year-round.

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC): Spokane’s premier museum, regional history, Native American exhibits, art collections, historic Campbell House mansion. Rotating exhibits.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: 30 minutes east. Beautiful lake town, resort destination. Lake Coeur d’Alene (stunning alpine lake), Coeur d’Alene Resort (famous floating green golf hole), downtown shops and restaurants, beach activities, Tubbs Hill trails, North Idaho College. Popular day trip and weekend getaway.

Lake Coeur d’Alene: 30 minutes. Crystal-clear alpine lake, boating, swimming, beaches (City Beach, Higgens Point, Sanders Beach), water sports, fishing. Summer recreation paradise.

Sandpoint, Idaho: 1.5 hours north. Charming lakeside town on Lake Pend Oreille (Idaho’s largest lake). Schweitzer Mountain Resort (skiing/snowboarding winter, mountain biking summer), downtown shops/restaurants, beaches. Beautiful mountain setting. Worth day trips or weekend visits.

Mt. Spokane State Park: 45 minutes northeast. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park (winter – skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing), hiking (summer), mountain biking, scenic drives. Highest point in Spokane County (5,883 ft). Beautiful views.

Riverside State Park: Adjacent to northwest Spokane, 10,000+ acres along Spokane River. Hiking, mountain biking (extensive trail system), horseback riding, rock climbing (Deep Creek area), camping, Bowl and Pitcher area (dramatic basalt formations). Disc golf. Year-round recreation. Spokane’s outdoor playground.

Silver Mountain Resort (Kellogg, Idaho): 1 hour east. Ski resort in winter, mountain coaster and activities in summer. Historic mining town of Kellogg. Fun day trip.

Silverwood Theme Park (Athol, Idaho): 45 minutes north. Northwest’s largest theme park. Roller coasters, rides, Boulder Beach water park. Popular summer family destination. Season passes good value for families.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge: 30 minutes south. Wildlife viewing, hiking, bird watching, photography. Peaceful nature escape.

Grand Coulee Dam: 1.5 hours west. One of world’s largest dams, tours available, laser light show (summer evenings), visitor center. Engineering marvel.

North Cascades & Seattle: 4.5 hours west. Day trips difficult but weekend trips to Seattle, North Cascades National Park feasible. Access to Puget Sound region.

Canadian Border: 1.5 hours north. Nelson, BC (2 hrs), Vancouver, BC (5 hrs) accessible for international trips. Passport required.

Outdoor Recreation: Pacific Northwest lifestyle embraces outdoor activities:

  • Summer: Hiking, mountain biking, water sports on countless lakes, fishing, camping, rock climbing, golf
  • Fall: Hiking, hunting, fishing, fall colors
  • Winter: Skiing/snowboarding (multiple resorts within 1-2 hrs), snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling
  • Spring: Hiking, fishing, wildflowers, emerging from winter

Events:

  • Hoopfest (June): World’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, downtown Spokane
  • Bloomsday (May): Major running race (12K), Spokane tradition
  • Spokane Interstate Fair (September): Regional fair
  • Pig Out in the Park (September): Food festival, Riverfront Park
  • Various concerts, festivals, First Friday art walks

Culture: Spokane is friendly, outdoors-oriented, politically conservative (eastern Washington), affordable, family-friendly. Less diverse than Seattle but welcoming. Strong sense of community. Four distinct seasons embraced. Casual Pacific Northwest lifestyle without Seattle’s high costs or traffic.

Weather: Four true seasons. Winters cold and snowy (highs 25-35°F, lows 15-25°F, 40-50 inches snow annually). Summers warm and dry (highs 80-90°F, lows 55-65°F, low humidity – pleasant). Spring and fall mild. Approximately 260 sunny days annually. Prepare for winter but overall pleasant climate.

Legal Services

92nd Force Support Squadron Legal Office provides free legal assistance to active duty members, retirees, and family members:

Services Offered:

  • Wills and Estate Planning: Simple wills, living wills, powers of attorney (financial and medical). Essential for all service members, especially aircrews and deployers.
  • Notary Services: Free notarization for legal documents.
  • Landlord-Tenant Issues: Lease reviews, advice on disputes, Washington tenant law, SCRA protections including lease termination rights upon PCS/deployment.
  • Consumer Affairs: Contract disputes, creditor problems, scams, identity theft assistance.
  • Family Law Consultation: Basic advice on divorce, separation, custody, child support. Cannot represent in court but explains process and options. Referrals provided for family law attorneys.
  • Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): Advice on protections including 6% interest rate cap, lease terminations, civil court stays, residency issues, vehicle registration.
  • Tax Assistance (Seasonal): Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during tax season providing free tax preparation. Washington has NO state income tax on wages (significant benefit) but does have capital gains tax on certain high-income residents.
  • Immigration Assistance: Limited advice for family member immigration matters.
  • Advance Medical Directives: Living wills, healthcare proxies.

Limitations: Legal office cannot represent service members in civilian court, handle criminal defense (contact Area Defense Counsel for courts-martial), or manage complex civil litigation. Referrals provided for matters beyond scope.

Appointments: Call (509) 247-2276 to schedule. Walk-ins accepted for notary services when staffing permits. Bring ID, relevant documents, spouse’s ID if applicable.

Washington Law: Legal office familiar with Washington-specific laws. Washington is community property state (important for divorce). No state income tax on wages but relatively high sales/property taxes.

Off-Base Attorneys: Washington State Bar Association provides lawyer referral at www.wsba.org. Many Spokane attorneys offer military discounts or free initial consultations.

For more comprehensive military legal information and resources, visit [your military legal website link].

