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Joint Base Lewis-McChord

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62nd Airlift Wing
McChord Field
McChord Field
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Cost of Living

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord cost of living is approximately 22 % higher than the national average.  Individual experience will vary based on spending patterns and preferences.

Installation Details

Special and Critical Installation Information

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is home to America's I Corps and 62nd Airlift Wing. JBLM is located in Pierce County, approximately 9.1 miles southwest of Tacoma, Washington. The area offers a vast array of recreational opportunities for everyone from beginners to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Washington is home to three national parks including Olympic National Park which stretches for nearly a million acres! While exploring the many activities available in the area, always ensure you let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return as some areas of the state have little to no cell phone coverage.

The Cost of Living in Washington state is higher than the national average. Plan ahead to avoid taking on new debt. Be prepared to pay move-in expenses such as initial rent, deposit, and utility connection fees for off-post housing. Visit the Defense Travel Management Office website for current BAH rates to assist you with your financial planning (enter 98433 for the zip code).

  • If you experience a financial emergency while traveling to JBLM, please contact the American Red Cross at 877-272-7337.
  • If you find yourself needing financial assistance after arrival, please reach out to the JBLM Financial Readiness Program at 253-967-1453 or email them at usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dhr-financial-readiness@army.mil. 

Cell Phone Use: In the state of Washington, it is against the law to hold your cell phone while you are driving. You must use a hands-free device at all times while operating a motor vehicle. Using or even holding a cell phone is prohibited while driving, stopped in traffic, or at a stop light. 

DoDI 6044.01, AR 385-10, and AFI 91-207 prohibit wearing headsets, earphones, or any other listening devices while running, jogging, walking, bicycling, or operating vehicles on the installation roadways.

Privately owned weapons stored or transported on the installation require registration with the JBLM Provost Marshal Office regardless of branch affiliation or individual status (Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Retired, Family Member, Civilian, etc.). Weapons registration offices are located in Waller Hall (Bldg. 2140) and at either the Lewis Main or McChord Field Visitor Centers. Do not bring your weapon(s) into the facilities! 

  • It is prohibited to transport weapons in a vehicle unless traveling to and from authorized hunting areas, recreational firing at an authorized location, or traveling to/from off-base locations. 
    • When transporting weapons, they must be stored in the vehicle's trunk. For vehicles without a trunk, the weapon must be in a container so it is not readily accessible to the driver or passengers. Weapons must be unloaded and ammunition must be stored separately from the weapon.
  • The weapon registration form (HJB 816 or 816-1) must be readily available at all times while a weapon is on JBLM.
  • When entering JBLM, vehicle occupants are required to declare the presence of any firearms located in the vehicle.
  • Concealed weapon permits are not valid on JBLM and concealed carry is strictly prohibited.​​​​​ 

***WASHINGTON STATE HAS RECENTLY ENACTED LAWS PROHIBITING CERTAIN ACTIONS REGARDING ASSAULT WEAPONS AND FIREARM PARTS, INCLUDING IMPORTATION, SELLING AND OFFERING FOR SALE.

  • Before you ship, transport or hand carry privately-owned firearms or firearm parts into Washington State, review and/or seek legal advice on whether your weapon is prohibited under Washington State Law. Washington State has a list of firearms and firearm parts that are specifically considered assault weapons and may be prohibited from being transported into Washington State, depending on your particular circumstances. A detailed information list can be found at https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1240-S.SL.pdf?q=20230525103427.
  • You can obtain legal advice from your outgoing Legal Assistance Office or civilian attorney at your own expense, before your PCS begins.

Defense Switched Network Dialing Instructions:

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included.

The DSN area code for JBLM is 312.

  • DSN Prefix for 966 = 347
  • DSN Prefix for 967 = 357
  • DSN Prefix for 968 = 782
  • DSN Prefix for 982 = 382
  • DSN Prefix for 477 = 677

Please visit the JBLM Directory for contact information such as phone numbers, emails and links to official social media pages for JBLM units and organizations.

In-Depth Overview

Mission

Joint Base Lewis-McChord provides state-of-the-art training and infrastructure, responsive quality of life programs, and fully capable mobilization and deployment operations for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Manage resources efficiently and equitably to support mission readiness and execution, and the well-being of service members, families, and civilians. Sustain and protect the environment as a fully integrated community partner in the lower Puget Sound, with a highly trained and motivated workforce.

History

Named after Meriwether Lewis of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, Fort Lewis was born out of World War I. In 1917, the Pierce County Electorate voted to bond themselves for $2,000,000 to purchase 70,000 acres for donation to the federal government for use as a military base. Camp Lewis was the first military installation to be created as the result of an outright gift of land by the citizens themselves. Construction began July 5, 1917.

