Riyadh Air Base, Saudi Arabia is one of the most important American bases due to the strategic location. It is right in the Middle East, giving the American troops the chance to easily support their potential invasions in the area. The base is located in the capital of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh refers to multiple gardens in free translation and is placed in the center of the country. The surroundings build a piece of heaven, with a multitude of parks and green territories. The summers are hot and dry, while the winters are pleasant. Occasionally, it may rain. The climate is, therefore, excellent for a lot of activities and training operations, allowing the troops a year round possibility for operations. However, it is worth mentioning that the summers imply extremely hot temperatures, especially for those who come from northern areas, like the Alaskans. The place hosts plenty of American offices and commands, making this base a vital one for the Middle East actions. It is also intensively used by the Arabian forces.
History
The history of this base dates back centuries ago. Riyadh was a walled community between Iran and Mecca. The strategic location provoked multiple raids and invasions, as the base went from one leader to another over time. The place saw some major improvements in the ’50s, after Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz took over the throne in 1953 and made this city the capital of the country. Huge amounts of money were invested in the city, turning it into one of the most modern facilities in the world, with an airport and paved roads.
When the Americans were given the chance to set up a base here, the improvements simply moved on. The place is good for its solid connection with the most important centers in the country through a solid roads web. These days, it is a peaceful site. It is in a stand-by position, but always ready to step in to serve the interests of the United States of America.
Housing
The housing system at Riyadh Air Base is extremely well set up. Whether you get there as a single soldier or with your family, finding a home is piece of cake. Most inhabitants are hosted in the Eskan Village, close to the base. The on site accommodation depends on three aspects – the availability, the reason of your assignment and your status. Therefore, the wisest idea is to complete an application as soon as you find out about the new assignment. Acting early might fix your situation by the time you arrive.
The off site accommodation is usually privatized. Basically, you will have to get in touch with a real estate agency and find a place according to your needs, necessities, preferences and available budget. The privatized system is usually more expensive, but it provides better facilities.
Units
Some of the most important units hosted at Riyadh Air Base include the Military Training Mission, a few parts of the USMTM Division of the Air Force and the Extended Training Service Specialists.
