How is JB Elmendorf-Richardson? What are the pros and cons of being there?

SSgt Michael Smith — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 03:15:26 -0400

Currently have orders to go in August! I'd love to see everyone's experiences while being there. Thanks in advance!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 4:54 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 04:54:47 -0400

They have less vampires than other places when the days are long. Its best to take leave during the long nights. LOL

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Mar 26 at 2016 7:30 AM

SFC Randy Purham — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 07:30:34 -0400

You'll love it if you like the outdoors and the city life all at the same time. Plenty to do and organizations to get involved with outside of the military. Spacious housing on base and virtually everyone is friendly. Good luck and perhaps I'll see you in a couple of years when I come back.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 26 at 2016 7:32 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 07:32:31 -0400

I spent 2.5 Years in Anchorage(FT Richardson) and 2.5 in Fairbanks (Ft Wainwright).. All I can tell you about the AF side of JBER is....... we tended to go to the AF chow Hall for lunch... Got so bad, post commander put a gate guard between the two bases and was checking ID and reason for visit... If you said DFAC, you got turned around.....I was a Jumpmaster and Air Force Load planner among others things so of course I was always going over they on business,,,,,,,,and eating lunch.

Response by SSgt David Hallmon made Mar 26 at 2016 8:57 AM

SSgt David Hallmon — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 08:57:59 -0400

I was there in 2009-10 before I got out. It's great unless you don't like cold/snow for 8months out of the year. The daylight and darkness takes some getting used to as well.

Response by SSG James Elmore made Mar 26 at 2016 9:38 AM

SSG James Elmore — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 09:38:17 -0400

Best place I've ever been! Don't live anywhere ending in the word view! And 907 surplus is your best bet if you're missing any Gear/TA50!

I asked branch to send me back but the closest assignment they could give me is FT Wainwright, I will be there next year!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 26 at 2016 10:21 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 10:21:33 -0400

You got to be kidding? Being plunked down in the best hunting/fishing place in the States? There are no cons!!

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Mar 26 at 2016 5:15 PM

SSgt Rilene Ann — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 17:15:44 -0400

Midnight Sun baby!

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Mar 26 at 2016 6:19 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 18:19:36 -0400

Only real cons that I remember are summer mosquitos, and winter cold (and smog in Fairbanks) {{ and aircraft that slide across icy ramps, even when chocked :) }}

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Mar 28 at 2016 9:06 AM

MSgt Stephen Council — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 09:06:17 -0400

I lived in Anchorage from 1994 to 2008. I was stationed at Elmendorf from 1994 - 2002, one year to KSA, then back to Elmo from 2003 until I retired in 2006. I loved everything about Anchorage and Alaska. Make no mistake, you have to drive 20 - 30 minutes out of Anchorage to start "finding Alaska". If you would like more info and details, message me. I will be happy to tell you what I know.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 10:37 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 22:37:06 -0400

Spent 1.5 yes Eielson. Loved it. That was in mid 90's. Sure a lot has changed

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 11:58 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 11:58:34 -0400

Currently stationed here, and will be for another 2 years. Pros: great hunting fishing outdoors opportunities. Experience things that no one else can see. Cons: winter driving, learn fast and don't think because you come from a southern state and were stationed in minot for a few years "you're good" (not saying you were/are, but it'll save headache and time). Almost complete darkness for 3 months( not as bad as eielson or above the arctict circle, but get prepped with vitamin d pills and if that doesn't work invest in a happy light). Price of most items: we have to ship up about 80% of our good, so we foot the tab. Milk is about $3 a gallon). Road maintenance, because you can have studded tires during the winter through April, the roads are greatly affected.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 1:29 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 13:29:25 -0400

Pros is that you get COLA which is awesome. I had a terrible time in AK with my unit but I loved AK. There's hiking, different water falls in the summer time. Free skiing once a month and you get a boat load of days off.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 12:58 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 00:58:05 -0400

I'm headed there in October. It looks pretty great. I'm headed there from Hawaii, so...LOL....it will definitely be a change of weather. I was trying to find out what are the barracks like for 4/25? Anyone know if they have a kitchen or if the units have gear lockers that I can stow CIF in? NCOs get their own room? Any general knowledge on it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Apr 27 at 2016 11:39 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 11:39:23 -0400

Pros - it's Alaska
Cons - it's Alaska