Service Specific Information

The Hanscom Air Force Base Hanscom Air Force Base Military and Family Readiness Center can be emailed or reached by phone at 781-225-2765. Find us on Facebook at Hanscom AFB Military and Family Readiness Center.

Special Messages:

• Department of Defense civilians and retirees are eligible to apply for privatized base housing at Hanscom Air Force Base.
• The housing research area is wide as base personnel live in six states. Most homes are found in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
• Housing is very expensive here and utilities may be more expensive than to which you are accustomed.
• Child care off-base is also extremely expensive ($300 to $400 per week) and difficult to secure. The Child Development Center has a waitlist for some categories.
• From October to April, weather includes everything from black ice on the roads (if you have to scrape your windshield in the morning, watch for ice patches on bridges, ramps, etc.) to freezing rain and snow. Winter driving involves reducing speed and lengthening space between vehicles.
• Massachusetts has strict firearm laws. Don't drive into the state with firearms without checking the state laws on the Mass.gov website.

May to September brings a wide range of temperatures, from the 50s in May to 90-plus in August. It can also be very humid. (This is why we enjoy the ocean and the many lakes/rivers!) During this time, be prepared for seasonal allergies (mold, pollen, etc.). We have a pretty short growing season. Mosquitoes and ticks (active in temperatures over 40 degrees) are problematic, so pets (and you) should be protected. Ticks are found in tall grasses and it is recommended to check everyone over after outdoor activities. It helps to wear light-colored clothing. Protect yourself and family members between dusk to dawn from mosquitoes (stay indoors or check out many of the over-the-counter repellant products).

Visit these Wi-Fi hot spots if you need internet connectivity while settling in:

• Hanscom Military and Family Readiness Center
• Education center
• Bowling center
• The Commons

Defense Service Network (DSN) 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.