U.S. Air Force
Joint Base Andrews — Camp Springs, MD, United States
📍 Camp Springs, MD, United States
Joint Base Andrews is a U.S. Air Force-led installation in Maryland, best known worldwide as the home of Air Force One and presidential airlift. It hosts the 89th Airlift Wing, the 316th Wing and numerous joint and reserve units, serving as the primary gateway for distinguished-visitor and executive airlift for the nation. Located just outside Washington, D.C., the base places families in the National Capital Region, a higher cost-of-living market where understanding your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is important. Many families live in communities such as Waldorf, Upper Marlboro, Clinton and Bowie. The climate is humid subtropical with four seasons — hot summers, cool winters and mild springs and falls. The monuments, museums and culture of Washington, D.C., along with the Chesapeake Bay, are all within easy reach. Employment around Andrews is strong across defense, government, aviation and contracting, and the DC-area location supports spouse employment and remote work. Families benefit from local schools, the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics, and child and youth programs. Whether you are PCSing to Joint Base Andrews for the first time or returning for another tour, BaseNeed connects you with verified housing listings, current BAH rates by rank, local jobs for service members and spouses, and a military community ready to help you settle in.
As a U.S. Air Force installation, Joint Base Andrews supports aviation operations, technical training, and the readiness of Airmen and their families. Air Force bases typically feature well-maintained housing areas and strong family support infrastructure. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about PCSing to Joint Base Andrews: 2026 BAH rates by pay grade, housing market conditions, on-base amenities, schools, cost of living, and community resources.
Quick Facts about Joint Base Andrews
- Branch & location
- U.S. Air Force · Camp Springs, MD, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $3,132/mo with deps · $2,832 without
- Climate
- Humid Subtropical
- Off-base housing
- moderate
- Nearest VA facility
- Pre-Discharge Site at Andrews Air Force Base (~0 mi)
PCS to Joint Base Andrews — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Joint Base Andrews requires planning that most Airmen 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 Joint Base Andrews 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. Air Force 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 Camp Springs, MD is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $3,132/month. E-5 without dependents: $2,832/month. E-7 with dependents: $3,855/month. O-3 with dependents: $4,020/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In Camp Springs, BAH rates are calibrated to cover the 80th percentile of local rental costs, leaving most service members with practical options within their allowance. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to compare rates across all pay grades.
Step 3: On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing Decision
Start your housing search 60-90 days before your report date. The off-base rental market is active, and the best properties at BAH rates are claimed quickly. 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 Joint Base Andrews on BaseNeed, filtered to your BAH rate and preferred communities.
Step 4: Schools, Childcare, and Family Resources
Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Joint Base Andrews 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 Joint Base Andrews
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 — Joint Base Andrews
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Camp Springs, MD ranges from $2,832/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $4,020/month for mid-grade officers with dependents. All BAH is 100% tax-free income. Good availability — start your search 30-60 days early.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near Joint Base Andrews →
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 — Joint Base Andrews (Camp Springs, MD)
E-5 with dependents: $3,132/mo | Without dependents: $2,832/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $3,096/mo | $2,409/mo |
| E-2 | $3,096/mo | $2,409/mo |
| E-3 | $3,096/mo | $2,409/mo |
| E-4 | $3,096/mo | $2,409/mo |
| E-5 | $3,132/mo | $2,832/mo |
| E-6 | $3,759/mo | $3,057/mo |
| E-7 | $3,855/mo | $3,099/mo |
| E-8 | $3,957/mo | $3,261/mo |
| E-9 | $4,128/mo | $3,447/mo |
| W-1 | $3,780/mo | $3,096/mo |
| W-2 | $3,894/mo | $3,258/mo |
| W-3 | $4,023/mo | $3,471/mo |
| W-4 | $4,167/mo | $3,777/mo |
| W-5 | $4,350/mo | $3,876/mo |
| O-1 | $3,213/mo | $3,054/mo |
| O-1E | $3,870/mo | $3,129/mo |
| O-2 | $3,753/mo | $3,126/mo |
| O-2E | $4,002/mo | $3,405/mo |
| O-3 | $4,020/mo | $3,531/mo |
| O-3E | $4,197/mo | $3,753/mo |
| O-4 | $4,410/mo | $3,855/mo |
| O-5 | $4,692/mo | $3,909/mo |
| O-6 | $4,731/mo | $3,999/mo |
| O-7 | $4,770/mo | $4,071/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Camp Springs, MD. Rates are 100% tax-free and updated each January 1st. BAH is designed to cover the 80th percentile of local housing costs.
