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.

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 is 347
• DSN Prefix for 967 is 357
• DSN Prefix for 968 is 782
• DSN Prefix for 982 is 382
• DSN Prefix for 477 is 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.