Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base! Here are answers to some of the most common questions newcomers have when preparing to arrive or getting settled in.

An airman from the 88th Air Base Wing asks a question during a health panel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center on March 8, 2024. The panel, hosted by female leaders from the 88th Medical Group, highlighted the importance of women’s health.

Q: Where is Wright-Patterson AFB located?
A: WPAFB is in southwest Ohio, adjacent to Fairborn and about 10 miles from downtown Dayton.

Directions to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB)

From the North (Columbus, OH area):
- Take I-71 South toward Cincinnati.
- Merge onto I-70 West toward Dayton.
- Take exit 43 for OH-444 toward WPAFB/Area A.
- Follow signs for Wright-Patterson AFB; stay on OH-444 southbound to enter Area A.
- For Area B, follow signs to the appropriate gate after entering the base.
From the South (Cincinnati, OH area):
- Take I-75 North toward Dayton.
- Merge onto I-70 East toward Columbus.
- Take exit 43 for OH-444 toward WPAFB/Area A.
- Follow signs for Wright-Patterson AFB; continue on OH-444 to reach the base entrance.
- Follow signage to specific areas or gates as needed.
From the East (Columbus, OH area):
- Take I-70 West toward Dayton.
- Take exit 43 for OH-444 toward WPAFB/Area A.
- Follow OH-444 south to the main gate of Wright-Patterson AFB.
- Follow directions for Areas A or B based on your destination.
From the West (Dayton, OH area):
- Take I-70 East toward Columbus.
- Take exit 43 for OH-444 toward WPAFB/Area A.
- Follow OH-444 south to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base entrance.
- Proceed according to your area or gate access requirements.
Q: What are the main gates and hours of operation?
A: Gate hours vary by location. Gate 12A (main gate) and Gate 22B is open 24/7. For a full list of gate locations and hours, visit the Gate Information page.
Q: Is there a base welcome guide I can check out?
A: Yes, WPAFB recommends checking the base Newcomers site for centralized info.
Q: How do I find my gaining unit’s location or building number?
A: Your sponsor or unit POC will provide your exact location. You can also consult the base directory, 937-257-1110.

Q: How do I request a sponsor?
A: You can request a sponsor through your gaining unit or via the Military & Family Readiness Center. Sponsorship is highly encouraged for a smooth transition.
Q: What documents do I need for in-processing?
A: Required documents include your PCS orders, medical/dental records, ID card, and dependent information. A full checklist is available on our In-processing page.
Q: What airports are nearby?
A: Dayton International Airport (DAY) is the closest. Cincinnati (CVG), Columbus (CMH), and Indianapolis (IND) are also within driving distance. You can visit the Pre-Arrival page for additional information
Q: Can I ship my car or household goods to base?
A: Yes. Active duty personnel coordinate through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). For additional information you can visit Military OneSource.
Q: Where should I report first when I arrive?
A: Your orders should specify a reporting location. If in doubt, check in with your sponsor or the Military & Family Readiness Center for assistance.

Q: How do I apply for base housing?
A: Base housing is managed by Wright-Patterson Family Housing. Apply online at www.wpafbhomes.com or visit the Housing & Lodging page for additional information.
Q: Where can I stay while waiting for housing?
A: Temporary lodging is available at the Wright-Patt Inns or Hope Hotel. Visit Wright-Patt Lodging for reservations.
Q: What are the average wait times for on-base housing?
A: Wait times vary by rank, family size, and housing type. Contact Wright-Patterson Family Housing (937-257-6547) for the most up-to-date estimates or visit Housing & Lodging for additional information.
Q: Are pets allowed in base housing or lodging?
A: Yes—with restrictions. Pet-friendly housing is available but limited. Temporary lodging allows pets in designated rooms with advance coordination.

Q: How can military spouses find jobs?
A: The Military & Family Readiness Center provides resume help and connects spouses with local and federal job resources, including the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP).
Q: Are there education services on base?
A: Yes. Several colleges offer on-base classes and the Education Office provides support for Tuition Assistance, testing, and academic advising.
Q: Where can I get help writing a federal resume?
A: The Military & Family Readiness Center offers workshops and 1-on-1 resume assistance for both military members and spouses.
Q: Can I take college classes while working full time?
A: Yes. Many on-base and virtual education programs offer flexible or evening classes to accommodate full-time employees and military schedules. For more information visit our education and training section.

