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; Air Force Reserve March installation profile
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.
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.
Location and community
March is in the Riverside area of southern California, where local civic efforts helped secure its original aviation training role.
Before you arrive
March combines transport and tanker missions; an assignment's particular squadron determines its aviation specialty.
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.
- Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
- Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
- 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.
- Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
- 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
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.
Housing and family support
Find housing, relocation assistance, childcare and school liaison contacts for the correct installation or support community.
Find official contactsSpouse employment
Review federal spouse hiring guidance and ask the local family support office about employment resources.
Review spouse hiring guidanceHealth care and benefits
Locate VA facilities near the community where you plan to live after service. Confirm your eligibility and appointments with the provider.
Find VA locationsRelocation checklist
Prepare questions about paperwork, household goods and family needs with official moving resources.
Plan the moveFrom 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.
Translate your experience
Turn your MOS, AFSC or rating into civilian job titles and resume language. Adjust the result to reflect your actual work.
Use the MOS translatorPrepare your resume
Build a clear resume around skills, outcomes, credentials and the roles you want next.
Open Resume StudioPlan your transition
Organize your separation timeline and discuss official requirements with your transition counselor.
Open the separation plannerFind federal opportunities
Search current announcements and read the location, hiring path and qualifications in each posting.
Search USAJOBSFrequently asked questions
Where is March Air Reserve Base?
March Air Reserve Base is listed in this guide at Riverside, California, United States. The map point is approximate. For arrival and reporting information, use official resources and your orders.
What is March Air Reserve Base known for?
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.
What should I confirm before arriving?
March combines transport and tanker missions; an assignment's particular squadron determines its aviation specialty.
How can I prepare for a civilian career from here?
Start with your own military occupation and experience. Use the MOS translator, resume builder and separation planner, and discuss your timeline with the official transition counselor. LockLeed helps candidates pursue direct-hire civilian roles at no cost to the candidate.
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.
- The 452nd Air Mobility Wing and March historySupports: overview, history, local context
- Air Force Reserve March installation profileSupports: overview, mission, planning note
Shared planning and career resources
- MilitaryINSTALLATIONS · Official installation profiles and program contacts
- Military OneSource PCS planning · Moving checklists and relocation resources
- Military OneSource overseas move planning · Overseas moving and family logistics
- USAJOBS · Official federal job announcements
- USAJOBS military spouse hiring guidance · Federal spouse hiring path information
- Transition Assistance Program · Official transition planning resources
- VA facility locator · Find VA health care and benefit offices
- Basic Allowance for Housing · Official housing allowance information
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.