Climate & Lifestyle near Joint Base Andrews
The climate near Joint Base Andrews is Humid Subtropical. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. High humidity in summer months is common — prioritize housing with efficient HVAC and ensure your HHG shipment is protected from moisture.
Outdoor recreation and quality-of-life activities vary significantly by season at this installation. Connect with Airmen already stationed at Joint Base Andrews on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at Joint Base Andrews
As a U.S. Air Force installation, Joint Base Andrews provides comprehensive on-base facilities for Airmen, 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
- • The Club at Andrews
- • Coffee Shop
💪 Fitness & Recreation
- • West Fitness Center
- • Indoor Pool
- • Outdoor Track
🏨 On-Base Lodging
- • Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF)
- • On-base Inn
🤝 Support Services
- • Military & Family Readiness Center
- • Chapel
- • Legal Assistance
- • Military OneSource
🛒 Shopping & Commissary
- • Commissary
- • Base Exchange (BX)
- • Shoppette
🏥 Healthcare
- • Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics
- • Dental Clinic
- • Pharmacy
🎳 Recreation & Library
- • Base Library
- • Outdoor Recreation
- • Auto Hobby Shop
- • Golf Course
👨👩👧 Family Services
- • Child Development Center
- • Youth Center
- • School Liaison Office
Military Community & Spouse Employment at Joint Base Andrews
The military community around Joint Base Andrews is one of the installation's greatest assets. Connecting with other Airmen 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 Joint Base Andrews, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near Joint Base Andrews 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 Camp Springs. 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 Joint Base Andrews · → Join the Joint Base Andrews community on BaseNeed
Why Joint Base Andrews Stands Out
- Home of Air Force One
- Presidential Airlift
- DC Region
- Joint Base
Other Military Bases in MD
Comparing duty stations in MD? Browse other installations:
- → Aberdeen Proving Ground (Aberdeen)
- → Naval Support Activity Bethesda (Bethesda)
- → Naval Air Station Patuxent River (Patuxent River)
- → Fort Meade (Fort Meade)
- → Fort Detrick (Frederick)
Other U.S. Air Force Installations
Exploring other U.S. Air Force duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → Luke AFB (Glendale, AZ)
- → Aviano Air Base (Aviano, Italy)
- → Maxwell-Gunter AFB (Montgomery, AL)
- → Osan Air Base (Pyeongtaek, South Korea)
- → Eglin AFB (Valparaiso, FL)
- → Wright-Patterson AFB (Dayton, OH)
VA Facilities Near Joint Base Andrews
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near Joint Base Andrews have 5 Department of Veterans Affairs facilities within reach — for VA healthcare enrollment (Form 10-10EZ), disability claims, education benefits, and counseling. Distances are from the installation.
| VA Facility | Type | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Discharge Site at Andrews Air Force Base 800-827-1131 | Pre-Discharge Site | Andrews Air Force, MD | 0 mi |
| Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Site at Joint Base Andrews 800-827-1000 | IDES Site | Andrews Air Force, MD | 2 mi |
| Southern Prince George's County VA Clinic 301-423-3700 | Primary Care CBOC | Camp Springs, MD | 2 mi |
| Prince George's County Vet Center 301-856-7173 | vet_center | Clinton, MD | 2 mi |
| Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery 301-372-6398 | State Cemetery | Cheltenham, MD | 6 mi |
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov) facilities directory, synced monthly. Verify hours and services with the facility before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions — Joint Base Andrews
What is the 2026 BAH rate for Joint Base Andrews?
The 2026 BAH rate at Joint Base Andrews for an E-5 with dependents is $3,132/month and $2,832/month without dependents. An E-7 with dependents receives $3,855/month. An O-3 with dependents receives $4,020/month. BAH is 100% tax-free and is based on the local Military Housing Area (MHA) for Camp Springs, MD. Rates are updated each January 1st based on DoD rental market surveys.
How do I PCS to Joint Base Andrews?
To PCS to Joint Base Andrews: (1) Confirm your orders and report-no-later-than (RNLTD) date. (2) Request a sponsor from your gaining unit. (3) Calculate your 2026 BAH for Camp Springs, MD — E-5 with dependents receives $3,132/month. (4) Apply for on-base housing early or browse off-base rentals. (5) Schedule your HHG shipment through DPS (move.mil). (6) In-process with finance, medical, and your unit upon arrival.
Is housing available near Joint Base Andrews?
Housing near Joint Base Andrews is currently moderate. Good availability — start your search 30-60 days early. Start your housing search 60-90 days before your report date. The off-base rental market is active, and the best properties at BAH rates are claimed quickly. Browse verified military housing listings on BaseNeed filtered to this base and your BAH budget.
