What to Know Before PCSing to Bolling AFB (Joint Base Anocostia-Bolling)

Written By Malcolm Lawson

Congratulations on PCSing to Bolling AFB, also known as Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling or JBAB. Bolling AFB is located in Southwest Washington DC and runs along the Potomac River. It is the home of Marine 1 and the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) headquarters.

Bolling AFB History

Bolling AFB was established and dubbed The Flying Field at Anacostia on 2 October 1917. In 1918, the base was divided between the Army and Navy and renamed Bolling Field after Colonel Raynal C. Bolling who was the first high-ranking air service officer killed in World War I. Colonel Bolling was killed by German soldiers near Amiens, France, on 26 March 1918.

Bolling AFB has long been a testing ground for new aviation techniques and planes. To name a few, the Navy first tested their sea planes here and the Air Force developed their aerial refueling techniques. In 1934, Air Force Lt. Col. Henry “Hap” Arnold led a 4,000 mile bomber flight from Bolling Fields to Alaska to demonstrate the potential for long range bombing missions.

Recreation and Dining on Bolling AFB

When PCSing to Bolling AFB, you won’t have any shortage activities to get into. There are many recreational activities on base including the Potomac Lanes bowling ally, Arts and Craft Center, the Capital Cove Marina, a dog park, splash park, and paved jogging trail along the Potomac River. Bolling also has front row seats for Washington DC’s annual 4th of July firework show. You also have several options for dining on base including the Bolling Club, the Slip Inn located at the marina and Spinz located at the bowling ally.

Learn The Pros and Cons of Living In Maryland

Housing Options

Being assigned to Bolling AFB gives you many options for housing both on and off base. For starters, you can live on Bolling AFB base housing. But you also have the option of living on Andrews AFB base housing as well as Ft. Belvoir base housing in Virginia. You can also of taking advantage of Bolling AFB’s high BAH rate by moving off base.

Want to take advantage of your BAH?

Bolling AFB has some of the highest BAH rates in the nation. For example, an E5 with dependent is given $2,262.00 a month in housing allowance. Check out the full list of BAH rates here. If you are ok with commuting to Bolling AFB then moving off base is a great way to pocket some of your BAH every month as well as develop equity in a home. I generally see two common areas service member PCSing Bolling AFB move to, they are south to Waldorf Maryland and east to Calvert County.

Waldorf Maryland

There are a variety of housing choices in Waldorf from established communities, to apartment complexes to new construction town homes. Many service members choose Waldorf because of its straight commute down Rt 5 off of the beltway and it’s abundance of shopping. To name a few, Waldorf has a Walmart, Target, Chick-fil-a, Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond as well as many more national and locally owned stores. For recreation you can jump around at the trampoline park at Sky Zone, release some stress at Fred’s Sports indoor shooting range, walk laps around the St. Charles Town Center Mall or catch a flick at the AMC movie theater with reclining seats. If you want to get some fresh air you can check out Ft Washington National Park and Cedarville State Forest as well as other parks nearby.

Calvert County

Calvert County is a straight commute down Rt. 4 off of the beltway. This area is a good option for those who like homes that are a little more spaced out and come with more land. You also see many who wish to be closer to the Chesapeake bay move here. There are several options for renting boat slips on the bay close by. Other service members move here for the great school ratings. You can see a list of schools and their ratings here.

Congratulations on PCSing to Bolling AFB

Once again I want to say congratulations on PCSing to Bolling AFB and our nations capital. Bolling is home to some exciting missions and beautiful scenery along the Potomac. When it comes to housing, you have plenty of options. If you need any help finding a home off base, my real estate team and I are happy to help. Just fill out the form below.