WHY IS CANNON AFB SO BAD?

Mention Cannon Air Force Base to anyone familiar with military life, and you're bound to get an earful of complaints. From the harsh climate to the limited amenities, there are plenty of reasons why this New Mexico base has earned its reputation as one of the worst in the Air Force.

1. The Harsh Climate

Cannon AFB is located in the high desert of eastern New Mexico, where the weather is extreme and unforgiving. Summer temperatures routinely top 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The base is also subject to strong winds and frequent dust storms, making it an unpleasant place to live and work.

2. The Lack of Amenities

Cannon AFB is a relatively small base with limited amenities. There is no on-base housing, so military families must live off-post in nearby Clovis, New Mexico. While Clovis is a charming town, it lacks many of the amenities that military families are accustomed to, such as a large grocery store, a movie theater, and a mall.

3. The Long Deployments

Cannon AFB is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing, which is responsible for conducting special operations missions around the world. As a result, Cannon AFB personnel are frequently deployed for long periods of time. This can be very difficult for military families, who must cope with the stress of being separated from their loved ones.

4. The Negative Perception

Cannon AFB has a negative perception among many military members. This is due in part to the harsh climate, the lack of amenities, and the long deployments. As a result, it can be difficult to attract and retain high-quality personnel to Cannon AFB.

5. The Remote Location

Cannon AFB is located in a very remote part of New Mexico. The nearest major city, Albuquerque, is over 200 miles away. This makes it difficult for military families to travel to and from the base. It also makes it difficult for military members to pursue off-duty activities.

Conclusion:

Cannon AFB is a challenging place to live and work. The harsh climate, the lack of amenities, the long deployments, the negative perception, and the remote location all contribute to its reputation as one of the worst bases in the Air Force. However, there are also some positive aspects to Cannon AFB. The base is home to a close-knit community of military members and their families. The cost of living is also relatively low. And the base offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.

FAQs:

1. Why is Cannon AFB considered one of the worst bases in the Air Force?

Cannon AFB is considered one of the worst bases in the Air Force due to its harsh climate, lack of amenities, long deployments, negative perception, and remote location.

2. What are some of the challenges of living at Cannon AFB?

The challenges of living at Cannon AFB include the extreme weather, the lack of on-base housing, the limited amenities in nearby Clovis, and the long deployments.

3. What are some of the positive aspects of living at Cannon AFB?

The positive aspects of living at Cannon AFB include the close-knit community, the low cost of living, and the variety of outdoor activities available.

4. How can military families cope with the challenges of living at Cannon AFB?

Military families can cope with the challenges of living at Cannon AFB by getting involved in the community, finding ways to stay entertained off-post, and seeking support from other military families.

5. What is the future of Cannon AFB?

The future of Cannon AFB is uncertain. The base has been on the chopping block for closure several times in recent years. However, the base has a strong mission and a dedicated group of supporters. Only time will tell what the future holds for Cannon AFB.