BOSSIER CITY, LA – Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB) continues to play a vital role in the economic stability and growth of Northwest Louisiana, contributing an estimated $1.1 billion in economic impact for Fiscal Year 2024, according to the latest Economic Impact Statement released by the 2nd Comptroller Squadron at BAFB.
The base, home to the Air Force Global Strike Command, 8th Air Force, 2nd Bomb Wing, and 307th Bomb Wing, remains a key military installation, both for its role in national defense and as an economic driver for the region.
Personnel & Payroll Contributions
BAFB currently supports 16,199 individuals, including 6,475 military personnel (active duty and reservists), 7,116 dependents, and 2,608 civilian employees. Military personnel and civilian employees collectively earned $622.2 million in payroll during FY 2024.
- Active-Duty Military Pay: $415.9 million
- Reservist Pay: $30.5 million
- Civilian Payroll (Appropriated & Non-Appropriated Funds): $175.8 million
The base also supports 3,145 local jobs, with an estimated annual salary of $51,200, adding another $161 million in indirect economic impact.
Major Expenditures & Investments
Beyond payroll, BAFB invested $329.2 million in infrastructure and operations, including:
- Military Construction (MILCON): $110 million
- Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Construction: $32.5 million
- Service Contracts: $99.5 million
- Health/TRICARE Benefits: $53.4 million
- Tuition Assistance: $2.4 million
Strategic Importance & Continued Growth
BAFB’s economic footprint extends beyond direct expenditures, with $3.95 billion in infrastructure assets, including 1,144 buildings, 427 structures, and 216 linear structures spanning 7.2 million square feet.
The base serves as the headquarters of the Air Force Global Strike Command, overseeing strategic nuclear deterrence and conventional combat missions. As the 2nd Bomb Wing marks its 70th anniversary at Barksdale, the base continues to serve as a critical hub for B-52 Stratofortress operations, with 757 sorties and 5,259 flying hours annually.