ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Welcome to Arnold Air Force Base, located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and home to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC). Tullahoma is a smaller town of roughly 20,000 residents. However, you are relatively close to a few larger cities. Murfreesboro, home to 150,000 people, is less than an hour drive away. Arnold AFB is also almost exactly in between Nashville and Chattanooga. Both are a 75-mile drive and the former is home to over 700,000 residents while the latter has a population north of 180,000. Sitting on approximately 40,000 acres, Arnold AFB employs 2700 personnel at peak levels. We hope this guide helps you get settled in your new posting and gain some familiarity with Arnold AFB. 1. Where Is Arnold AFB? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to Arnold AFB 4. Entering Arnold AFB and Base Amenities

• Check-In Procedures for Incoming Personnel
• Arnold AFB Visitor Center
• Arnold AFB Gate Hours
• Arnold AFB DEERS Office
• Arnold AFB Commissary
• Arnold AFB BX
• Arnold AFB Barber Shop
• Arnold AFB Post Office
• Arnold AFB Finance Office
• Arnold Legal Office
• Arnold AFB Library
• Arnold AFB Hotels

5. Where Should I Live Near Arnold AFB? 6. Tullahoma, TN, Schools Near Arnold AFB 7. Tullahoma, TN, Weather 8. Things To Do At Arnold AFB

Where Is Arnold Air Force Base Located?

100 Kindel Dr. Suite B 111 Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (850) 882-9060

Arnold AFB, TN, Map

Directions to Arnold Air Force Base

Arnold AFB is located in the middle of southern Tennessee just off I-24. The base is serviced by two airports that are a short drive away. Nashville International Airport is the largest but Chattanooga Airport is a great option as well. See below for more detailed driving directions but if driving from either airport take I-24, Exit 117, turn onto Wattendorf Memorial Highway and follow signs to the base. A Greyhound bus line also travels through this area with stops in Murfreesboro and Manchester. The Manchester bus station is only about 10 miles from base.

Driving Directions From Nashville International Airport

1. Take I-24 East toward Chattanooga 2. In 61 miles take Exit 117 toward Arnold AFB/Tullahoma 3. Turn right onto Wattendorf Memorial Highway and follow signs 4. Turn right onto Von Karmen Rd.

Driving Directions From Chattanooga Airport

1. Take I-24 West 2. In 63 miles take Exit 117 toward Arnold Ctr/Tullahoma 3. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Tullahoma/Arnold Ctr 4. Turn left onto Aedc Rd. 5. Turn right onto Von Karmen Rd.

Manchester Greyhound Station – Quik Mart & Deli

617 Woodbury Hwy. Manchester, TN 37355

Phone

: 1 (931) 728-0240

Hours

:

• Monday-Thursday, Sunday

  – 0800 – 2230

• Friday-Saturday

  – 0800-0000

Arnold Air Force Base Transportation Office

The best place to find information regarding moving your personal property and pets to Arnold AFB is the Traffic Management Office.

Traffic Management Office

Building 1477 Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-7805

Hours

:

• Monday-Friday

  – 0730 – 1600

Entering Arnold Air Force Base and Base Amenities

Be sure to bring a valid military ID when entering Arnold AFB. Visitors should check-in at the Visitor Center.

Check-In Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Check-in procedures vary for all military installations. Arnold AFB requires unique identification badges for entry to the AEDC. For thorough instructions of Arnold AFB’s processing, reporting procedures, and how to obtain proper identification, please click here. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you have all relevant documents such as your orders and a valid form of identification. If arriving from overseas, immunization records will also be important. Keep in mind that if you are moving to Arnold AFB with any dependents, you should bring their legal documentation.

Arnold AFB Visitor Center

Welcome and Visitors Center

1110 Main Gate Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-5453

Visitors Center Hours

• Monday-Friday

  - 0630 - 1700

Arnold AFB DEERS Office

The Pass and ID Office is a great resource for Arnold airmen and families. Here you will find information for matters regarding in-processing, assignments, reenlistments, retirements, evaluations, decorations, ID cards, and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). The DEERS office is in the same location as the Visitors Center.

DEERS Office

1110 Main Gate Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-5453

DEERS Hours

• Monday-Friday

  - 0630 – 1700

Arnold Air Force Base Gate Hours

Entry into Arnold AFB should be through the Main Gate, which is open 24 hours.

• Main Gate

  - 24/7

Arnold AFB Commissary

Arnold AFB does have a small commissary and base exchange on site, however, there is no gas station on base. Larger commissaries and BXs can be found within 100 miles at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Large items purchased at those BXs can be shipped at no additional charge to the Arnold AFB BX for pickup. 125 Von Karman Rd. Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-4501

Arnold AFB Commissary Hours

• Sunday, Monday

  - Closed

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

  - 0900 - 1730

• Thursday

  - 0900 – 1830

• Saturday

  - 0800 – 1630

Arnold AFB BX

Building 2840 125 Von Karman Rd. Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-7153

Arnold AFB Exchange Hours

• Sunday-Monday

  - Closed

• Tuesday-Friday

  - 0900 - 1730

• Saturday

  - 0800 – 1630

Arnold Air Force Base Barber Shops

100 Kindel Dr. Suite A107 Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-6987

Arnold AFB Barber Shop Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

  - 0900 – 1700

• Wednesday and Weekends

  – Closed

Arnold Air Force Base Post Office

Building 685 Second Ave. Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-5577

Arnold AFB Post Office Hours

• Monday-Friday

  - 0700 - 1530

Arnold Air Force Base Finance Office

The Finance Office provides financial counseling. Here, the staff will help you build short-term and long-term financial goals.

