Yuma Proving Ground

Updated: August 22, 2023
In this Article

    The Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is a military base located in southwestern La Paz County and western Yuma County in southwest Arizona, United States. It is one of the largest military installations globally and is primarily dedicated to testing military equipment in various natural environments.

    Base Operator:
    928-328-9498

    Address:
    301 C. Street
    Yuma, AZ 85365-9498

    What Kind of Base is Yuma Proving Ground?

    The Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is a United States Army facility primarily serving as an environmentally specific test center. It operates under the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. YPG’s headquarters is at the Yuma Test Center (YTC), approximately 30 miles north of Yuma city. The facility specializes in testing military equipment in three of the four recognized extreme natural environments, ensuring the equipment’s optimal performance worldwide. YPG manages military equipment and munitions testing at three locations: The Cold Regions Test Center at Fort Greely, Alaska; the Tropic Regions Test Center operating in Panama, Honduras, Suriname, and Hawaii; and at YTC.

    Yuma Proving Ground History

    The Army first established its presence in Yuma in 1850 with Fort Yuma. However, the current YPG originated from Camp Laguna and the Army Corps of Engineers Yuma Test Branch, founded in 1943. It underwent several name changes before settling on its current title, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, in 1973.

    How to Apply For Housing

    To apply for on-post housing, contact the Housing Services Office at the Michaels Military Housing/Desert Oasis complex on 1120 Cutter Ave. While waiting for permanent housing, temporary lodging is available at the IHG – Candlewood Suites on Building 540. Reach them at 928-388-6200.

    Contact details for housing services are:

    • Chief of Housing (Residential Communities Officer, Housing Services Office, and Unaccompanied Personnel Housing): 928-328-2031
    • Housing Management Specialist: 928-328-2933
    • Unaccompanied Personnel Housing and Administration: 928-328-2671

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    What is the BAH for Yuma Proving Ground?

    Check to see what the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is in Arizona.

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    YUMA, AZ BAH Rates

    Military Housing Area: AZ016

    Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
    E01 $1,485 $1,113
    E02 $1,485 $1,113
    E03 $1,485 $1,113
    E04 $1,485 $1,113
    E05 $1,593 $1,263
    E06 $1,737 $1,377
    E07 $1,809 $1,485
    E08 $1,890 $1,629
    E09 $2,022 $1,659
    W01 $1,752 $1,458
    W02 $1,845 $1,626
    W03 $1,944 $1,668
    W04 $2,055 $1,749
    W05 $2,193 $1,827
    O01E $1,821 $1,590
    O02E $1,926 $1,653
    O03E $2,073 $1,725
    O01 $1,620 $1,371
    O02 $1,734 $1,557
    O03 $1,941 $1,680
    O04 $2,238 $1,806
    O05 $2,448 $1,851
    O06 $2,466 $1,923
    O07 $2,484 $1,953

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

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    Yuma Proving Ground Surrounding Area

    YPG sits near the Arizona-California border and the Colorado River. The nearby city of Yuma offers historical attractions and outdoor activities along the Colorado River, the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

    Healthcare

    Healthcare services are available both at the YPG and Marine Corps Air Station clinics. Services include pharmacy, lab, radiology, and psychology. Some specialty care needs may require people to travel to San Diego or Phoenix. Keep your Exceptional Family Member Program information updated.

    Childcare

    There are two Child Development Centers (CDC) on base. They are the Yuma Proving Ground Child Development Center, which provides full day care and part day care for infants, toddler and preschool aged children. The other CDC is the Yuma Proving Ground Youth Center which offers school year care for school-aged children.

    Schooling

    Local schools include James D. Price Elementary School (K-5), Ron Watson Middle School (6-8), and Gila Ridge High School (9-12). Register by presenting proof of residency, immunization records, and previous school records. For guidance, contact the School Liaison Program at 928-328-2860 from Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

    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.