What is the cost of living near Joint Base Andrews?
Cost of living in Camp Springs, MD varies. BAH rates are calibrated annually to local rental markets, ensuring your housing allowance keeps pace with actual costs.
What branch of the military is Joint Base Andrews?
Joint Base Andrews is a U.S. Air Force installation located in Camp Springs, MD. It is classified as a base.
What is the on-base housing wait time at Joint Base Andrews?
On-base housing wait times at Joint Base Andrews vary by availability, housing type, and pay grade. Contact the garrison Housing Office after receiving orders for the most current waitlist information. Submitting your application early preserves your place even if you ultimately choose to live off-base.
What amenities are at Joint Base Andrews?
Joint Base Andrews offers on-base dining & clubs, fitness & recreation, on-base lodging, support services, shopping & commissary, healthcare, recreation & library, family services. These facilities are available to active duty Airmen, retirees, and eligible family members. The commissary saves military families an average of 30% on groceries vs. commercial prices. Fitness centers are free for active duty members.
Are there jobs for military spouses near Joint Base Andrews?
Military spouses at Joint Base Andrews have several employment pathways. On-base: Federal positions via USAJOBS (military spouse hiring preference, E.O. 13473), AAFES, DoDEA schools, childcare centers, and contractor roles. Off-base: Camp Springs has civilian employers familiar with military families. The Spouse Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) at the Family Support Center provides free resume help, job search tools, and licensing/certification resources. Browse military-friendly jobs near Joint Base Andrews on BaseNeed.
What schools are near Joint Base Andrews?
Children of service members at Joint Base Andrews can attend on-base DoDEA schools (if available) or public schools in Camp Springs and surrounding districts. DoDEA schools follow a standardized curriculum across all installations, making PCS transitions smoother for students. Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Joint Base Andrews for help with school enrollment, records transfers, and identifying the best educational fit for your family.
What is the climate like near Joint Base Andrews?
The climate near Joint Base Andrews is Humid Subtropical. Humidity in summer months can be significant — look for housing with efficient HVAC systems. Factor weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search.
What family support services are available at Joint Base Andrews?
Joint Base Andrews offers a full range of family support through the installation's family readiness programs. Key resources include the Family Support Center (financial counseling, deployment support, family advocacy), Child Development Centers (subsidized childcare — register immediately after receiving orders, waitlists can be 6-12 months), the School Liaison Officer for education transitions, and the Chapel for spiritual support. Use BaseNeed's community features to connect with families already at Joint Base Andrews for candid, first-hand advice.
How does BAH work at Joint Base Andrews?
BAH at Joint Base Andrews is a tax-free monthly allowance based on the Camp Springs, MD Military Housing Area. Your rate is determined by pay grade and dependency status. You receive BAH whether you live on-base or off. In privatized on-base housing, your BAH equals your rent — you break even. Off-base, any difference between your BAH and actual rent is yours to keep, tax-free. 2026 E-5 rates: $3,132/mo with dependents, $2,832/mo without.
What is the population of Joint Base Andrews?
Joint Base Andrews is a U.S. Air Force installation in Camp Springs, MD, hosting active duty Airmen, their families, and a significant civilian workforce.
What communities are near Joint Base Andrews?
Joint Base Andrews is located in Camp Springs, MD. Surrounding communities offer off-base housing, schools, dining, and shopping for military families. Use BaseNeed to explore housing listings near this installation.
Is Joint Base Andrews a good duty station?
Joint Base Andrews is reviewed by the BaseNeed community from Airmen and families stationed there. Quality of life depends on your priorities — housing affordability, school quality, spousal employment, climate, and community. Join BaseNeed's Joint Base Andrews community group to connect with service members currently stationed there for honest, first-hand perspectives.
Where is the nearest VA facility to Joint Base Andrews?
The nearest VA facility to Joint Base Andrews is Pre-Discharge Site at Andrews Air Force Base in Andrews Air Force, MD — a Pre-Discharge Site about 0 miles from the installation. There are 5 VA locations within reach for healthcare enrollment (VA Form 10-10EZ), disability claims, education benefits, and counseling. Others nearby: Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Site at Joint Base Andrews (2 mi), Southern Prince George's County VA Clinic (2 mi). Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov).
PCSing to Joint Base Andrews?
BaseNeed is the military community platform built for U.S. Air Force families. Find verified housing listings, current 2026 BAH rates, local jobs, and connect with Airmen already stationed at Joint Base Andrews.
Explore Joint Base Andrews on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the Joint Base Andrews community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.