Military Bases in Colorado
The inside scoop on raising a military family in Colorado.
Air Force Bases
Air Force Academy
Located in United States Air Force Academ, Colorado
Air Force Academy sits in United States Air Force Academ, Colorado, and serves as the U.S. Air Force’s premier undergraduate institution. Home to over 4,000 cadets, it is renowned for rigorous academics, military training, and Division I athletics.
Buckley SFB
Located in Aurora, Colorado
Buckley SFB in Aurora, Colorado, is a key installation for the United States Space Force and Air Force. The base is known for its vital space-based missile warning missions and supports a large joint-service community.
Peterson SFB
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Peterson SFB in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a key United States Space Force installation. The base is home to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and Space Operations Command, making it a hub for space and homeland defense missions.
Schriever SFB
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Schriever SFB sits just east of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and serves as a critical hub for the U.S. Space Force. The base is known for its cutting-edge satellite operations and space control missions.
Army Bases
Fort Carson
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Fort Carson sits just south of Colorado Springs, Colorado and serves as a major U.S. Army installation. Known as the "Mountain Post," it is home to the 4th Infantry Division and supports extensive ground operations and training.
Colorado’s High-Altitude Defense Base
Welcome to Colorado, a hub for U.S. military excellence with bases spanning the Air Force, Space Force, and Army. From the cadet training grounds of the United States Air Force Academy to the combat-ready units at Fort Carson and the space operations at Peterson Space Force Base, these installations drive critical missions. This guide to military bases in Colorado explores their roles, history, economic contributions, and community life, helping U.S. service members and families settle in during PCS or TDY assignments in the Centennial State.
A History of Strength
Colorado’s military legacy began in the mid-20th century. The United States Air Force Academy, founded in 1954, started shaping future officers in Colorado Springs. Fort Carson, established in 1942, trained troops for WWII battles. Peterson Space Force Base, set up in 1942 as an Army airfield, evolved into a space command hub. Buckley Space Force Base, opened in 1938, became a key radar site. These bases grew from wartime needs into pillars of modern defense, supporting U.S. and allied missions.
Fueling the Rockies
Colorado’s bases power the state’s economy, adding billions annually through jobs and innovation. In Colorado Springs, Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy sustain vibrant communities. Peterson and Schriever Space Force Base drive tech growth in El Paso County. Buckley supports Aurora’s economy with space surveillance. Families find homes in 5,000 housing units, access DoDEA schools, and use TRICARE clinics. Events like 2025 Pikes Peak airshows connect service members to Colorado’s mountain lifestyle.
Essential Military Installations
Colorado’s bases host diverse missions, from cadet training to space defense. Here’s a look at the vital installations:
United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs): Trains 4,000 cadets annually for Air Force and Space Force leadership.
Buckley Space Force Base (Aurora): Operates missile warning radars for global defense.
Peterson Space Force Base (Colorado Springs): Headquarters for Space Operations Command, managing satellite networks.
Schriever Space Force Base (Colorado Springs): Controls GPS and space missions, with 2024 satellite launches.
Fort Carson (Colorado Springs): Trains the 4th Infantry Division for combat, with 2024 mountain warfare exercises.
Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station (Colorado Springs): Monitors aerospace threats from a secure complex.
Strategic Impact
Colorado’s bases are central to U.S. defense. The Air Force Academy shapes tomorrow’s leaders. Fort Carson’s soldiers master rugged terrain, ready for global deployments. Peterson and Schriever manage vital space assets, with 2024 launches strengthening national security. Buckley’s radars track missile threats, while Cheyenne Mountain stands guard against aerospace risks. These missions, rooted in U.S.-allied partnerships, maintain stability despite unconfirmed 2024 concerns.
Community and Culture
Colorado’s bases offer more than duty—they build communities. Housing, schools, and healthcare keep families connected. Events like airshows or base festivals spark excitement. Explore Colorado Springs’ Garden of the Gods, hike Aurora’s trails, or ski near Fort Carson. From Pikes Peak’s vistas to Denver’s vibrant scene, Colorado’s bases blend mission with the state’s outdoor charm, making assignments unforgettable.