I’m re-enlisting, possibly for Alaska. What information do you have about either location, and what are your thoughts on both?

2018-07-17T13:14:47-04:00

Pros and Cons
What to do with personal time.
Also, me and my wife are very active in our faith and want to know what the best non denominational churches are in the area. Thank you

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 17 at 2018 1:15 PM

2018-07-17T13:15:52-04:00

If you don't mind cold weather, it's your call.

Response by SPC Brent Melton made Jul 17 at 2018 1:43 PM

2018-07-17T13:43:19-04:00

You get 3 intense months of summer then the rest is either getting cold or winter. Around Wainwright it will still be cold in June and winter temps start hitting in September. As for post, it's fine you have the PX and commissary and some places to eat. Fairbanks has about 80k residents, but they're fairly well spread our. You have all your normal life kind of places including Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Fred Meyer and fast food. It's about a 6 hour drive to Anchorage if you want to take a trip. I hope this helps.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 17 at 2018 1:56 PM

2018-07-17T13:56:31-04:00

Actually I've spent some time at both, albeit a long time ago. Both bases have the standard stuff mentioned elsewhere. I'd say there's a big difference in location besides the weather. It's a lot easier to "go outside" from Anchorage vs. Fairbanks. The decent weather lasts longer too. If you're into fishing, it's easy to get to Homer for halibut and Kenai River for salmon. That said, the locals call it "Los Anchorage" because it isn't "real" Alaska. Nonetheless, there's more to do around there. Over time, I lost interest in both as I spent a lot of time in Ketchikan building the SEAFAC. Best place to people watch is ANC baggage claim. You'll see it all.

Response by SFC Dagmar Riley made Jul 17 at 2018 2:26 PM

2018-07-17T14:26:01-04:00

I found a site with live cam feeds but couldn’t find the one I used in the past. If you go to the link and scroll down it’ll give you the options of viewing many different live cams. https://www.northwestwebcams.com/alaska-web-cams.php

Alaska Web Cams : Listings of all Webcams in Alaska

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 9:13 PM

2018-07-17T21:13:56-04:00

I love that up at Fort Richardson. It’s a beautiful area. Not sure about churches in the area though.

Response by MAJ Christopher Daily made Jul 17 at 2018 11:58 PM

2018-07-17T23:58:03-04:00

I have a total of 7 years in the Fairbanks area at Fort Wainwright. The summers are great and the winters are long but beautiful. My wife and I attend a great nondenominational church up there and you can watch them on facebook to see if it is your style. https://www.facebook.com/friendschurchfairbanks/
The town offers a lot and if you would like i can send you more info. That being said, anchorage has much more in the way of stores and restaurants. Anchorage is also closer to some of the more beautiful areas and has milder winters. You can't go wrong with either. Oh and my wife is from Georgia and loved Fairbanks.

Friends Church

Friends Church, Fairbanks. 2.2K likes. We believe that our calling is to know God, know each other, and equip the saints to make Him known. Join us for one of our worship services on Sunday mornings...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2018 11:33 AM

2018-07-19T11:33:38-04:00

I have been up here for 5 years now and got 1 more to go and i never regret making the choice. If you want to leave off post stay away from Moutain View area. Do you Know what unit you coming to?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 11:46 AM

2018-07-24T11:46:19-04:00

Otter lake on base has cabins and lots of stuff to do on the lake. There are lots of places to hike. Flat top is a popular place to hike. Thunderbird falls is nice.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2018 11:14 AM

2018-08-14T11:14:43-04:00

Lots of out door things to do. Hiking, camping etc. Lots of wild life to see.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2019 10:15 AM

2019-08-26T10:15:44-04:00

It was the best duty station I have been to so far. My family loved it and didn't want to leave. I would go back in a heartbeat. I was at JBER, best place on earth.

Response by CPL Michael Peck made Jul 2 at 2020 7:10 PM

2020-07-02T19:10:30-04:00

I was born and raised and still live in Alaska. I can send you some info via message if you would like.