On September 30, 1927, Camp Lewis was redesignated a fort. In 1938, the additions of an Army Air Corps field was approved at a site north of Fort Lewis. This field, then part of Fort Lewis, was named McChord Field in 1940 in honor of Colonel William McChord, who had been killed in an aviation accident in 1937. McChord Field became independent of Fort Lewis in 1947 and was renamed McChord Air Force Base following the creation of the U.S. Air Force.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord - now simply known as JBLM - became one of 12 joint bases across the Department of Defense in 2010 when Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base merged as an outcome of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

Population

The total population at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is approximately 295,251

  • Active Military: 31,001
  • Civilians: 13,593
  • Family Members:47,121
  • Local Retirees: 39,073
  • Retiree Family Members: 112,685
  • Reserve Total Force: 7,083

Location

Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest on the Puget Sound, in Washington State, Joint Base Lewis-McChord is near the city of Lakewood, 10 minutes from Tacoma and 20 minutes from Olympia, the state capitol. JBLM is situated in a key location along Interstate 5, allowing easy access to Sea-Tac Airport and to the deep water ports of Tacoma and Seattle. Although the Army and Air Force missions have changed over the years, one thing has not changed - the natural setting of the base. On a clear day, majestic Mount Rainier looms on the horizon, towering over the other peaks of the Cascade Range. From the mountains to the deep waters of Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean, the local areas abound in natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and several sports are a way of life in Washington State.

Directions

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a controlled access installation. Vehicles with an adult, authorized Department of Defense ID cardholder (18 or older) may enter JBLM through any open gate. Vehicles without an adult, authorized DoD ID cardholder (18 or older) present must report to the Visitor Control Center adjacent to either the Lewis Main Liberty Gate (I-5 exit 120) or McChord Field Main Gate (I-5 exit 125) to receive a temporary pass. To do this, you must have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and have an adult, authorized sponsor (18 or older) willing to sponsor your base access. Sponsors must be available by phone to complete the pass issuance process.

For current gate operating hours, visit the JBLM Visitor & Gate Information Page.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is located in the Pacific Northwest; 45 miles south of Seattle on Interstate 5.

Traveling by Car

To enter Lewis Main, you will take Exit 120 (JBLM Lewis Main/Lewis North) and follow signs for Lewis Main.

To enter at McChord Field, you will take Exit 125 (Bridgeport Way/McChord). If exiting from I-5 South, you will turn left onto Bridgeport Way and continue until you reach the McChord Field Gate. If exiting from I-5 North, you will turn right onto Bridgeport Way and continue until you reach the McChord Field Gate.

Both the McChord and Liberty gates (Lewis Main) are open 24 hours a day.

Traveling by Train

Tacoma is the stop nearest to JBLM.

Taxi and bus services are available from the station.

Traveling by Bus

Those traveling by bus can make connections directly to JBLM at Madigan Army Medical Center.

Traveling by Air

If you are traveling by air, you will land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (commonly known as Sea-Tac). Information and assistance are available at the Sea-Tac USO Center conveniently located outside security above Southwest Airlines ticketing counter on the Mezzanine Level. Their hours vary and may or may not be open when you arrive. All programs and services at the center are provided free of charge to military members and their families.

Transportation from the Airport

  • If you have a sponsor, he/she may be able to meet you at the airport and transport you to JBLM.
  • If you do not have a sponsor or your sponsor is not available to assist you with transportation to JBLM, you may choose to rent a car from several car rental agencies on site or make arrangements for ground transportation via UBER, LYFT, or taxi. Please note: if you use ground transportation, make sure you request a receipt in order to claim the fare on your smart voucher for reimbursement.

If you are driving from the airport, you will need to take Interstate 5 SOUTH toward Portland. Stay on I-5 until you reach Exit 125 for McChord Field or Exit 120 for Lewis Main.

Upon arrival at JBLM, Army personnel will report to the Installation Reception Center at Building 2021 on Pendleton Avenue. Air Force personnel will report to their unit Commander's Support Staff (CSS). If you need lodging, there are two hotels on the installation. Rainier Inn on Lewis Main can be reached at 253-964-0211 and Candlewood Suites on McChord Field can be reached at 253-300-9200.

The Washington Child Passenger Restraint Law requires:

  • Children up to age 2 must ride in a rear-facing seat.
  • Children ages 2 to 4 must ride in a car seat with a harness (rear or forward-facing).
  • Children 4 years and older must ride in a car or booster seat until they are 4'9" in height.
  • Children up to age 13 must ride in the back seat when practical.
  • All child safety systems must be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

**For the best protection, a child should remain in each stage of restraint until they reach the maximum height and weight based on the manufacturer's instructions.

Base Transportation

On-base Transporation

GO Transit provides free shuttle service around Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The on-base transportation system goes around JBLM from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays on a set route.

On weekends, GO Transit will operate point to point from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please call dispatch for pick up and drop off at the shuttle pick up locations. The dispatch number is 253-477-3717.

Anyone with access to JBLM may use the shuttle service. Children without a DoD ID card need to be accompanied. Children with a DoD ID card can ride the shuttle unaccompanied. 

You can track the location of the vans by using the Ride Systems app. You can see, in real time, each of the four routes serviced by our shuttle drivers. Additionally, the app helps users plan trips by viewing the next estimated stop time for each designated stop.

Off-base Transportation

Pierce Transit offers a bus stop on route 206 at JBLM Madigan Army Medical Center. For additional information about bus routes, fares, schedules and car/van pools, call 253-581-8000 or visit the Pierce Transit website.

Transportation via UBER, LYFT or taxi are available in and around JBLM.

Contact Information

JBLM does not have a base operator; however, there is an Automated Directory Assistance line.

Lewis Main:

Commercial: 253-967-1110

McChord Field:

Commercial: 253-982-1110