Ali Al Salem Air Base

Ali Al Salem Air Base at a glance

Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait is a tactical airlift and transit hub associated with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing's public description emphasizes movement of personnel and cargo for joint and coalition forces in the Central Command region. Its mission connects aerial port activity and logistics with support for partner organizations.

The wing combines expeditionary base support, staff functions and aviation mission elements, while some personnel support requirements at other locations in the region. Its lineage reaches back to a Second World War bombardment group, with its modern expeditionary-wing form adopted in 2002. The installation's enduring transit role is the most useful starting point for research; current official guidance should be used for changing operations, organizations and individual assignment arrangements.

Also searched as: Ali Al Salem, AASAB, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, The Rock.

Sources: 386th Air Expeditionary Wing fact sheet; Ali Al Salem public mission introduction

Mission and major activities

• The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing moves personnel and cargo through a regional aviation gateway.
• Supports joint and coalition forces through airlift and logistics.

Sources: 386th Air Expeditionary Wing fact sheet; Ali Al Salem public mission introduction

History and identity

The 386th's lineage began with a World War II bombardment group. Its expeditionary-wing designation dates to 2002.

Sources: 386th Air Expeditionary Wing fact sheet

Location and community

Ali Al Salem Air Base is in Kuwait within the U.S. Central Command region.

Sources: Ali Al Salem public mission introduction

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. For an overseas assignment, ask your sponsor about family travel authorization, required documents, medical screening, pets and vehicle shipment before making reservations.
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 overseas moving resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: 386th Air Expeditionary Wing fact sheet

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Ali Al Salem Air 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 Ali Al Salem Air 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

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. 386th Air Expeditionary Wing fact sheetSupports: overview, mission, planning note, history
2. Ali Al Salem public mission introductionSupports: overview, mission, local context

Reviewed 2026-09-30. 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.