Military Bases in Idaho

Idaho’s High Desert Air Power

For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Idaho, Mountain Home Air Force Base in Elmore County is the state’s primary military installation, serving as a hub for air combat and training operations. Located in Idaho’s high desert, 12 miles southwest of Mountain Home, this base hosts fighter squadrons critical to national defense. This guide to military bases in Idaho offers insights into its role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Gem State.

Historical Foundations

Mountain Home Air Force Base was established in 1943 as a training base for B-24 Liberator crews during World War II, named for its proximity to Mountain Home, Idaho. Post-war, it transitioned to a Strategic Air Command base, hosting B-47 Stratojets and B-52 Stratofortresses. In 1969, the base shifted to Tactical Air Command, receiving F-111 Aardvarks, and later F-15E Strike Eagles in the 1990s. Gowen Field, established in 1941 near Boise, trained aircrews during WWII and became an Air National Guard base post-war. These facilities have shaped Idaho’s military legacy.

Economic Impact

Mountain Home Air Force Base contributes over $600 million annually to Elmore County, employing 4,500 personnel and sustaining 5,000 jobs in Mountain Home and surrounding areas. The base’s 6,200-acre campus supports local businesses through contracts and spending. Families access 1,000 housing units, DoDEA school partnerships (e.g., Mountain Home School District), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, like 2025 Snake River rafting trips and Boise River Greenbelt outings, enhance community life. Additional Guard facilities, like Gowen Field, add $100 million and 1,500 jobs, boosting Boise’s economy.

Key Military Facilities

• Mountain Home Air Force Base (Mountain Home): Hosts the 366th Fighter Wing, operating F-15E Strike Eagles for 2,000 annual sorties, with 4,500 personnel.

• Saylor Creek Air Force Range (Bruneau): A 110,000-acre training range for live-fire exercises, supporting 500 annual missions, with 50 personnel.

• Gowen Field Air National Guard Base (Boise): Home to the 124th Fighter Wing with A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, conducting 1,200 sorties, with 1,500 personnel.

• Idaho Army National Guard Orchard Combat Training Center (Boise): A 143,000-acre range for armored and infantry training, with 1,000 personnel.

Strategic Importance

Mountain Home Air Force Base is a cornerstone of U.S. air combat power. The 366th Fighter Wing’s F-15E Strike Eagles conduct 2,000 sorties annually, training for global strike missions, with 2024 exercises enhancing NATO interoperability. Saylor Creek Air Force Range supports 500 live-fire missions, providing unmatched training space. Gowen Field’s 124th Fighter Wing operates A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, executing 1,200 close air support sorties, with 2024 deployments to the Middle East. The Orchard Combat Training Center trains 5,000 Guard soldiers yearly for armored operations. These facilities ensure readiness despite unconfirmed 2024 drone reports.

Notable Distinctions

Mountain Home Air Force Base, at 6,200 acres, is Idaho’s only active-duty Air Force base, hosting the “Gunfighters” of the 366th Fighter Wing. Saylor Creek Air Force Range is one of the Air Force’s largest training ranges. Gowen Field is Idaho’s primary Air Guard facility, operating A-10s. The bases offer 1,000 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like 2025 Boise arts festivals, fostering vibrant communities in Idaho’s high desert and urban landscapes.

U.S. service members on PCS to Idaho or TDY in Idaho will find mission-critical roles and welcoming communities at Mountain Home Air Force Base. From Mountain Home’s rural charm to Boise’s vibrant downtown, Idaho’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and rich cultural experiences for military families.