March Air Reserve Base

March Air Reserve Base at a glance

March Air Reserve Base is the California home of the Air Force Reserve's 452nd Air Mobility Wing. The wing operates KC-135 Stratotanker and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, combining aerial refueling and airlift within one organization. Its aviation mission depends on reservists and the personnel who prepare aircraft, coordinate operations and sustain the installation.

March Field began in 1918 as the United States expanded pilot training for World War I. Later changes brought bomber, tanker and airlift organizations to the site. The modern 452nd Air Mobility Wing emerged from the 1994 combination of reserve airlift and refueling organizations, and March changed from an active Air Force base to an Air Reserve base in 1996.

Also searched as: March ARB, March Field, 452nd Air Mobility Wing.

Sources: The 452nd Air Mobility Wing and March history; March Air Reserve Base official units and missions

Mission and major activities

• The 452nd Air Mobility Wing provides C-17 airlift and KC-135 aerial refueling.
• Prepares reserve personnel and supporting organizations for worldwide air mobility missions.

Sources: March Air Reserve Base official units and missions

History and identity

The Army established March Field in March 1918. The installation became March Air Reserve Base on April 1, 1996, following its transition to reserve basing.

Sources: The 452nd Air Mobility Wing and March history

Location and community

March is in the Riverside area of southern California, where local civic efforts helped secure its original aviation training role.

Sources: The 452nd Air Mobility Wing and March history

Team March extends beyond the host flying wing

The official installation profile describes Team March as a collection of organizations with different responsibilities. Alongside the host 452nd Air Mobility Wing, it identifies Headquarters Fourth Air Force, Guard organizations and other military and federal tenants. March’s 1994 wing consolidation and 1996 conversion to an Air Reserve base explain the present name without erasing the site’s much longer history. For a newcomer, the practical question is which organization owns the assignment. A host-wing reference, a numbered-air-force headquarters reference and a tenant-unit address are not interchangeable instructions, even though all may appear under March Air Reserve Base in a search.

Official sources: March ARB: installation overview

Housing planning in the Inland Empire

The housing resource states that March has no government military housing on the installation. It describes personnel and families living in Moreno Valley and surrounding Riverside-area communities, including Riverside, Perris, Menifee and Temecula. These places are starting points for research, rather than equivalent commutes or recommendations for a particular household. Compare the actual reporting destination with prospective housing, school needs and the dates of the assignment. Ask the appropriate support office which referrals apply to your circumstances. A nearby neighborhood’s military history or a housing development’s name does not establish that it is current government housing available through March.

Official sources: March ARB: housing options

March Inn and family temporary lodging are different questions

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS lists March Inn as the temporary lodging contact while separately stating that March does not have Temporary Lodging Facilities. That distinction matters when someone searches for a room suitable for a household and assumes every military lodging category is available. Confirm directly with the lodging office the room type, reservation process and suitability for the people travelling. Availability and eligibility are separate from the fact that the office is listed. Before booking alternatives, ask the gaining organization about required approvals and travel arrangements; this guide does not determine reimbursement or promise that an on-base room will be available.

Official sources: March ARB: temporary housing

School research uses the surrounding civilian communities

The installation education page states that there are no schools on March itself and points families toward schools in neighboring Moreno Valley and Riverside. It identifies Moreno Valley Unified School District among the local resources and discusses district education services. For household planning, start with the student’s grade, proposed residential address and any records needed for a transfer. Confirm placement and support with the receiving district rather than assuming that an assignment to March creates a single base-school pathway. The education resource is a useful entry point, while the district remains the source for current boundaries, enrollment and the student’s particular circumstances.

Official sources: March ARB: education resources

Published addresses and access

Use the destination label below to distinguish visitor access, a service office and postal mail. A published address does not authorize entry. Confirm current access, sponsorship, appointments and reporting instructions with the official office before travelling.

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: March Air Reserve Base official units and missions

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for March Air Reserve Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at March Air Reserve Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Official contacts and installation services

Use the named official resource for this installation or its support community. A directory link does not establish service eligibility, availability or a reporting location. Confirm arrangements with the office or your gaining organization.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. The 452nd Air Mobility Wing and March historySupports: overview, history, local context
2. March Air Reserve Base official units and missionsSupports: overview, mission, planning note
3. March ARB: installation overviewSupports: expanded guide and official services
4. March ARB: housing optionsSupports: expanded guide and official services
5. March ARB: temporary housingSupports: expanded guide and official services
6. March ARB: education resourcesSupports: expanded guide and official services

Reviewed 2026-10-12. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.