Military Bases in Georgia: The Complete Guide (Army, Air Force, Navy)

Georgia is not just a state with a rich history; it is the beating heart of the American military in the Southeast. From the red clay of Columbus to the coastal swamps of St. Marys, the Peach State hosts some of the most critical installations for the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

If you are reading this, you likely have orders in hand or are planning a move for a loved one. You are not looking for a history textbook; you need to know where you will live, what the mission is, and what to expect from the local area. This guide breaks down every active military base in Georgia, offering the practical, boots-on-the-ground insight you need for a smooth transition.

Active Army Installations in Georgia

The U.S. Army has a massive footprint here. Whether you are combat arms, cyber, or aviation, all roads eventually lead to Georgia.

Fort Moore (Formerly Fort Benning)

Location: Columbus, GA (bordering Phenix City, AL)

Let’s start with the big one. Known for decades as the Home of the Infantry, Fort Moore is the engine room of the U.S. Army’s maneuver forces. Located just outside Columbus, this massive installation is where soldiers are forged.

Mission and Life Fort Moore houses the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE). This means both the Infantry and Armor schools are located here. If you are combat arms, you will likely spend time here for Basic Training, AIT, Ranger School, or Airborne School. The tempo here is high. You will hear artillery fire and helicopters daily—it is the sound of freedom, as locals say.

Housing and Community You have two main choices for living off-post: Columbus, Georgia or Phenix City, Alabama.

• Columbus: Offers a city vibe with the RiverWalk, plenty of dining, and historic homes. North Columbus is popular for its newer subdivisions and shopping centers.
• Phenix City: Located across the Chattahoochee River. It operates on Eastern Time (just like the base), even though it is in Alabama. It often offers more affordable housing options and a quieter, suburban feel.

Pro Tip: Summers here are intensely hot and humid. Hydration is not just a suggestion; it is a requirement.

Fort Stewart & Hunter Army Airfield

Location: Hinesville, GA (Fort Stewart) & Savannah, GA (HAAF)

If you love the outdoors and don’t mind the humidity, this is a prime assignment. Fort Stewart is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River by land area.

Mission and Life Fort Stewart is home to the legendary 3rd Infantry Division (Rock of the Marne). It is a heavy division, so expect plenty of tanks and Bradleys. The base is vast, covered in pine forests and swamps, making it ideal for large-scale maneuver training.

Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF) Located about 40 miles away in Savannah, HAAF acts as a rapid deployment hub. It is home to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade and the Ranger Regiment’s 1st Battalion. Living here means you are directly in Savannah, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the country.

Housing and Community

• Hinesville: The immediate town outside Fort Stewart. It is small, practical, and very military-centric. Rents are generally lower here.
• Richmond Hill: A favorite for families stationed at Stewart. It sits between the base and Savannah, offering top-tier schools and a strong community feel, though the commute can take 30-45 minutes.
• Savannah: If you are at HAAF, you live in Savannah. You have access to Tybee Island beach, incredible food, and a vibrant nightlife.

Fort Eisenhower (Formerly Fort Gordon)

Location: Augusta, GA

This installation has transformed rapidly over the last decade. Once primarily the Signal Corps home, it is now the global headquarters for Army Cyber Command.

Mission and Life Fort Eisenhower is the tip of the spear for the Army’s digital warfare. The Cyber Center of Excellence is here, training soldiers in electronic warfare, signal, and cyber operations. The population is a mix of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and a significant number of civilian contractors.

Housing and Community Augusta is famous for hosting The Masters golf tournament every April. This is a unique quirk of living here: many locals rent out their homes for thousands of dollars during Masters Week.

• Evans & Grovetown: These suburbs are booming. They offer newer housing developments, good schools, and are very popular with military families.
• North Augusta, SC: Just across the river, offering a shorter commute to the downtown medical district and a small-town feel.

U.S. Air Force Bases in Georgia

Georgia’s airspace is just as busy as its ground ranges. The Air Force maintains critical logistics, rescue, and reserve capabilities here.

