JOINT BASE CAPE COD
JOINT BASES
Buzzards Bay, MA
United States
JOINT BASE CAPE COD
JOINT BASES
Buzzards Bay, MA
United States
Joint Base Cape Cod
Base Essentials
A joint Air National Guard and Coast Guard installation on Cape Cod, MA — a small posting with New England charm, Cape Cod's seasonal lifestyle, and proximity to Boston.
Base Details
Type
Joint Base
Branch
JOINT BASES
Command
NGB
Status
Reserve/Partial
Est.
1935
Acres
22,000
Active Duty
—
Civilian
—
Population
550,000
Economic Impact
—
Joint Base Cape Cod History
Joint Base Cape Cod, formerly known as Otis Air National Guard Base and Camp Edwards, is located on the Upper Cape in Massachusetts. The installation dates to 1935 and has served as an Army training camp, Air Force fighter base, and now a joint installation supporting Air National Guard, Coast Guard, and Army National Guard operations. The 102nd Intelligence Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard is based there. Environmental cleanup from past military activities on the base remains an ongoing effort.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
102nd Intelligence Wing (MA ANG)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1935
Otis Field Established on Cape Cod
1956
Air Defense Command Radar Station Established
2011
Designated Joint Base Cape Cod
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1935
Otis Field Established on Cape Cod
Otis Field was established in 1935 as a National Guard airfield on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and expanded significantly during WWII as a fighter interceptor and anti-submarine patrol base protecting the northeastern coast. It was named for aviator George Otis.
1956
Air Defense Command Radar Station Established
Otis AFB became a key node in the air defense network during the 1950s Cold War buildup, hosting interceptor squadrons tasked with defending the northeastern United States from potential Soviet bomber attack. F-101 Voodoos and later F-106 Delta Darts were based here.
2011
Designated Joint Base Cape Cod
The installation was designated Joint Base Cape Cod in 2011 under the BRAC consolidation process, bringing together Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Coast Guard, and Air Force Reserve units under a single installation command.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Joint Base Cape Cod.
Joint Base Cape Cod Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Joint Base Cape Cod.
Main Gate
Hours coming soon
Visitor Center Gate
Hours coming soon
Back Gate
Hours coming soon
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Joint Base Cape Cod.
Entertainment
5 Things to Do in Cape Cod When Stationed at JBCC
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Recreation
The Best Campgrounds and RV Parks Near JB Cape Cod
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Entertainment
11 of the Best Restaurants Near JB Cape Cod
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Information
Joint Base Cape Cod: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Military News
Malmstrom AFB PCB Levels Raise Cancer Risk for Missileers
Read
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Joint Base Cape Cod.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
102nd Intelligence Wing — Unit Administrative Section / Newcomer Coordination
Phone
(508) 968-4003Hours
Mon–Fri, 0800–1600
In-Processing
Joint Base Cape Cod (Otis ANGB) is primarily an Air National Guard installation home to the 102nd Intelligence Wing. Permanent-party personnel arriving at JB Cape Cod report to their unit's administrative section during duty hours; there is no centralized active-duty in-processing center. Unit administrative staff coordinate all reporting procedures and scheduling.
JB Cape Cod is a joint-use installation also hosting Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Army National Guard units, and other federal tenants. Permanent active-duty personnel follow branch-specific in-processing procedures; coordinate with your gaining unit well before arrival. The on-base community is smaller and more informal than at major active-duty installations.
The installation is located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts — one of the most scenic locations in New England. The off-season (October–April) offers affordable housing; summer demand significantly raises rental prices. Begin housing research early, especially if arriving in spring or summer.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
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Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Joint Base Cape Cod.
On-Base Housing
Joint Base Cape Cod (Otis ANGB) has limited on-post family housing given its primarily Air National Guard character. Permanent active-duty personnel coordinate with their gaining unit for any available on-post quarters; most personnel live off-post in the surrounding Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts communities. Cape Cod's housing market is strongly seasonal…
Local Market
$2,200/mo
rent
/
$550,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Joint Base Cape Cod
120
20% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Joint Base Cape Cod.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
1
Middle Schools
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2
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Joint Base Cape Cod (Camp Edwards / Otis ANGB) is located in the Mid-Cape area of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, near Bourne and Sandwich. This is one of the most uniquely scenic military assignments available — Cape Cod's beaches, dunes, harbors, and seafood culture are unmatched. The trade-off is high seasonal housing costs and the limited year-round economy. Most permanent-party families are Guard and Reserve.
Bourne / Sagamore
Small Town
The gateway communities to Cape Cod on the mainland side of the Cape Cod Canal, Bourne and Sagamore provide the most practical residential base for Joint Base Cape Cod families. Bourne Public Schools serve the area. Housing here is more affordable than mid-Cape, and the canal-side setting is attractive. Easy bridge access to both the base and the rest of Cape Cod makes this a sensible choice.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Bourne Public Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Pet owners
Outdoorsy types
Cape Cod Canal access, more affordable than mid-Cape, Bourne schools, bridge convenience, boating and beach culture
Sandwich
Small Town
The oldest town on Cape Cod, Sandwich has preserved colonial character with the Shawme-Crowell State Forest, Heritage Museums & Gardens, and Sandwich Boardwalk. Sandwich Public Schools are strong. The town attracts military families who want a permanent community with genuine Cape Cod character year-round. Home prices are high by national standards but stable.
Commute: 15 min
Schools: Sandwich Public Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
Pet owners
Oldest Cape Cod town, Heritage Museums & Gardens, Shawme-Crowell Forest, strong schools, year-round Cape character
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Joint Base Cape Cod.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Massachusetts fully exempts active duty military pay from Massachusetts income tax for Massachusetts legal residents. Th…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Massachusetts for Massachusetts income tax purpo…
Vehicle Registration
Massachusetts charges a 6.25% motor vehicle sales or use tax on vehicle purchases. Military members who are not Massachu…
Property Tax
Massachusetts has moderate property tax rates but high property values, particularly near Boston. Middlesex County (Hans…
Pet Policies at Joint Base Cape Cod
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Joint Base Cape Cod.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Joint Base Cape Cod.
Commissary
Coming soon
Exchange
BX
Medical
Coming soon
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Joint Base Cape Cod.
01
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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02
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Joint Base Cape Cod.
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03
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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04
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Joint Base Cape Cod.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.