A photo of the Magic City gate at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

 

 

Welcome to Team Minot!

Congratulations on your assignment to Minot Air Force Base. Contrary to some of the rumors you may have heard, Minot is one of the best kept secrets in the Air Force. Yes, it can get cold here during the winter, but it also gets very warm during the summer.

The base, located approximately 13 miles north of Minot, North Dakota, is an integral part of the local communities. The people are friendly, helpful and honestly glad to have you here. Known as the home of Team Minot, the name emphasizes the great working relationship the base has with the community.

Many people have commented, "it's nice to be able to leave your doors unlocked and feel safe while walking alone." The limited "distractions" make Minot a great place to raise a family and build a career.

Whether you like to fish or hunt, or you're an outdoor or winter sport enthusiast, you'll find facilities and surroundings of Minot and North Dakota to suit your taste.

The host unit, the 5th Bomb Wing, is one of two B-52H Stratofortress bomber bases in the Air Force. The base's other major weapons system is the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, assigned to the 91st Missile Wing.

Throughout the base, you'll find a commitment to quality in every unit encourages you to be part of the process. With quality in action, Minot people can truly boast that, as the sign over the main gate states, "Only the Best Come North."

Please use this guide as an aid to getting acquainted with Minot and the educational, recreational and service facilities available. We have made every attempt to ensure the information contained in this guide is correct. However, some things are subject to change.
 

 

 

Minot AFB Dorms App

Climate

Almost every imaginable type of weather can occur at Minot AFB. In general, conditions tend to be cold, dry and windy. The prevailing wind is from the northwest and, at times, we can have gusts of more than 50 miles per hour. Contrary to popular belief, the base does not receive a large amount of snow. Average annual snowfall is around 40 inches. Of course, winter does bring occasional blizzards in which heavy snowfall, poor visibility, high winds and dangerously low wind chill temperatures combine to make travel virtually impossible.
 

The base record for the most snowfall in a 24-hour period is 22 inches. Average high temperature for January is 17 degrees, average temperature is eight degrees. The average low temperature is two degrees below zero. The coldest temperature ever recorded here is 40 degrees below zero ambient, and 69 below zero with wind-chill.

Some beautiful weather phenomena are a gift of the winter. Falling ice crystals produce "pillars of light" during frigid conditions under clear skies. A radiant splash of color appears against the night sky during active displays of the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights.

Summer can provide its share of hot temperatures. The hottest temperature ever recorded on base was 107 degrees. Average highs in July are 82 degrees with lows of 57 degrees. Thunderstorms are a common sight in the summer. Rain from these storms provides the bulk of the area's yearly precipitation. On the average, our annual liquid precipitation is 17.2 inches. Tornadoes do occasionally occur in North Dakota, mostly in June, July and August.

North Dakota's climate offers a variety of weather to enjoy. You must be ready for occasional harsh conditions in order to successfully "weather" all of our seasons. The weather service operates a 24-hour weather recording which can be heard by calling (701) 723-1130.

Firearms

For detailed information, check out this article

Required Forms: 
Firearms Registration 
Firearm/Ammunition Qualification

5th Security Forces Armory 
701-723-6568

WELCOME CENTER

Newly arriving Warbird and Roughrider Airmen and their families are able to in-process at the Welcome Center, allowing for a speedy and personalized onboarding experience. The ultimate goal of the project is not only to streamline and consolidate the necessary activities involved in arriving at a new duty station, but to ensure a warm and informative welcome to the base and the local Minot community. The Welcome Center is a crucial part of earning positive and lasting impressions from arriving Airmen.
 
Contact the Welcome Center:
(701) 723-3789

Window Tinting

North Dakota motor vehicle law, Air Force and Minot AFB regulations state persons may not operate a motor vehicle with tinted front windows unless the tinting allows light transmissions of at least 50 percent. This does not apply to windows behind the driver if the vehicle is equipped with outside mirrors on both sides.

Most likely, if your vehicle has had any tinting added to the factory-installed tinting, it will be illegal. Minot AFB security police will test the percentage of light passing through your vehicle windows free of charge. Law enforcement patrols will issue citations for illegal tinting on base, while Minot Police or Ward County Sheriffs Office cruisers will present tickets to off base violators.

Check your window tinting at the law enforcement desk. Members of the 5th Security Forces Squadron will be glad to test your windows between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call DSN 453-4434, if you have any questions.

Mosquito Spraying

Every year during the summer, Team Minot teams up with the 910th Airlift Wing's Air Force Aerial Spray Squadron to conduct aerial spraying for mosquito control over both Minot Air Force Base and the city of Minot.

Spring precipitation and rains have produced large populations of mosquitoes through the summers. Many of these mosquitoes are efficient vectors of the West Nile virus and present a serious nuisance to personnel working outside. Surveillance using insect traps and biting complaints are used to determine where and when pesticide applications are justified.

To stay informed on when mosquito sprayings will occur, follow the Minot AFB Facebook page or email us through the Contact Us tab.

Traveling to Minot

If you're traveling to Minot in the summer, you'll find the weather is warm and pleasant. However, if you're traveling in late autumn, winter or early spring, make sure your car is in good mechanical condition and properly winterized.

Due to the sometimes harsh winter conditions, most people will find an engine block heater a necessity for their vehicle. The device, which is easily attached, will allow for easier engine turnover on cold mornings, especially if your vehicle is not kept in a garage. Block heater parts and installation are available at base and local service stations and automotive dealers as well.

Blankets and extra clothing for all passengers, along with basic survival items: matches, candles, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, fresh water and automotive tools such as jumper cables and tire chains are good ideas to pack. Studded snow tires are optional and may be used from October 15 to April 15. Minot has a mandatory seat belt policy which is strictly enforced.

Base Housing
You can find Minot AFB housing information at the following site:
www.housing.af.mil/minot/

Household Goods

It's important to contact the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management Office as soon as you arrive on Minot AFB.

To make an appointment, please go to: minotpersonalproperty.setmore.com

Walk-in hours are from 0800-1200 Tuesday and Thursday. 

For more information or to get in contact with TMO, please call DSN 453-1848 or (701) 723-1848.

If your property arrives before you do, or you can't find suitable living quarters immediately, you're authorized 90 days of storage at government expense. You may be liable for paying that expense if you don't give TMO your delivery address as soon as you know it.

Pets

Current Minot Air Force Base Pet Policy

The veterinary clinic on base is by appointment only.

Appointments may be scheduled by phone: (701) 723-6449

Hours of operation: 
Mon.-Wed: 0800-1200 & 1300-1500
Thurs: Closed
Fri: 0800-1200 & 1300-1500

They are closed all holidays, and any base closures and approved down days.

They will not be able to prescribe medication if they have not seen the pet in over a year.
Annual exams are mandatory for any kind of prescription. 

 

Helpful Information

Social media

Minot AFB
Social Media Pages

   

 

Official FSS Website  
FSS Facebook
Community Bulletin Board