Q: What childcare options are available?
A: Wright-Patt has two Child Development Centers, School Age Programs, and certified Family Child Care providers. Visit Child & Youth Programs for details.
Q: Who can help with school enrollment?
A: The School Liaison Office connects families with local districts and helps with transfer paperwork and school options.
Q: How early should I register for childcare?
A: As soon as possible. Demand is high. Use militarychildcare.com to begin the registration and waitlist process.
Q: Are there teen-specific programs available?
A: Yes. The Youth Center offers clubs, sports, and leadership programs specifically for pre-teens and teens. Visit the Family Support section for additional information.

Q: How do I enroll in TRICARE?
A: Enroll online at www.tricare.mil or call Humana Military at 1-800-444-5445.
Q: Where is the medical clinic located?
A: The Wright-Patterson Medical Center is in Area A, Bldg. 830, and serves active duty, retirees, and dependents enrolled in TRICARE Prime.
Q: What if I need mental health support or counseling?
A: The Mental Health Clinic and Military & Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) offer confidential support. You can also call 988 for 24/7 crisis help. For Civilians, the Employee Assistance Program is available
Q: How do I transfer my prescriptions to the base pharmacy?
A: You can do so in person at the Medical Center Pharmacy or use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to request a transfer.

Q: How do I get a base pass for visitors or family members?
A: Passes can be obtained at the Visitor Control Center at Gate 12A. A valid photo ID and sponsor verification are required.
Q: Do I need to register my vehicle on base?
A: No, WPAFB does not currently require vehicle registration decals. However, a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration are required to drive on base.
Q: Is there public transportation to or around base?
A: Wright-Patt does not have a dedicated shuttle service, but some off-base bus routes serve the area. Most personnel rely on POVs or carpooling.

Q: Where is the Finance Office located?
A: Finance services are available in Bldg. 2, Area A. For military pay, PCS entitlements, or travel reimbursements, visit myPay or contact your unit finance rep.
Q: How do I set up direct deposit or change banking info?
A: Use myPay or contact your servicing finance office during in-processing.
Q: What’s the mailing address or how do I receive mail when I arrive?
A: Temporary mailboxes may be available through your squadron or General Delivery at the USPS near base. Contact your sponsor for personalized instructions.

Q: Are there grocery and retail stores on base?
A: Yes, the Commissary and Base Exchange (BX) are located near Gate 12A. Additional amenities include food courts, barbershops, and a gas station.
Q: Is there a gym or fitness center?
A: Yes—Jarvis and Dodge Fitness Centers are fully equipped and free to use for eligible base personnel.
Q: Are there chaplain services available?
A: Yes. The base chapel provides worship services, counseling, and support for all faiths. Visit the WPAFB Chapel page or call (937) 257-7427.

Q: When do I get my CAC (Common Access Card)?
A: Once onboarding steps are complete in USA Staffing, you’ll be scheduled for an appointment with DEERS/RAPIDS to issue your CAC.
Q: How do I access my benefits as a new civilian hire?
A: Use the GRB Platform for health benefits, TSP, and leave setup. Your HR rep will assist you with login during in-processing.
Q: Who do I talk to about leave accrual or timekeeping?
A: Your timekeeper or unit time administrator can assist with ATAAPS questions and leave balances. Most civilians accrue 3-4 hours each pay period as a new hire.
Q: Who can I contact for questions about timecards or ATAAPS?
A: Your unit timekeeper is the first point of contact, or your direct supervisor. You’ll be introduced during your first week.

Newcomers Frequently Asked Questions

General Installation Questions

A: WPAFB is in southwest Ohio, adjacent to Fairborn and about 10 miles from downtown Dayton.

Directions to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB)

From the North (Columbus, OH area):

Take I-71 South toward Cincinnati.

Merge onto I-70 West toward Dayton.

Take exit 43 for OH-444 toward WPAFB/Area A.

Follow signs for Wright-Patterson AFB; stay on OH-444 southbound to enter Area A.

For Area B, follow signs to the appropriate gate after entering the base.

From the South (Cincinnati, OH area):

Take I-75 North toward Dayton.

Merge onto I-70 East toward Columbus.

Take exit 43 for OH-444 toward WPAFB/Area A.

Follow signs for Wright-Patterson AFB; continue on OH-444 to reach the base entrance.

Follow signage to specific areas or gates as needed.

From the East (Columbus, OH area):

Take I-70 West toward Dayton.

Take exit 43 for OH-444 toward WPAFB/Area A.

Follow OH-444 south to the main gate of Wright-Patterson AFB.

Follow directions for Areas A or B based on your destination.

From the West (Dayton, OH area):

Take I-70 East toward Columbus.

Take exit 43 for OH-444 toward WPAFB/Area A.

Follow OH-444 south to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base entrance.

Proceed according to your area or gate access requirements.

A: Gate hours vary by location. Gate 12A (main gate) and Gate 22B is open 24/7. For a full list of gate locations and hours, visit the Gate Information page.

