A career in the military will afford you the opportunity to see the world and live in places you might not have thought you ever would. Though there are many wonderful bases here in the United States, there are hundreds more overseas. Here are some of the top overseas military bases to add to your list of destinations.
Overseas Military Bases in Europe
Suffolk, England
If you’ve dreamed of living in the English countryside, there is no better place to get stationed than in Suffolk.
Main Base:
- RAF Lakenheath (Air Force)
- RAF Mildenhall (Air Force)
Just a 45-minute drive to Cambridge, Suffolk is a quaint little village surrounded by cottages and castles straight out of a fairytale. You’ll find the living to be a bit of a slower pace, but there’s plenty of opportunities to travel to the bigger UK cities as well as other destinations throughout Europe.
Attractions For Your Bucket List:
- Visit Ipswich
- One of the Queen’s homes in Sandringham
- Holkham Sands
- Winbirri Vineyard
- Explore Norwich
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Rota, Spain
Situated on the coast of Spain, Rota is the perfect base for you if you enjoy laid back living and lots of beaches.
Main Base:
- Naval Station Rota (Navy)
While living in Rota you’ll experience the best of the Mediterranean Coast and have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a friendly and vibrant culture. With easy access to surrounding cities, including ski resorts, there will be plenty to do year-round.
Attractions For Your Bucket List:
- Chorillo and Rompidillo beaches
- Day Trip to Seville
Stuttgart, Germany
Experience European city living in Stuttgart, a metropolis surrounded by vineyards.
Main Base:
- USAG Stuttgart (Army)
Considered the center of Europe exploring nearby towns and countries is incredibly easy. An added benefit, the USO on base offers service members and their families a variety of guided tours to nearby cities. With good food, and good drink your stomach is sure to enjoy your time while stationed in Stuttgart.
Attractions For Your Bucket List:
- Mercedes-Benz Museum
- Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden
- Schlossplatz
- Markthalle
Overseas Military Bases in Asia & The Pacific
Peyongtaek, South Korea
Surrounded by historical, cultural, and high tech attractions, Camp Humphries has something to offer for everyone.
Main Base:
- Camp Humphries (Army)
Just 40 miles south of Seoul, Camp Humphries is located along the western coast of South Korea. Camp Humphries is the largest U.S. Army Installation in all of South Korea, giving residents many amenities to make the best out of their time overseas.
If you’re looking to venture outside of base you’ll find getting around South Korea is easy, with their efficient public transportation.
Attractions For Your Bucket List:
- N Seoul Tower
- Gyeongbukgung Palace
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Bukhansan National Park
- Noryangjin Fish Wholesale Market
- Bau House Cafe
Okinawa, Japan
Though far from “home” and not the easiest of bases to get to, Okinawa is a great place for those who are seeking lots of adventure.
Main Bases:
- Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler (Marine Corps)
- Torri Station (Army)
- Kadena Air Base (Air Force)
- Fleet Activities Okinawa (Navy)
Okinawa is the perfect gateway for traveling and exploring other countries throughout Asia. With lots of great beaches, and exotic foods to try out you’re sure to find something new to do and explore every weekend.
Attractions For Your Bucket List:
- Shuri Castle
- Churaumi Aquarium
- Okinawa Peace Memorial Park
- Cape Manza
Guam
If you’re looking to get stationed as far away as possible, Guam might be the base for you. Located thousands of miles from Hawaii and the Philippines, Guam is the definition of remote.
Its remote location may be a turn off to some, but for others, it means there is plenty of beach without the crowds.
Main Base:
- Sector Guam (Coast Guard)
- Naval Base Guam (Navy)
- Andersen Air Force Base (Air Force)
From land to sea, there are a lot of options to keep you busy during your days off of duty, and if you’re into history you’ll enjoy the many World War II historical sites.
Attractions For Your Bucket List:
- Fish Eye Marine Park
- Pacific War Museum
- Gab Gab Beach
- Tarzan Falls
Wherever the military takes you, what’s important is making the most of your time in that location. Regardless of being stationed at an overseas military base or back in the states, researching your new duty station will help you get familiar with your new home.
Remember, “Home is where the military sends you.”
