U.S. Army
Allen Army Airfield — Fort Greely, AK, United States
📍 Fort Greely, AK, United States
⭐ 3.5/5 community rating · Rated by Soldiers and families
About Allen Army Airfield
Allen Army Airfield is a U.S. Army aviation facility located at Fort Greely, Alaska — home of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, America's missile defense shield. Located in the remote interior of Alaska near Delta Junction, this small installation hosts military and contractor personnel supporting one of the nation's most critical strategic defense missions. Fort Greely's subarctic location creates one of the most extreme duty environments in the U.S. military. Temperatures regularly reach -50°F in winter, and the isolation of interior Alaska requires a particular mindset and preparation. However, for service members and families who embrace the Alaskan frontier — snowmachining, Northern Lights viewing, fishing for arctic species, and exploring vast wilderness — Fort Greely is a genuinely unique adventure. The cost of living reflects Alaska's remote supply chain, and BAH plus COLA supplements support living in the Delta Junction-Fort Greely area or the larger Fairbanks community (100 miles north). Fairbanks provides more substantial community services, schools, and amenities for families. Allen Army Airfield's aviation mission supports the GMD installation's operational requirements and provides a small but professional aviation community. BaseNeed connects Fort Greely families with interior Alaska housing resources, BAH and COLA information, and the remote Alaska military community.
Allen Army Airfield at a Glance
Location: Fort Greely, AK 99731, United States.
Branch & command: U.S. Army, USARAK.
On-base housing: Limited, typical wait 1-2 months.
Cost-of-living index: 132.50 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Subarctic, extreme cold.
Nearby cities: Delta Junction, Fairbanks, North Pole.
Base operator: (907) 873-1234.
2026 BAH at Allen Army Airfield
Allen Army Airfield uses the stateside Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) — a tax-free monthly allowance set by the DoD based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the local military housing area. Look up your exact 2026 monthly rate on the official DTMO BAH calculator using this installation ZIP code.
Quick Facts about Allen Army Airfield
- Branch & location
- U.S. Army · Fort Greely, AK, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $2,436/mo with deps · $1,827 without
- Cost of living
- Index 132.5 — above average
- Climate
- Subarctic, extreme cold
- Off-base housing
- limited
PCS to Allen Army Airfield — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Allen Army Airfield requires planning that most Soldiers start 90–120 days before their report date. The key areas to tackle first are housing (on-base vs. off-base), BAH calculation, school enrollment for children, and spouse employment. This guide walks you through each step.
Step 1: Understand Your Orders and Timeline
Your PCS orders to Allen Army Airfield will specify your Report No Later Than (RNLTD) date — your primary planning anchor. From this date work backwards: HHG shipment scheduling (DPS at move.mil) should happen at least 30–45 days out; housing research should begin immediately. Contact your losing unit S1 or PSD to initiate your out-processing checklist as soon as orders are in hand. Request a sponsor from your gaining unit — most U.S. Army units assign one who can answer installation-specific questions and help your family settle in before you arrive.
Step 2: Calculate Your 2026 BAH and Set a Housing Budget
Your 2026 BAH for Fort Greely, AK is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $2,436/month. E-5 without dependents: $1,827/month. E-7 with dependents: $2,610/month. O-3 with dependents: $2,937/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this above average area, Fort Greely, housing costs can reach your full BAH rate, so budget carefully for utilities and other living expenses. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to compare rates across all pay grades.
Step 3: On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing Decision
Begin your search as early as possible — ideally 90-120 days before your report date. Submit your on-base housing application immediately after receiving orders, even if you plan to live off-base. Current on-base wait: approximately 1-2 months. Apply for on-base housing immediately after receiving orders — even if you lean toward off-base, maintaining a waitlist position keeps all options open. Browse verified housing listings near Allen Army Airfield on BaseNeed, filtered to your BAH rate and preferred communities.
Step 4: Schools, Childcare, and Family Resources
Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Allen Army Airfield early — they specialize in school enrollment, record transfers, and finding the right educational fit for military-connected students at every grade level. DoDEA schools (if available on-base) offer curriculum continuity across PCS moves. For childcare, the Child Development Center (CDC) on base provides subsidized, high-quality care — waitlists can be 6–12 months, so register immediately after receiving orders. The Family Support Center offers free spouse employment assistance, financial counseling, and PCS transition workshops for the whole family.
