---
title: What Military Bases are in Colorado?
slug: what-military-bases-are-in-colorado
description: Air force bases in Colorado—USAFA, Peterson Space Force Base, Fort Carson and more—plus PCS housing tips, VA-loan guidance, and veteran-friendly agents.
publishedAt: 2022-09-20T14:35:24.000Z
updatedAt: 2026-05-02T00:00:00.000Z
author: VeteranPCS
categories: [US Military Bases]
canonical: https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/what-military-bases-are-in-colorado
---

# What Military Bases are in Colorado?

Colorado is home to several **key military installations** that support the **U.S. Air Force, Space Force, Army, and national defense operations**. Whether you're **PCSing (Permanent Change of Station)** to Colorado or just curious about the military presence in the state, this guide provides a breakdown of **each base, its history, and its mission.**

### **List of Military Bases in Colorado:**

- **United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)**
- **Buckley Space Force Base**
- **Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station**
- **Fort Carson**
- **Peterson Space Force Base**
- **Pueblo Chemical Weapons Depot**
- **Schriever Space Force Base**

If you're preparing for a **PCS move to Colorado**, our **VeteranPCS agents and lenders** are here to help!

## **1️⃣ United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)**

📍 **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO
📅 **Established:** April 1954
🎯 **Mission:** Train over 4,000 cadets to become **officers in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force**

The **U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA)** plays a **critical role in officer training** for the **Air Force and Space Force**. Since its founding, it has produced **countless military leaders**, including **Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan**, a Vietnam War hero who became a **prisoner of war**.

### **Key Facts:**

✅ Covers **18,000+ acres** in Colorado Springs
✅ Home to **Air Education and Training Command** and **Space Training & Readiness Command**
✅ Popular **tourist attraction** with iconic architecture and a **cadet chapel**

🔗 [**More info: USAFA Official Website**](https://www.usafa.edu/)

## **2️⃣ Buckley Space Force Base (SFB)**

📍 **Location:** Aurora, CO
📅 **Established:** Formerly Buckley Air Force Base, now a Space Force installation
🎯 **Mission:** **Missile warning and space operations**

Buckley SFB is home to **Space Base Delta 2 (SBD2)**, which provides **missile warning systems** that protect the **United States and its allies**. It also supports **90+ tenant units**, including:

🚀 **Space Delta 4 (DEL 4) – Missile Warning Delta**
✈️ **140th Air Wing – Colorado Air National Guard**
🌍 **Navy Operational Support Center & Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado**

The base supports a **joint force** of **3,500 active-duty service members**, **4,000 National Guard personnel**, and **tens of thousands of veterans and dependents**. It contributes **$1 billion annually** to the **local economy**.

🔗 **More info: Buckley SFB Official Website**

## **3️⃣ Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station (CMSFS)**

📍 **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO
📅 **Operational Since:** **1967**
🎯 **Mission:** **NORAD & USNORTHCOM Command Center**

Built during the **Cold War**, Cheyenne Mountain is a **heavily fortified, underground military complex** designed to **withstand nuclear attacks**. It serves as the **Alternate Command Center for NORAD and U.S. Northern Command** and is used for **crew training and emergency operations**.

🔗 [**More info: CMSFS Official Website**](https://www.norad.mil/)

## **4️⃣ Fort Carson – "The Mountain Post"**

📍 **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO
📅 **Established:** **1942 (WWII-era)**
🎯 **Mission:** **U.S. Army training and operations**

Named after **Gen. Kit Carson**, Fort Carson has a **longstanding history** of supporting **military readiness**. Soldiers stationed at Fort Carson often assist with:

🔥 **Wildfire response in Colorado's national forests**
🚁 **Search-and-rescue operations**
🎖️ **Community outreach (350+ events annually)**

With **strong ties to local communities**, Fort Carson plays a **vital role** in both **state and national defense operations**.

🔗 [**More info: Fort Carson Official Website**](https://www.carson.army.mil/)

## **5️⃣ Peterson Space Force Base (SFB)**

📍 **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO
📅 **Originally Established:** **1942 (as Peterson Army Air Base)**
🎯 **Mission:** **Supports NORAD, U.S. Space Command, and Space Operations Command**

Peterson SFB was originally **Peterson Army Air Base**, named after **1st Lt. Edward J. Peterson**, the first Colorado airman killed in **WWII**. The base has played a **pivotal role in air defense and space operations** since its inception.

Today, it houses **Space Base Delta 1**, which supports **111 mission partners**, including:
🚀 **U.S. Space Command**
🛰️ **Space Operations Command**
✈️ **302nd Airlift Wing (Air Force Reserve Command)**

🔗 **More info: Peterson SFB Official Website**

## **6️⃣ Pueblo Chemical Weapons Depot (PCD)**

📍 **Location:** Pueblo, CO
📅 **Established:** **1942**
🎯 **Mission:** **Storage and destruction of chemical weapons stockpile**

PCD is **one of only two remaining Army installations** in the U.S. that **store chemical weapons**. The site contains:

☣️ **2,600 tons of mustard agent**
💣 **780,000 munitions**

The **Program Executive Office for Chemical Weapons Alternatives (ACWA)** oversees the **safe destruction of these weapons** through **neutralization and biotreatment methods**.

🔗 **More info: PCD Official Website**

## **7️⃣ Schriever Space Force Base (SFB)**

📍 **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO
📅 **Originally Established:** **1983 (as Falcon Air Force Station)**
🎯 **Mission:** **Satellite control and space operations**

Schriever SFB is the **home of U.S. military satellite operations**, managing the **Air Force Satellite Control Network** and supporting the **Space Force’s global space defense missions**.

In **1998**, the base was renamed in honor of **Gen. Bernard A. Schriever**, the "father of the U.S. Air Force's space and missile programs."

🌍 **Supports 8,000 military & civilian personnel**
💰 **Contributes $1.3 billion to the Colorado Springs economy**

🔗 **More info: Schriever SFB Official Website**

## **📢 Moving to Colorado? We Can Help!**

If you're **PCSing to Colorado** or **looking to buy a home near a military base**, our **VeteranPCS agents** and **lenders** are ready to assist you.

✅ **Find VA-friendly real estate agents**
✅ **Get help with VA Loans & military benefits**
✅ **Explore housing options near military installations**

**🏡 Contact us today to get started!**

****

**🖊 Written by:** _Sean Majer, VeteranPCS Agent_
