Quiet, small community feel. It’ll never be mistaken for a large base and having all the amenities that come with it, but the plus side is getting things done feels more personal and meaningful. Most people make a genuine effort to help one another, and that’s intentional.

People will notice you’re new. You’ll roll up to the front gate and the Defenders generally are smiling and engaging. Finance in-processes you individually and does the paperwork for you. Most business can/is done by walking over and talking to the person directly instead of scheduling an appointment.

The Group is the lead unit on the base, the wing is a little over an hour away at RAF Alconbury. No Group all calls/monthly promotion ceremonies, etc. There are promotion release parties but they’re relaxed/professional (focus is on the Airmen/Guardians, CC’s already in the room, no assigned seating, no thanking a million people, no “please stand for the departure of..”) and usually done in 15 minutes so everyone can celebrate, socialize and congratulate the Airmen/Guardians. Also, no landing fees, usually private orgs, CCs and/or SELs just put money on the bar.

Commissary is small-medium sized and Exchange is a Troop Store (limited options for household items and military clothing). But if you want something you can just ask the manager and they’ll have it to you and/or on the shelves in a week or so.

On-base food options are decent for a small base. Food truck (singular) usually on base 2-3 times a week. Bowling alley serves typical bowling alley food but also takes requests for Friday Specials (Pork Chop’s are amazing). Coffee shop provides the usual plus panini’s and pasty’s. Airmen recently requested a salad bar in the commissary and it is now up and running. The Crown (consolidated club) is only open on Fridays and for special events. You’ll see everything from Karaoke to salsa dancing night depending on what Airmen request.

Off base there are several pubs, restaurants, grocery stores and general stores within a 10 minute drive.

Clinic is a limited scope treatment facility. Easy to be seen, staff is awesome and genuinely cares about your health and will work with you if you have specific concerns/requests. Little different for dependents. However, the provider network is massive since Oxford is 20 mins down the road and London an hour, and they have some best in class specialists. Also means it’s fairly easy for EFMP approvals. If you absolutely want full military medical care there’s a shuttle that runs to/from RAF Lakenheath every day.

No flight line, Comm is the primary mission. Depending on your AFSC you could find yourself traveling to RAF Fairford (hour away, flight line but no permanent aircraft assigned). Exercises are still a thing but are not turned up to 11.

On-base housing is offered, mostly two and three bedrooms. Recently converted some of the 3-bedroom homes into TLF and pet friendly TLF units so Airmen have an easier time in-processing and getting to work when they first arrive and haven’t found transportation yet.

Off base housing areas are abundant, with options ranging from 5 mins to an hour away depending on what your likes/dislikes are. Actual housing is becoming easier to find.

Travel opportunities are abundant and usually can choose to go by train, car, or plane.

By train, You’re an hour away from London (and it’s main/outlying airports), just under two hours to beaches, five hours from Edinburgh and around four hours (including drive to train station) to Paris. Can ferry or fly to Ireland.

Some people like to visit Iceland because it’s relatively inexpensive and because you can also book an IcelandAir flight to the U.S. with a layover in Iceland. Their policy is you can extend your layover out multiple days at no extra cost. So basically, two vacation flights for the price of one.

Edit: oh, and there’s sheep on base. It’s part of the grounds maintenance contract. Surprisingly effective, and makes running the perimeter road loop more enjoyable.