Finance Office

100 Kindel Dr. Suite A315 Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-4536

Arnold AFB Finance Office Hours

• Monday-Friday

  - 0730 – 1600

• Weekends

  – Closed

Arnold Air Force Base Legal Office

Legal Services/JAG 100 Kindel Dr. Suite B120 Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-7814

Arnold AFB Legal Office Hours

• Monday- Friday

  - 0730 - 1600

• Weekends

  – Closed

Arnold Air Force Base Library

Technical Library 100 Kindel Dr. Suite C212 Arnold AFB, TN 37389

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-5431

Arnold AFB Library Hours

• Monday-Friday

  - 0730 – 1600

• Weekends

  – Closed

Arnold Air Force Base Hotels

There are a handful of hotels in Tullahoma. These are just a few for you or your family to consider. 1. Wingo Inn 4176 Westover Rd. Tullahoma, TN 37388

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-3099 The Wingo Inn provides temporary lodging for military personnel and their families. Keep in mind the inn does not allow pets. The office closes at 1800 on weekdays and 1600 on Saturdays so if arriving after hours, guests must inform the gate guard they are checking in. 2. The Grand Lux Inn & Suites 212 E. Lincoln St. Tullahoma, TN 37388

Phone

: 1 (931) 461-9993 3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites 2030 N. Jackson St. Tullahoma, TN 37388

Phone

: 1 (931) 222-1414 4. Hampton Inn 1922 N. Jackson St. Tullahoma, TN 37388

Phone

: 1 (931) 461-5222

Where Should I Live Near Arnold Air Force Base?

If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.

Major Cities Near Arnold Air Force Base

Arnold AFB is just about equidistant, mileage-wise, from three major cities. Nashville is one of the best cities in the South and a tourist attraction for lovers of music and hot chicken alike. It’s 70 miles from base, and you can make the drive in a little over an hour if traffic is agreeable. You might have flown into Chattanooga before heading to Arnold AFB. It’s smaller than Nashville but there’s plenty to do and offers a more college town feel due to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. If you head south and cross the state line, you’ll hit Huntsville, Alabama, now the most populated city in the state with 215,000 people.

Best Places To Live Near Arnold Air Force Base

Tullahoma

Downtown Tullahoma is only eight miles from base, which provides convenience for your family. Tullahoma offers a classic, charming, small-town feel, perfect for those that don’t like a lot of busyness or traffic. Homes in the area start at $120,000 and you can also find some apartments in the area with rent below $500 per month. If you prefer an even more serene residence, nearby towns like Decherd and Estill Springs have even smaller populations, roughly 2000 people in each.

Manchester

It’s possible you drove through Manchester on your way to Arnold AFB, as it sits adjacent to I-24. It’s a similar town to Tullahoma in terms of population, amenities, cost of living, and proximity to base.

Murfreesboro

If you don’t mind a bit longer commute to base, Murfreesboro is 40 miles northwest. The population exceeds 150,000 so it’s a good option if your family prefers a bit more action and amenities. In 2018, Time Magazine ranked Murfreesboro as one of the top 20 places to live in America due to a variety of factors including the local economy, public education, and diversity.

Hot Tip: Look for Arnold AFB homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Tullahoma, TN, Schools Near Arnold Air Force Base

Tullahoma City Schools is the public school district serving Tullahoma. The district oversees seven campuses and boasts a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum which includes a fine arts education, team sports, and support services for students with special needs. Any of their four elementary schools will provide great educations, but the closest campus to Arnold AFB is East Lincoln Elementary School. It is a short, seven-mile drive from base and is a kindergarten-5th grade campus. After completing 5th grade, kids will progress to East Middle School for grades six through eight. From there, Tullahoma High School. Before it’s time for kindergarten, you may need a daycare center. Contact the Arnold AFB Daycare Coordinator Office and they’ll assist in placing your child in an excellent and nurturing atmosphere.

Daycare Coordinator Office

4174 Westover Rd. Tullahoma, TN 37388

Phone

: 1 (931) 454-3277 Check out our full guide to Arnold AFB schools for a more detailed rundown.

Tullahoma, TN, Weather

Expect humidity in Tullahoma. Summers are hot and muggy and winters are cold and wet. Fortunately, despite the cold winters you won’t have to deal with too much snow as the average yearly snowfall only reaches about six inches. January is the snowiest month, averaging 2.5 inches. The rain is a different story, with the average annual rainfall over 45 inches. It rains all year, with December the wettest month at 4.8 inches on average. Luckily the temperatures aren’t often too extreme. January and February are cold but bearable, with average highs in the high 40s or low 50s. With March and spring comes the annual warming with high temperatures beginning to creep into the 60s. April and May continue the warming and overnight lows bump back into the 50s; unfortunately May begins the muggy season, which lasts until mid-September. Summers are hot, but not too bad with averages in the high 80s. Late September brings Fall along with relief from the heat and humidity. Fall really kicks into gear in October when daytime highs average 70-degrees and evenings bring that recognizable chill associated with trick-or-treating. The cold starts its annual return in November and by December the average highs are 50 and the lows are 32.

Things To Do at Arnold Air Force Base

The area around Arnold AFB offers plenty of fun things to do for all ages. There’s several hiking trails and locals particularly enjoy visiting Rutledge Falls. Kids will love the Galaxy Skate Family Fun Center and the Hands On Science Center. For the adults, sample some Tennessee whisky at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. or some craft beers at Ole Shed Brewing Company. Be sure to check out our full things to do and restaurant guides for a more detailed breakdown.

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Conclusion

Relocating can be stressful. We hope this guide comes in handy and gives you an idea of what to expect upon your arrival and stay at Arnold AFB. Tullahoma and other cities in the area are a great place to call home and we hope you have an excellent experience during your time there.