Robins Air Force Base

Location: Warner Robins, GA

Located in the middle of the state, roughly 90 minutes south of Atlanta, Robins AFB is an industrial powerhouse.

Mission and Life Robins is the home of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex. Their job is maintenance, repair, and overhaul of heavy aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy, C-130 Hercules, and F-15 Eagle. It is also home to the JSTARS mission (Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System). This base employs a massive number of civilians, creating a stable, long-term community atmosphere that feels less transient than typical combat bases.

Must-Visit: The Museum of Aviation located right next to the base is the second-largest Aerospace museum in the USAF and offers free admission. It is an incredible resource for families.

Moody Air Force Base

Location: Valdosta, GA

Head south until you almost hit Florida, and you will find Moody.

Mission and Life Home to the 23rd Wing (The Flying Tigers), Moody specializes in combat rescue and close air support. You will see A-10C Thunderbolt IIs (Warthogs) and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters in the skies. The mission here is saving lives and protecting ground troops.

Housing and Community Valdosta is a classic southern college town (Valdosta State University). It is known as TitleTown USA because of its powerhouse high school football programs. The cost of living is very reasonable, but be prepared for South Georgia heat—it is intense.

Dobbins Air Reserve Base

Location: Marietta, GA

Unique among Georgia bases, Dobbins sits right in the densely populated metro Atlanta area.

Mission and Life Dobbins hosts the 94th Airlift Wing and shares its runway with the massive Lockheed Martin plant. While primarily a Reserve base, it supports Army, Navy, and Marine Corps reserve units. It is less of a traditional base town and more of an urban assignment. Traffic in Marietta is heavy, but you have access to everything Atlanta offers.

Navy & Marine Corps Installations

While landlocked in many minds, Georgia plays a strategic maritime role.

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

Location: St. Marys, GA

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the state, Kings Bay is one of the Navy’s most vital assets.

Mission and Life This is the East Coast home for the Ohio-class Trident ballistic missile submarines. These vessels are the backbone of America’s nuclear deterrence. The base also supports guided-missile submarines. The mission here is quiet, serious, and high-security.

Housing and Community St. Marys and nearby Kingsland are small, quiet, and family-oriented communities. You are only about 40 minutes north of Jacksonville, Florida, which offers big-city amenities, an international airport, and NFL games.

Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Albany

Location: Albany, GA

In Southwest Georgia, the Marines have a critical logistics hub.

Mission and Life MCLB Albany does not host large combat units. Instead, it ensures Marines around the world have working gear. The Maintenance Center Albany repairs and rebuilds ground combat vehicles and equipment. It acts largely as an industrial facility with a significant civilian workforce.

Closed Bases: A Historical Note

If you are looking for Fort McPherson or Fort Gillem in Atlanta, or NAS Atlanta, know that these are no longer active duty bases.

• Fort McPherson: Much of this historic property was purchased by Tyler Perry and transformed into Tyler Perry Studios, one of the largest film production studios in the country.
• NAS Atlanta: Its functions were transferred to Dobbins ARB.

PCSing to Georgia? What You Need to Know

Moving to Georgia brings a specific set of lifestyle adjustments. Here is the quick intel:

• The Climate: It is hot. From May to September, humidity is high. In South Georgia (Fort Stewart, Moody, Kings Bay), you will encounter gnats—tiny biting insects that are a local nuisance. Stock up on Skin So Soft or specialized bug spray.
• Taxes: Georgia exempts a significant portion of military retirement pay from state income taxes, making it a popular place for retirees to settle down.
• Education: Georgia offers the HOPE Scholarship, which is funded by the state lottery. It provides tuition assistance to eligible students attending colleges in Georgia. If you become a resident, this is a massive benefit for your children.

Georgia treats its military community with deep respect. Whether you are living among the pines in Fort Eisenhower or near the marshes at Fort Stewart, you will find a community ready to welcome you.