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High cost of living area in comparison with the rest of the United States. For more detailed information please see the following corresponding website based on the information found on the Department of State website resources: https://www.salary.com/research/cost-of-living/ca.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. If you have any questions, please contact Personnel Readiness at 951-655-3061.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). 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. Currently there is no operator for March Air Reserve Base. If you need to be connected to a DSN number please contact the Military & Family Readiness Office at 951-655-5350. *Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.**** (Due to COVID-19 current postures, activity on base is limited, so the M&FRO may not have access to the DSN phone to transfer at this time. We apologize for any inconveniences.) ****
Team March is a multi-faceted team with numerous and varying missions. The host wing is the 452d Air Mobility Wing whose members are "professionals committed to excellence and to the highest state of readiness in support of national objectives; providing efficient and effective service while enhancing the environment, the installation, and its heritage in partnership with the local community". Team March is comprised of many diverse organizations such as Headquarters 4th Air Force, which directs the activities and supervises the equipping and training of Air Force Reservists in unit programs across the U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Guam; the Air National Guard (ACC and AMC); Department of Homeland Security; Air Force Audit Agency; local Recruiting offices within 50 mile radius (all branches/components); the Defense Media Center, comprised of the Television-Audio Support Activity (T-ASA) which designs, procures, installs, and supports radio and television, visual information, media archival, storage and duplication, and combat camera systems with commercial, off-the-shelf equipment and supplies and the Armed Forces Network Broadcast Center, the sole programming source for military radio and television outlets overseas in over 177 countries around the world; 653rd Regional Support Group (U.S. Army); and the Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Center.
On March 20, 1918, Alessandro Flying Training Field became March Field, named in honor of Second Lieutenant Peyton C. March, Jr., son of the Army Chief of Staff, who had been killed in a flying accident in Texas the previous month. In April 1923, March Field closed its doors and was reopened in March 1927. In the months ahead many Air Force leaders completed their initial flight training at March Field. From 1949 to 1953, the B-29 Superfortresses dominated the flightline at March Air Force Base and in 1960, the first Reserve unit was assigned flying C-119s. The first B-52B bomber, "The City of Riverside" came to March in September 1963, and the first KC-135, "The Mission Bell" arrived on October 4, 1963. For the next twenty years this venerable team would dominate the skies over what had come to be called the Inland Empire as the 22d Bombardment Wing played a feature role in the Strategic Air Command's mission. In 1982, the 22d became an air refueling wing with the new KC-10 tanker and the California Air National Guard arrived, bringing with them the F-4C's. In 1993, March Air Force Base was selected for realignment. As part of the Air Force's realignment and transition, March's two Reserve units, the 445th Airlift Wing and the 452d Air Refueling Wing were deactivated and their personnel and equipment joined under the 452d Air Mobility Wing on April 1, 1994. On April 1, 1996, March officially became March Air Reserve Base. For more details about the history of March Field visit the March ARB homepage.
Reservists (both ARTs and TRs), Guardsmen, and active duty from all branches of the military have a presence on March ARB. The number of assigned personnel to include tenant units is well over 8,000. Civilian population of 1,750.
2.42 million people in Riverside County (as of 2020 Census)
March ARB serves a large diverse population. Reservists (both ARTs and TRs), Guardsmen, and active duty from all branches of the military have a presence on March ARB. The number of assigned personnel (to include tenant units) is well over 8,000. A civilian population of approximately 1,750 adds to that number and when the number of retirees and their family members served by March ARB is added, the service population number jumps to over 70,000.
March Air Reserve Base is located in north-west Riverside County which, along with San Bernardino County, is called the "Inland Empire" region of Southern California. Riverside County encompasses an area of nearly 7,200 square miles and boasts a population of 2.42 million people. Over the last decade, it has consistently been one of the fastest growing areas in the country. The base is situated between the cities of Riverside and Moreno Valley California. This is a high cost of living area in comparison with the rest of the United States, however, in comparison with other metropolitan areas of the state of California (Los Angeles/San Francisco/San Diego) the cost of living is lower. There is currently no base operator. If you need assistance, please contact the Military & Family Readiness Office at 951-655-5322/5350.
Arriving by Air at Ontario International Airport and Driving to March Air Reserve Base
March Air Reserve Base is located in north-west Riverside County, approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles and 240 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada.
From the North
Head south on I-5, merge onto I-210E toward Pasadena. Take CA-57S toward CA-71/I-10. Merge onto CA-71 South toward Corona, merge onto CA-60 toward Riverside. Take I-215 South toward San Diego, exiting at the Cactus Avenue W. exit toward Arnold heights. Turn left onto Cactus and right onto Graeber Street (main gate of March ARB).
From the Northwest
From US-101S take the CA-60 Hwy E/Pomona Freeway toward Pomona. Merge onto CA-60 East. Take the I-215 South toward San Diego, exit at Cactus Avenue W toward Arnold Heights. Turn left onto Cactus and right onto Graeber Street (main gate of March ARB).
From the South
Take CA-163 North toward Escondido. Merge onto I-15 North. Take I-215 north toward Riverside/San Bernardino. Merge onto Cactus Ave toward March ARB, turn right onto Graeber St.
From the Southeast
Take NV State Hwy 604 heading northwest. Merge onto I-515 North/US Hwy 93 North toward Ely/Reno. Merge onto I-15 South via exit number 76A toward Los Angeles. Take I-215 South toward San Bernardino/Riverside. Take the Cactus Avenue West exit toward Arnold Heights, turn left on Cactus Ave, turn right on Graeber St (main gate of March ARB).