A: Yes, WPAFB recommends checking the base Newcomers site for centralized info.

A: Your sponsor or unit POC will provide your exact location. You can also consult the base directory, 937-257-1110.

Before Arrival

A: You can request a sponsor through your gaining unit or via the Military & Family Readiness Center. Sponsorship is highly encouraged for a smooth transition.

A: Required documents include your PCS orders, medical/dental records, ID card, and dependent information. A full checklist is available on our In-processing page.

A: Dayton International Airport (DAY) is the closest. Cincinnati (CVG), Columbus (CMH), and Indianapolis (IND) are also within driving distance. You can visit the Pre-Arrival page for additional information

A: Yes. Active duty personnel coordinate through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). For additional information you can visit Military OneSource.

A: Your orders should specify a reporting location. If in doubt, check in with your sponsor or the Military & Family Readiness Center for assistance.

Housing & Lodging

A: Base housing is managed by Wright-Patterson Family Housing. Apply online at www.wpafbhomes.com or visit the Housing & Lodging page for additional information.

A: Temporary lodging is available at the Wright-Patt Inns or Hope Hotel. Visit Wright-Patt Lodging for reservations.

A: Wait times vary by rank, family size, and housing type. Contact Wright-Patterson Family Housing (937-257-6547) for the most up-to-date estimates or visit Housing & Lodging for additional information.

A: Yes—with restrictions. Pet-friendly housing is available but limited. Temporary lodging allows pets in designated rooms with advance coordination.

Employment & Education

A: The Military & Family Readiness Center provides resume help and connects spouses with local and federal job resources, including the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP).

A: Yes. Several colleges offer on-base classes and the Education Office provides support for Tuition Assistance, testing, and academic advising.

A: The Military & Family Readiness Center offers workshops and 1-on-1 resume assistance for both military members and spouses.

A: Yes. Many on-base and virtual education programs offer flexible or evening classes to accommodate full-time employees and military schedules. For more information visit our education and training section.

Family & Youth Support

A: Wright-Patt has two Child Development Centers, School Age Programs, and certified Family Child Care providers. Visit Child & Youth Programs for details.

A: The School Liaison Office connects families with local districts and helps with transfer paperwork and school options.

A: As soon as possible. Demand is high. Use militarychildcare.com to begin the registration and waitlist process.

A: Yes. The Youth Center offers clubs, sports, and leadership programs specifically for pre-teens and teens. Visit the Family Support section for additional information.

Healthcare

A: Enroll online at www.tricare.mil or call Humana Military at 1-800-444-5445.

A: The Wright-Patterson Medical Center is in Area A, Bldg. 830, and serves active duty, retirees, and dependents enrolled in TRICARE Prime.

A: The Mental Health Clinic and Military & Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) offer confidential support. You can also call 988 for 24/7 crisis help. For Civilians, the Employee Assistance Program is available

A: You can do so in person at the Medical Center Pharmacy or use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to request a transfer.

Transportation & Base Access

A: Passes can be obtained at the Visitor Control Center at Gate 12A. A valid photo ID and sponsor verification are required.

A: No, WPAFB does not currently require vehicle registration decals. However, a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration are required to drive on base.

A: Wright-Patt does not have a dedicated shuttle service, but some off-base bus routes serve the area. Most personnel rely on POVs or carpooling.

Finance & Admin

A: Finance services are available in Bldg. 2, Area A. For military pay, PCS entitlements, or travel reimbursements, visit myPay or contact your unit finance rep.

A: Use myPay or contact your servicing finance office during in-processing.

A: Temporary mailboxes may be available through your squadron or General Delivery at the USPS near base. Contact your sponsor for personalized instructions.

Life on Base

A: Yes, the Commissary and Base Exchange (BX) are located near Gate 12A. Additional amenities include food courts, barbershops, and a gas station.

A: Yes—Jarvis and Dodge Fitness Centers are fully equipped and free to use for eligible base personnel.

A: Yes. The base chapel provides worship services, counseling, and support for all faiths. Visit the WPAFB Chapel page or call (937) 257-7427.

For Civilians Specifically

A: Once onboarding steps are complete in USA Staffing, you’ll be scheduled for an appointment with DEERS/RAPIDS to issue your CAC.

A: Use the GRB Platform for health benefits, TSP, and leave setup. Your HR rep will assist you with login during in-processing.

A: Your timekeeper or unit time administrator can assist with ATAAPS questions and leave balances. Most civilians accrue 3-4 hours each pay period as a new hire.

A: Your unit timekeeper is the first point of contact, or your direct supervisor. You’ll be introduced during your first week.

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