Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

JBER in Anchorage combines F-22 Raptors (the most advanced air superiority fighter in the world) with Army infantry (the 4-25 Airborne, a.k.a. 'Spartan Brigade') on one of the most visually stunning bases in the DoD, which is great because the scenery distracts from the fact that a gallon of milk costs $7 and Amazon Prime 'two-day delivery' is a suggestion not a guarantee. Anchorage has everything a mid-size city offers — restaurants, breweries, a performing arts center, a Costco — plus mountains, glaciers, and wildlife that doesn't care about your PT score, your rank, or your plans. Moose roam the base like they own it (they do). The COLA helps your paycheck survive Alaska prices. The 6 hours of winter daylight does not help your mental health, your vitamin D levels, or your relationship. But the flip side — 20+ hours of summer daylight, midnight sun hikes, world-class fishing, skiing at Alyeska — makes you briefly believe this was the best assignment ever. Every JBER service member's Instagram is 90% aurora photos, 5% moose encounters, and 5% crying about shipping costs.