So You Wanna Be an Angeleno Soldier? A Guide to L.A.'s (Limited) Military Life
Ah, Los Angeles. City of dreams, land of beaches and babes...but what about those with a hankering for service and a side of celebrity sightings? Well, buckle up, aspiring G.I. Joe (or Jane), because the world of L.A. military bases is a surprisingly chill (and small) one.
The Not-So-Platoon-Sized Bunch: L.A.'s Military Outposts
Forget sprawling boot camps and squadrons of fighter jets soaring over Venice Beach. Los Angeles itself only boasts one active duty base: Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB), also known as the home of the not-so-secretly-awesome Space and Missile Systems Center.
Think "Top Gun" Meets "Hidden Figures": What Goes Down at LAAFB
While you might not be dodging bullets here (unless you accidentally wander onto a movie set filming an action sequence), LAAFB is where the real space cowboys reside. This base is the brain trust behind developing all sorts of cool stuff for the Air Force's space program. We're talking satellites, missiles, and all things that go whoosh into the great beyond. Basically, it's where science fiction meets khaki pants.
Bonus! LAAFB also serves as a support center for all military personnel in the greater Los Angeles area. So, if you're an Army vet stationed in Santa Monica or a Navy sailor with a hankering for Disneyland, this is your one-stop shop for military needs (and maybe some unofficial theme park recommendations).
Beyond L.A.: Military Outposts for the Adventurous Soul
Now, if your heart aches for a bit more military variety, fret not! The greater Los Angeles region does have a few other scattered bases, but you'll need to be prepared for a bit of a road trip. We're talking about places like Point Mugu (hello, Navy!), Ventura County (naval base ahoy!), and even remnants of a decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station (El Toro, we hardly knew ye).
The Final Verdict: L.A. - Not Exactly West Point, But Still Pretty Rad
So, there you have it. While Los Angeles might not be the first place that springs to mind for a military career, LAAFB offers a unique chance to be part of a close-knit base community and, well, live in L.A.! Just don't expect to be dodging laser beams on your lunch break (although, with Hollywood nearby, you never know...).
