Is Minot AFB a good base to be stationed at?

Question

Aside from the cold, how is it at Minot AFB? We have 3 kids ages 8, 4, and 2 and my husband is wanting to put in orders for the place. Does the base have a newpaper that can be viewed online and if so how can I find the site?

Answer 1

I know several families who would like to get back there if that helps at all.  I think the general perception is that it is a great place for families or if you like the outdoors but it is lacking in amenities if you're young or single and want a night life.

Here are a few links where you can try for more information:

http://benefits.military.com/misc/instal...

http://www.militaryonesource.com/skins/M...

http://themilitaryzone.com/bases/minot_a...

Answer 2

Hey, I'm actually at Minot AFB right now!! I've been here for almost 2 years so I've experiences the winter first hand. I'm originally from Texas, so I'm used to hot weather. I'm not gonna lie the winters are pretty bad.  The base housing has really nice houses. Minot is a place for people that are into fishing, and hunting.

Minot AFB web

http://www.minot.af.mil/library/factshee...

Base newspaper

Northernsentry.com

Answer 3

Yeah if you like BFE!

Answer 4

We're going there in 3 weeks.  Honestly I was upset when we first heard because we were told we were going somewhere else first and things changed.  The worst I have heard about it is that it's cold and there's nothing to do, but we live in San Antonio, TX and I've heard people complain that it is hot here and nothing to do here.  So some people are just never happy.

I know a lot of people going there within the next few months and pretty much all anyone is worried about is the cold, but I've found some very nice cold weather clothes for the kids online (I have a 12 y/o, 7 y/o, and 4 y/o.)

I've heard the school is good, and that the community is even better.  The housing is all pretty new and from the pictures I've seen it's VERY nice.  They are duplex's, but still, very nice, two car garages and what not.  

I've been to some places that are desolate, and to me that means that there is NOTHING but the essentials.  From pictures I've been able to find online the town is much bigger than the town I grew up in.  There is a Zoo there, there are parks for the kids, and there are TONS of families stationed there (they even have 2 elementary schools on base) so you wouldn't be the only one going.  I've heard their youth center is outstanding and that the gym is too.  My kids are looking forward to getting into ballet and softball.

BUT I will let you know more when we get there and see it for ourselves.  To find out what I've found out go to militaryonesource.com (they have a few pictures.)  My kids are very excited about going and I think that's the most important thing.  They can't wait to build a snowman and snowwoman!

Answer 5

The truth is, you make it what you want (within reason, of course). My son didn't like S.Dakota (Grand Forks) , and I don't imagine N.Dakota is lots better.

Answer 6

Is your husband serious about putting Minot on his dream sheet or is he just pulling your leg?  He must be from ND as most people would not volunteer to go there.

Minot Daily News

http://www.minotdailynews.com/

"Why Not Minot" is a phrase you have probably heard.  Yep, it's cold and desolate.  I haven't personally been stationed there but have traveled the area.  I've worked with a few guys (with families) that requested to go back to Minot.

It's really going to depend on what your personal likes/dislikes are.  If you like large metropolitan areas, you won't like it.  If you like the small community life, then you will.

Bismarck is only around 3-4 hours away as well as Grand Forks.  Although they are not very big metropolises either.

I'm sure by now, they have electricity 24-7 and indoor plumbing.  I'm sure they get more than 1 TV station and

WalMart, Applebees, Menards and many more convenience stores have made their way to the area.

Have fun and make the best of it.  It might very well be the best assignment of your career.