I am being compensated for this post as part of the Operation In Touch Brand Ambassador Program via MSB New Media. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Any service member or military family will ask (at least once) in their life, “where is the best place to get stationed?” You’ll get various answers, opinions, and even debates. It really depends on what each person is looking for: city life, country life, weather, jobs, etc.
In honor of March, let’s do a bracket showdown. I picked the field, fans picked the winner. Which military duty stations is the best? There are hundreds of duty stations, so they all obviously couldn’t be included. The top 32 was picked with 8 different categories. But you have the chance to disagree.
Duty stations were selected based on things like location, economy, activities, and entertainment.
Note 1: I know there are joint bases so I just listed them in the group based on whose name was first in the title
Note 2: There are areas with multiple bases so I just grouped them together to make it easier
Note 3: This list is all in good fun!
Meet the Contenders!
Army:
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Fort Hood, Texas
Fort Riley, Kansas
Fort Carson, Colorado
Navy:
Groton, Connecticut
NB Pensacola
Naval Bases of Duval County (Jacksonville and Mayport)
Naval Bases near Norfolk, Virginia (Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach)
Marine:
MCB Camp Pendleton, California
MCB Quantico, Virginia
MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina
Air Force:
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland
Edwards AFB, California
Luke AFB, Arizona
Coast Guard:
CGAS San Francisco, California
CGAS Cape Cod, Massachusetts
CGAS Miami, Florida
CGAS Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Other Countries:
Naples, Italy
Stuttgart, Germany
Okinawa, Japan
Seoul, South Korea
Other (3 or more Branches located in the same area)
Island of Oahu, Hawaii
Washington DC
Seattle, Washington
San Diego, California
Academies
U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York
U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado
U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut
Sweet 16
Army:
Fort Hood, Texas
Fort Carson, Colorado
Navy:
NB Pensacola, Florida
Naval Bases of Duval County (Jacksonville and Mayport)
Marines:
MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
MCB Quantico, VA
Air Force:
Edwards AFB, California
Luke AFB, AZ
Coast Guard:
CGAS Cape Cod, Massachusetts
CGAS Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Other Countries:
Stuttgart, Germany
Naples, Italy
Other:
Washington, DC
San Diego, California
Academies
U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado
U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
Elite 8 (which I should mention are the category winners)
Best in Army – Fort Carson, CO
Best in Marines – Camp Lejeune, NC
Best in Navy – Jacksonville/Mayport, FL
Best in Air Force – Luke AFB, AZ
Best in Coast Guard – Cape Cod, MA
Best with 2 or more major branches – San Diego, CA
Best OCONUS – Naples, Italy
Best Academy – Annapolis, MD
Final 4
Ft Carson, CO
Jacksonville/Mayport, FL?
San Diego, CA
Naples, Italy?
FINALS
Fort Carson, CO vs San Diego, CA
Fort Carson’s beautiful scenery has made it one of the most requested duty stations in the U.S. Army. This “mountain post” has mild climate which makes for abundant outdoor activities as well as great attractions in Colorado Springs and Denver.
San Diego is known for its mild year-round climate, extensive beaches, long association with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, and exciting culture and attractions. The 2nd largest city in California is also rich in military history.
AND THE WINNER IS…
SAN DIEGO, CA!
San Diego is home to the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. With near perfect weather year-round and proximity to the beach, the city is a prime spot for activities, culture, and a host of attractions. San Diego has a rich military history and a very large military-affiliated population. However since it is a prime tourist spot, you’ll see a variety of people from all sorts of backgrounds.
Do you agree with San Diego because the best military duty station? What would your pick have been?