Al Jaber Air Base
Al Jaber Air Base PCS Guide
Military Base History
Hadi Alrahahleh, (middle) the USACE Expeditionary District's Kuwait Area Office Resident Engineer, along with local contractors, inspects ongoing construction at one of USACE's premier projects in Kuwait—the Super Hornet Program facilities at Al Jaber Air Base on September 10, 2024.
Al Jaber Air Base was built by the Kuwaiti government in the 1970s as a key air defense installation. Its main purpose was to support the Kuwaiti Air Force and strengthen regional security. The base included hardened aircraft shelters and modern runways, highlighting its role in Kuwait's military infrastructure.
During the 1990-1991 Gulf War, Iraqi forces heavily damaged Al Jaber Air Base, targeting its facilities and leaving it mostly inoperable. After liberation, coalition partners helped repair and upgrade the base. The United States Air Force began using Al Jaber in the early 1990s as a forward operating location for regional air missions.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Al Jaber Air Base hosted several key USAF units, including fighter and support squadrons. The base was crucial for Operation Southern Watch, enforcing no-fly zones over Iraq, and later supported major air campaigns during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Its infrastructure expanded to handle increased coalition activity.
Today, Al Jaber Air Base remains a vital hub for U.S. and coalition air operations in the Middle East. It supports missions related to regional security, counterterrorism, and rapid response. The base has kept its original name and has not had any significant official name changes since it was established.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeffrey Bliss, Airfield Operations Director, 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, is recognized as Marauder of the Week, at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, September 22, 2023. Bliss spearheaded the 'temporary tower' project for Ali Al Salem and Al Jaber AB, and is...
Major Units
386th Air Expeditionary Wing
Provides air mobility, combat support, and airlift operations in support of U.S. Central Command missions throughout the region. Responsible for rapid deployment and sustainment of air power.
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing (Deployed Elements)
Executes precision strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat search and rescue missions in support of regional operations. Often deploys rotational squadrons to Al Jaber.
Arrival & In-Processing
Airmen with the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron pose for a photo with 386th Air Expeditionary Wing leadership during a base visit at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, Aug. 22, 2019. Wing leadership visited and worked with the 407th ESFS as part of an initiative to experience and work...
Welcome to Al Jaber Air Base. Arriving at a new assignment can be exciting and challenging, so being well-prepared ensures a smooth transition for you and your family. Understanding base access and in-processing steps ahead of time helps you start your tour with confidence. For more information, visit the official Al Jaber Air Base website.
Al Jaber Air Base's main entrance is the Primary Gate, which serves as the central access point for all incoming personnel and visitors. The Primary Gate operates 24/7, ensuring access at any hour. All adults must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or an approved government-issued ID. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act for entry. Expect 100% ID checks for everyone in the vehicle and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's heightened security posture. To sponsor family or visitors, request a temporary pass at the gate or through your unit. All non-DoD guests must be vetted and may need to be escorted at all times while on base.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Passports (for all family members, if applicable)
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Marriage Certificate
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
Al Jaber Air Base offers a robust sponsor program for incoming personnel. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit or supervisor as soon as you receive your assignment. Your sponsor will help coordinate your arrival, answer questions, and assist with in-processing steps.
The primary in-processing location is the Welcome Center, located near the Primary Gate for easy access upon arrival. The Welcome Center operates Sunday through Thursday, 0800–1700. During in-processing, you will visit key offices such as Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Plan for the process to take 2–3 days, depending on your needs and documentation.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is positioned just outside the Primary Gate, making it convenient for guests and new arrivals. The VCC is open Sunday through Thursday, 0800–1700. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorships. All visitors must be sponsored by a DoD ID cardholder and present valid identification.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Georgia – Maj. James Hodgson, Air Force Reserve Center Headquarters (left), checks several packing crates off of his shipping invoice from the moving company for his permanent change of station relocation to Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Dec. 15, 2021.
Arriving at Al Jaber Air Base begins with receiving your official PCS orders. Your first step is to contact your losing installation’s Transportation Office to schedule your move and discuss your options. Most service members choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the government arranges movers, and a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also called a DITY move, where you move your own belongings and may receive reimbursement. Both options require you to use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to set up and track your move. Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) helps cover hotel costs while you search for housing, and the Dislocation Allowance (DLA) assists with extra moving expenses. Make sure to keep receipts and records of all moving-related expenses. Contact the Al Jaber Air Base Transportation Office as soon as you have your orders to help you plan a smooth arrival. They can answer questions about local procedures and help you coordinate delivery of your household goods. Always check with your gaining unit for any base-specific requirements or arrival checklists.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early to help with local guidance.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Label boxes with your name, contact info, and destination address.
- Take photos of high-value items before packing.
- Check pet import and quarantine rules if bringing animals.
- Confirm temporary lodging availability before arrival.
- Double-check weight allowances to avoid excess fees.
Important Forms & Links
Start, manage, and track your PCS move.
Find official rates and entitlements for PCS moves.
Guidance, checklists, and support for military moves.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance.