Located in southwestern Illinois, just across the state border from St. Louis, MO, Scott Air Force Base plays a major role in moving people, equipment, and resources for the US military around the world. The installation is home to the 375th Air Mobility Wing, as well as headquarters for Air Mobility Command, US Transportation Command, and the 18th Air Force, among other organizations.
More than 13,000 active-duty servicemembers, civilians, contractors, Air National Guard members, and reservists work at Scott, making it one of the largest employers in southwestern Illinois.
But what is it like to call Scott AFB home? From housing and healthcare to schools, childcare, employment, and life in the St. Louis area, here’s what servicemembers and military families should know before settling in.
Whether you’re PCSing on your own or with family, Scott AFB offers several housing options and resources to help you find the right fit.
When deciding where to live, consider your BAH, commute, school district, childcare needs, and how close you want to be to St. Louis and other area attractions.
A PCS comes with plenty of logistics, and the Scott Military & Family Readiness Center can help servicemembers and families navigate them.
The center provides resources for relocation, financial readiness, employment, deployments, transitions, and other aspects of military life. Incoming families can also access relocation information about local communities and school districts before arriving at Scott.
Whether you need help preparing for your move or getting connected once you arrive, the center can be a valuable resource throughout your assignment.
Servicemembers and eligible family members have access to healthcare through the 375th Medical Group at Scott AFB.
In addition to supporting the installation’s readiness and aeromedical missions, the 375th Medical Group provides healthcare services to tens of thousands of beneficiaries in the Scott community and surrounding area.
As with any PCS, TRICARE beneficiaries should update their information and confirm their healthcare options after moving, particularly if ongoing or specialty care is needed.
If you’re moving with school-age children, your school options will depend largely on where you choose to live.
Children living in base housing who attend public school are served by Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19. Scott Elementary School, located adjacent to the base, serves eligible students in pre-K through fifth grade, while middle and high school students living on base are typically transported to schools in Mascoutah.
Families living off base may be served by one of several surrounding school districts, depending on their address.
The installation’s School Liaison Program can help families understand school boundaries, enrollment and registration, transferring credits, special education resources, extracurricular programs, and other considerations that come with changing schools.
Scott AFB has two Child Development Centers that offer weekly and hourly childcare, based on availability, for children ages six weeks to five years. Families seeking full-time care can submit requests through MilitaryChildCare.com.
The installation also has a Family Child Care program, which provides additional home-based childcare options. For older children, Scott’s Youth Center offers before- and after-school care and summer programming for children ages five to 12, along with recreational activities and programs for pre-teens and teens.
Because availability can vary, families who know they’ll need childcare may want to begin researching their options before their PCS.
A PCS can mean a career transition for military spouses, but Scott’s location provides access to employment opportunities both on and off base.
The Military & Family Readiness Center offers employment assistance, including resume preparation, job-search support, interview guidance, federal employment workshops, and a Spouse Employment Orientation. Military spouses can also use resources such as the Military Spouse Employer Partnership to connect with employers committed to recruiting and retaining military spouses.
Scott’s proximity to the greater St. Louis metropolitan area can further expand the job search. Depending on your career field and preferred commute, employment opportunities may be available throughout southwestern Illinois as well as across the Mississippi River in Missouri.
Scott AFB offers a variety of recreational facilities and programs that can make it easier to stay active and connect with the military community.
On-base amenities include fitness and recreation facilities, bowling, golf, arts and crafts, a library, and more. It even has an outdoor recreation facility where you can rent a variety of recreational and camping equipment. The installation also has a commissary and exchange, giving families convenient access to many everyday necessities.
Programs and events offered throughout the year can also provide opportunities for newly arrived servicemembers and families to meet others and get more involved in the Scott community.
One of the biggest advantages of a Scott AFB assignment is its proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan area. The base sits in Illinois’ Metro East region, giving servicemembers and families access to the amenities of a major city without necessarily having to live in an urban environment.
A trip into St. Louis puts professional sports, museums, restaurants, entertainment, higher education, and major employers within reach. The surrounding Illinois communities, meanwhile, offer suburban and small-town living closer to the installation.
That combination can give families flexibility to choose a community that fits their lifestyle while still enjoying what the larger St. Louis region has to offer.
Southern Illinois experiences four distinct seasons. Summers tend to be hot and humid, while winters bring colder temperatures and occasional snow and ice. Spring and fall are generally milder, although temperatures can change quickly.
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are also possible in the region, particularly during the warmer months. Once you arrive, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with local weather alerts and your household’s severe-weather plan.
Scott’s military history dates back to 1917, when it was established as a flying field during World War I. It was named for Corporal Frank Scott, an enlisted servicemember who was killed in an aviation accident in 1912.
Over the decades, Scott evolved from an aviation training installation into an important center for communications, aeromedical evacuation, airlift, and global mobility. Today, it remains central to the movement of military personnel and resources around the world.
A new duty station comes with plenty to learn, but knowing what to expect can make settling in easier. At Scott AFB, you’ll find an established military community, dedicated healthcare and family resources, a global mobility mission, and easy access to the greater St. Louis area.
Whether you’re arriving on your own or with a family, getting familiar with your housing, schools, childcare, employment, and support options early can help you settle in — and make the most of your time at Scott.