PCSing to Fairchild AFB

Before You Arrive

Orders Review: Verify orders show Fairchild AFB, Washington with correct report date, weight allowance, dependents listed properly. Confirm unit assignment (92nd ARW or 336th TRG).

Housing Application: Apply for on-base housing immediately through Balfour Beatty Communities (509-247-2146). Join waitlist even if considering off-base. If planning off-base, begin house-hunting 60-90 days out. Airway Heights and Medical Lake competitive but manageable. Virtual tours available for many rentals.

Winter Preparation: If arriving during winter months (November-March), prepare for cold and snow. Winter clothing essential. Vehicle winterization (battery, antifreeze, winter tires recommended, emergency kit). Research winter driving if unfamiliar.

School Enrollment: Contact DoDEA schools if planning on-base housing or appropriate district if living off-base (Medical Lake, Cheney, or Spokane schools depending on location). Enroll early. Immunization records required.

Childcare: Fairchild CDC has waitlists. Register at militarychildcare.com immediately upon orders. Explore off-base daycare in Spokane/Airway Heights as backup.

Spouse Employment: Begin job search early if spouse seeking work. Federal positions have long timelines. Explore remote work options. Register with base employment programs and spouse support groups.

Washington Residency: Consider establishing Washington residency – NO state income tax on wages (significant financial benefit). Military members can maintain home state vehicle registration under SCRA. Washington driver’s license and registration available if desired.

Vehicle: Ensure reliable vehicle for winter conditions. AWD/4WD helpful but not mandatory with good winter tires. Budget for winter tires or excellent all-seasons.

Arrival & Inprocessing

Arrival: Report to 92nd Force Support Squadron (Military Personnel Section) in Building 2005 within 24 hours of arrival (duty days). Bring orders, ID cards, medical/dental records.

Temporary Lodging: Fairchild Inn (on-base lodging) available for PCS inprocessing – reserve early, limited capacity. Off-base hotels plentiful in Spokane and Airway Heights. TLA days limited – arrange permanent housing quickly.

Inprocessing Checklist: Standard military inprocessing – ID cards, finance, medical/dental appointments, safety briefings, unit sponsor meeting, security clearances (if applicable). Allow 2-4 days for complete inprocessing.

Vehicle Registration: Register vehicles at Pass & Registration Office. Bring state registration, proof of insurance, valid driver’s license. Obtain base decal. Washington registration optional unless establishing residency.

Base Orientation: Fairchild compact and easily navigable. Flightline separates housing/support areas from airfield operations. Base map helpful initially.

Winter Arrival: If arriving in winter, drive carefully – ice and snow common. Base roads cleared but can be slippery. Allow extra time. Keep emergency kit in vehicle (blanket, water, snacks, flashlight, phone charger, shovel).

Household Goods: Coordinate delivery with TMO. Ensure housing ready before delivery. Winter deliveries require weather consideration.

First Week Tips

Gate Access: Main gate off Flightline Avenue. North gate available. Traffic manageable except shift changes. Real ID compliant ID required. Visitors need sponsor.

Winter Adjustment: Invest in quality winter gear – insulated coat, waterproof boots, gloves, hat. Layers essential. Remote starter for vehicle highly recommended. Ice scraper, snow brush required. Block heater helpful (plugs in overnight). Winter tires or excellent all-seasons important. Learn winter driving (slow down, increase distance, gentle inputs). Snow common November-March.

Grocery Shopping: Use commissary for savings. Spokane has all major chains (Walmart, Fred Meyer, Safeway, WinCo, Costco, Trader Joe’s) if prefer variety or specific items.

Explore Region: Visit Riverfront Park, Coeur d’Alene, Mt. Spokane early. Pacific Northwest incredibly beautiful. Don’t wait. Outdoor Rec offers discount tickets and guided trips.

Find Community: Attend newcomer’s orientation (strongly recommended). Join spouses’ club, unit activities, outdoor recreation programs, base clubs. Fairchild community friendly and welcoming. Making connections enhances quality of life significantly.

Outdoor Gear: Invest in appropriate gear for Pacific Northwest – hiking boots, rain gear (essential!), camping equipment, fishing gear, skis/snowboard (if interested). Outdoor Rec rents equipment initially while you decide what to purchase. REI in Spokane for quality outdoor gear.

Rain: Pacific Northwest known for rain but Spokane is drier than Seattle (only ~17 inches annually vs Seattle’s 38). Still, rain gear useful especially spring/fall. Winters are snow, not rain.

Wildlife: Regional wildlife includes deer (common, watch for on roads especially dawn/dusk), black bears (present in mountains but rare near Spokane), moose (northern Idaho), cougars (rare but present), coyotes, rattlesnakes (summer, in drier areas – rare near base).

Canadian Border: Passport required for Canada trips. Enhanced driver’s license also works for land crossings. Vancouver BC incredible city 5 hours north – worth weekend trips.

Mental Preparation: Fairchild’s winter climate and Pacific Northwest gray days not for everyone. If you embrace outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, water sports), enjoy four seasons, and appreciate natural beauty, you’ll thrive. If you require year-round sunshine and warm weather, adjustment may be difficult. Attitude determines experience.

Mindset: Fairchild AFB offers critical refueling mission, world-famous SERE training, affordable cost of living, excellent outdoor recreation, four true seasons, and friendly community. Spokane provides small-city amenities without big-city problems. Pacific Northwest natural beauty is extraordinary. Winters require preparation but are manageable and offer their own recreation (skiing!). Those who embrace outdoor lifestyle and seasonal changes have excellent assignments. Enjoy the unique opportunities Fairchild and the region provide!

Sources: Fairchild Air Force Base Official Website, Wikipedia (Fairchild Air Force Base), Defense.gov, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs, Balfour Beatty Communities

Last Updated: January 2025




Zoomed Image