Step 5: Schedule Your HHG Shipment and Travel
Book your Household Goods (HHG) shipment through DPS (move.mil) as early as possible — peak PCS season (May–August) fills carrier capacity quickly. Options include a full government move, a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), or a combination. Pack a "first-night box" with essentials — documents, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes per family member — separately from your main shipment. Photograph all valuables before the move and file claims promptly for any damage discovered at delivery. Carriers are required to honor claims within the timeframe specified in your Bill of Lading.
Step 6: In-Process at Allen Army Airfield
Upon arrival, complete garrison in-processing at the welcome center. Required stops typically include finance (to activate BAH and other allowances), medical and dental records transfer, vehicle registration, ID card office, and your unit S1 or PSD. Bring multiple copies of your orders, all ID cards, medical records, vehicle title, and signed housing paperwork. Most installations complete full in-processing in 2–5 business days. Your unit sponsor can walk you through installation-specific requirements and help your family get oriented faster.
Housing & Cost of Living — Allen Army Airfield
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Fort Greely, AK ranges from $1,827/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $2,937/month for mid-grade officers with dependents. All BAH is 100% tax-free income. Housing is tight — begin your search early. On-base wait: ~1-2 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near Allen Army Airfield →
More useful BaseNeed resources
Use these quick links to continue your PCS planning, compare BAH, and explore local military community support.
2026 BAH Rate Table — Allen Army Airfield (Fort Greely, AK)
E-5 with dependents: $2,436/mo | Without dependents: $1,827/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,106/mo | $1,581/mo |
| E-2 | $2,106/mo | $1,581/mo |
| E-3 | $2,106/mo | $1,581/mo |
| E-4 | $2,106/mo | $1,581/mo |
| E-5 | $2,436/mo | $1,827/mo |
| E-6 | $2,454/mo | $1,887/mo |
| E-7 | $2,610/mo | $1,989/mo |
| E-8 | $2,814/mo | $2,166/mo |
| E-9 | $3,018/mo | $2,265/mo |
| W-1 | $2,457/mo | $1,965/mo |
| W-2 | $2,694/mo | $2,163/mo |
| W-3 | $2,943/mo | $2,271/mo |
| W-4 | $3,045/mo | $2,463/mo |
| W-5 | $3,171/mo | $2,655/mo |
| O-1 | $2,448/mo | $1,881/mo |
| O-1E | $2,646/mo | $2,091/mo |
| O-2 | $2,451/mo | $2,064/mo |
| O-2E | $2,907/mo | $2,235/mo |
| O-3 | $2,937/mo | $2,301/mo |
| O-3E | $3,066/mo | $2,415/mo |
| O-4 | $3,210/mo | $2,619/mo |
| O-5 | $3,405/mo | $2,733/mo |
| O-6 | $3,432/mo | $2,922/mo |
| O-7 | $3,456/mo | $2,973/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Fort Greely, AK. Rates are 100% tax-free and updated each January 1st. BAH is designed to cover the 80th percentile of local housing costs.
Cost of Living at Allen Army Airfield
The cost of living index near Allen Army Airfield is 132.5 — 33% above the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Fort Greely, AK in the above average category. Cost of living is 33% above the U.S. national average.
At 132.5, expect higher costs across the board. Maximize your tax-free allowances (BAH, BAS) and use on-base services — the commissary saves military families an average of 30% on groceries vs. commercial prices.
Climate & Lifestyle near Allen Army Airfield
The climate near Allen Army Airfield is Subarctic, extreme cold. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. Harsh winters require cold-weather gear for the whole family plus vehicle winterization (snow tires, antifreeze). Look for housing with good insulation and efficient heating.
Outdoor recreation and quality-of-life activities vary significantly by season at this installation. Connect with Soldiers already stationed at Allen Army Airfield on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at Allen Army Airfield
As a U.S. Army installation, Allen Army Airfield provides comprehensive on-base facilities for Soldiers, retirees, and eligible family members. These subsidized services significantly reduce cost of living compared to civilian alternatives — one of the major financial benefits of military service.
