LOCATION: Welcome to Team McGuire--the eastern gateway to the world! McGuire AFB is located in beautiful south central New Jersey, approximately 15 miles from Trenton, 45 minutes from Philadelphia and Atlantic City, and 90 minutes from New York City. A GREAT LOCATION WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE -- the base is located in a wooded, rural/agricultural area; the least densely populated area in the state. There is little pollution, minimal traffic & very little crime in the area. The cost of off-base housing and car insurance is extremely high in this area. The areas within commuting distance of McGuire (with very few exceptions) are very safe. The New Jersey Public Schools in the area offer very good to excellent educational programs; schools (with very few exceptions) are safe and have few to no incidents of substance abuse or violence. This ideal situation is due to the rural nature of the surrounding area. The trade-off is a 25-35 minute drive from base to major malls and shopping areas, or recreational activities.
HISTORY: Known as Rudd Field, and established as a part of the Army in 1937, the base transferred to the Air Force in 1949. The base is named in honor of Major Thomas B. McGuire, Jr., the second leading American Air Ace of World War II and posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor. See the McGuire Website for more information.
MISSION: The 305th Air Mobility Wing, and several associate organizations, including the Air Mobility Warfare Center, 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, 108th Air Refueling Wing (Guard), and the 514th Air Mobility Wing (Reserves) call McGuire home. Using C-17A Globemasters and KC-10 Extenders, Team McGuire missions support the transportation of troops, passengers, equipment, cargo, mail, and provides aerial refueling throughout the world in support of our national objectives and to fulfill the global logistics needs of the DOD in sustaining its world wide activities.
POPULATION SERVED:
POPULATION
| POPULATION TYPE |
AMOUNT |
| ACTIVE DUTY |
5,222 |
| ACTIVE DUTY W/DEPENDENTS |
3,552 |
| GUARD |
1,319 |
| RESERVES |
2,938 |
| CIVILIANS |
1,388 |
| RETIREES |
14,000 |
SPONSORSHIP: A sponsor will be assigned if requested prior to departing your base. If no sponsor has been assigned after requesting one, please contact the Intro Program Monitor at 609-754-1541/1542 (DSN: 650-1541/1542). Let your sponsor know when you are arriving and by what means. If arriving through the nearby airports you will have to rent a vehicle or pay for transportation service if your sponsor is not picking you up. If arriving during duty hours, report to your unit Commander's Support Staff. They will set-up the appropriate in-processing appointments.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS: When you arrive at McGuire, report to the 24-hour arrival point, located in the All-American Inn, Bldg 2717, where lodging information is available. Sponsors can make dorm room arrangements for Single AF members that are required to reside in the dorm. If arrangements are not made and arrival is after duty hours or on a weekend/holiday, report to All-American Inn, building 2717. Reservations can be made in advance.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: McGuire Family Support Center, Bldg 3011, has a loan closet for military members to utilize upon their arrival and departure at McGuire AFB. Go to "Housing" for details. The Base Newcomers Briefing is held twice a month on Thursdays from 0830-1200. Contact your Commander's Support Staff to be scheduled.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION:
1) BRAC changes: Realign Fort Dix, NJ, and Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, NJ, by relocating the installation management functions to McGuire AFB, NJ, establishing Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. For more information go to McGuire's website.
2) HIGH COST ITEMS - The cost of off-base housing and car insurance is extremely high in this area. Please read Category "Housing" for more detailed information, BAH entitlements, and Privatization. Check out car insurance laws and license requirements under Category "Vehicle Regulations." Do not assume your insurance company will be willing or able to insure your automobile in NJ.
3) DROP-IN DAY CARE FOR RELOCATING FAMILIES - Reservations are required. Contact the FSC for more information.
4) PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN LODGING AT EITHER MCGUIRE OR FT DIX. Please see the Installation/Local Veterinary and Kennel Services listed later in this packet.
5) Cell Phones - Check with your provider to see if they cover the McGuire/Ft Dix area.