Scott Air Force Base

Updated: September 11, 2023
In this Article

    Scott Air Force Base, located in St. Clair County, Illinois, is a crucial hub for the United States Air Force. It primarily focuses on global mobility tasks such as aeromedical evacuation, operational support airlift, and air refueling missions.

    Base Operator:
    618-256-1110

    Address:
    South Drive
    Scott AFB, IL 62225

    What Kind of Base is Scott Air Force Base?

    Serving as the headquarters for the Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the U.S. Transportation Command, the 375th Air Mobility Wing operates Scott Air Force Base. The base also hosts the Air Force Reserve Command’s 932d Airlift Wing and the Illinois Air National Guard’s 126th Air Refueling Wing. Key mission partners at the base include the U.S. Transportation Command, the Defense Information Systems Agency, and the Defense Information Technology Contracting Office.

    Scott Air Force Base History

    Historically, Scott Field emerged in 1917, initially functioning as an Air Service training camp during World War I. It bears the name of Corporal Frank S. Scott, the first enlisted service member to die in an aviation crash. Post World War I, the field pivoted to a lighter-than-air (LTA) focus in 1921, emphasizing aerial photography, meteorology, and altitude experiments. By World War II, Scott Field had reverted to a training facility, establishing itself as the primary site for the Army Air Corps Technical Schools that concentrated on radio operator and maintainer training. It also played a pivotal role as a significant air terminal. In 1948, following the inception of the U.S. Air Force as a distinct service, Scott Field was renamed Scott Air Force Base, eventually hosting the headquarters for the Air Training Command and, subsequently, the Air Mobility Command. The base continued to augment its aeromedical evacuation and airlift capabilities.

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    Scott Air Force Base Housing

    Hunt Military Communities manages the on-base housing at Scott AFB. On-base housing communities have things like playgrounds and two large community centers.

    Off-base housing is also an option, with many military families choosing to reside in surrounding areas such as Belleville, O’Fallon, Shiloh, and Mascoutah.

    PCS and TDY Lodging

    At Scott Air Force Base, temporary lodging is available at the Scott Inn. Reservations are taken on a first-come-first serve basis. Reservations are accepted through the Lodging Office, and incoming personnel has up to 30 days to find permanent housing.

    To learn more, call 618-256-1844.

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    What is the BAH for Scott Air Force Base?

    The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Scott Air Force Base varies depending on rank, years of service and dependency status. Visit the Illinois state BAH page or see the chart below for more information.

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    SCOTT AFB, IL BAH Rates

    Military Housing Area: IL093

    Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
    E01 $1,383 $1,053
    E02 $1,383 $1,053
    E03 $1,383 $1,053
    E04 $1,383 $1,053
    E05 $1,386 $1,260
    E06 $1,890 $1,419
    E07 $1,944 $1,458
    E08 $2,001 $1,500
    E09 $2,154 $1,638
    W01 $1,911 $1,437
    W02 $1,971 $1,485
    W03 $2,040 $1,656
    W04 $2,202 $1,902
    W05 $2,403 $1,956
    O01E $1,950 $1,464
    O02E $2,025 $1,605
    O03E $2,232 $1,884
    O01 $1,449 $1,377
    O02 $1,887 $1,461
    O03 $2,037 $1,707
    O04 $2,472 $1,938
    O05 $2,787 $2,091
    O06 $2,808 $2,106
    O07 $2,826 $2,121

    For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.

    Scott Air Force Base Surrounding Area

    Scott Air Force Base is located in St. Clair County, Illinois, near the towns of Belleville and O’Fallon. It is about a 20-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. Outdoor and recreational attractions in the area include parks, golf courses, and hiking trails. The region is known for the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

    Healthcare

    On-base medical services are provided by the 375th Medical Group at Scott Air Force Base, offering a range of clinics and specialty care. The facility operates Monday to Friday, 0730 to 1630, and is closed on Wing Down Days, Training Days, weekends, and Federal Holidays. While the priority system favors active-duty military personnel, it also accommodates dependents and retirees based on availability.

    Note: There are no emergency care services offered on-base.

    Childcare

    The Scott Air Force Base offers comprehensive childcare options through two Child Development Centers. These centers provide full-day care for children as young as infants, to as old as school-aged. There are also school year programs for students.

    Schooling

    For those living on-base, they will attend the Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19. Bussing options are available for families living on-base.

    Any service members living off-base more than 30 available school districts in the region. It’s recommended to contact the School Liaison Program at Scott Air Force Base for detailed information and assistance. The phone number is 618-256-9595.

    Written by Veteran.com Team

    The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.