🍽️ Dining & Clubs
- • Food Court
- • Officers Club
- • NCO Club
- • Coffee Shop
💪 Fitness & Recreation
- • Physical Fitness Center
- • Indoor Pool
- • Outdoor Track
- • CrossFit Box
🏨 On-Base Lodging
- • IHG Army Hotels
- • Guest House
- • Distinguished Visitor Quarters
🤝 Support Services
- • Army Community Service (ACS)
- • Chapel
- • Legal Assistance
- • Military OneSource
🛒 Shopping & Commissary
- • Commissary
- • Post Exchange (PX)
- • Shoppette
- • Class Six
🏥 Healthcare
- • Army Health Clinic
- • Dental Clinic
- • Pharmacy
- • Optometry
🎳 Recreation & Library
- • Post Library
- • Outdoor Recreation
- • Auto Skills Shop
- • Bowling Center
- • Arts & Crafts Center
👨👩👧 Family Services
- • Child Development Center
- • Youth Center
- • School Liaison Office
- • Teen Center
Military Community & Spouse Employment at Allen Army Airfield
The military community around Allen Army Airfield is one of the installation's greatest assets. Connecting with other Soldiers and families before your PCS move smooths the transition — especially for spouses and children adjusting to a new duty station. Use BaseNeed's community features to connect with families currently at Allen Army Airfield, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near Allen Army Airfield is supported by the Spouse Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) at the installation Family Support Center. Resources include resume workshops, job search tools, licensing and certification support, and connections to military-friendly employers in Fort Greely. Federal employment via USAJOBS offers Military Spouse Hiring Preference (Executive Order 13473), and many contractors on and near the installation actively recruit military spouses. Remote and hybrid work has also become a popular solution for location-flexible employment across PCS moves.
→ Browse jobs near Allen Army Airfield · → Join the Allen Army Airfield community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at Allen Army Airfield live in a range of communities surrounding the installation. Each neighborhood offers different commute times, school districts, and housing prices. Explore housing options in these areas:
Why Allen Army Airfield Stands Out
- Missile Defense
- Remote Location
- Extreme Weather
- Small Community
Other Military Bases in AK
Comparing duty stations in AK? Browse other installations:
- → Eielson AFB (Fairbanks)
- → Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Anchorage)
- → Fort Wainwright (Fairbanks)
- → USCG Base Kodiak (Kodiak)
- → Fort Greely (Delta Junction)
Other U.S. Army Installations
Exploring other U.S. Army duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Tacoma, WA)
- → Fort Carson (Fort Carson, CO)
- → Felker Army Airfield (Fort Eustis, VA)
- → Cairns Army Airfield (Fort Rucker, AL)
- → Wheeler Army Airfield (Schofield Barracks, HI)
- → Fort Bliss (El Paso, TX)
Frequently Asked Questions — Allen Army Airfield
What is the 2026 BAH rate at Allen Army Airfield?
Allen Army Airfield is a stateside (CONUS) installation, so you receive tax-free Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on your pay grade, dependents, and the local housing area. Enter this base ZIP code in the official DTMO BAH calculator to see your exact 2026 monthly rate.
Does Allen Army Airfield get BAH or OHA?
Allen Army Airfield is a stateside (CONUS) installation, so you receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on your pay grade and dependency status — not the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) used at bases abroad.
How long is the wait for on-base housing at Allen Army Airfield?
On-base family housing at Allen Army Airfield is currently limited, with typical wait times around 1-2 months. Apply through homes.mil as soon as your orders are cut, and keep an off-base backup plan ready since demand is often high.
Is it expensive to live near Allen Army Airfield?
The local cost-of-living index near Allen Army Airfield is about 132.50 (100 = national average). Build your housing budget around your BAH and compare on-base versus off-base options before committing.
What is the climate like at Allen Army Airfield?
Expect a subarctic, extreme cold climate at Allen Army Airfield. Factor seasonal weather into your PCS timing and your housing search.
What cities are near Allen Army Airfield?
Allen Army Airfield is close to Delta Junction, Fairbanks, North Pole, where many families look for off-base housing, schools, and amenities.
PCSing to Allen Army Airfield?
BaseNeed is the military community platform built for U.S. Army families. Find verified housing listings, current 2026 BAH rates, local jobs, and connect with Soldiers already stationed at Allen Army Airfield.
Explore Allen Army Airfield on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the Allen Army Airfield community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.