Six active military installations are spread throughout the region providing a stable economic impact to the local economy in many ways.
From a talent perspective, the active military members and contracted civilians are many times accompanied by spouses and dependents who increase the workforce availability. Additionally, over 3,000 military personnel separate each year at a median age of 40 and enter the civilian workforce. These veterans also provide an influx of highly skilled workers, many with security clearances, into the regional workforce.
Through survey instruments, we know that the vast majority of veterans would like to stay in the area if they are able to find a gainful employment. Further, these individuals have desirable soft skills, such as professionalism, punctuality, leadership and dedication.
Military Installations
6
Active-Duty Military
39,117
Annual New Military Retirees
3,300
Civilian Employees
16,955
Florida has also historically been chosen as home for many veterans separating from bases outside the state.
Veterans represent 12% of the region's workforce— twice the average U.S. rate.
Eglin Air Force Base, geographically the U.S. Air Force's largest base, is home to Duke Field and a myriad of research and development activities. Eglin's 96th Test Wing is the test and evaluation center for all Air Force air-delivered wapons, navigation systems, and command and control systems.
Primary Units Include:
Hurlburt Field, a tenant on Eglin Air Force Base, is headquarters for Air Force Special Operations Command. Their mission is to support the training and execution of special operations such as unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counter-proliferation, foreign internal defense, information operations, psychological operations, civil affairs and combating terrorism worldwide.
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Naval Support Activity Panama City
Naval Support Activity Panama City hosts many research-related units.
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Naval Air Station Pensacola, home of the Blue Angels, is recognized as the premier naval installation in the Department of the Navy. NAS Pensacola is primarily dedicated to the training of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel in naval aviation.
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Tyndall Air Force Base is headquarters to the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region – First Air Force, which has the sole responsibility for ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
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Naval Air Station Whiting Field
Naval Air Station Whiting Field seeks to provide the best services and material support for the training of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and International student aviators. Over 1,200 personnel complete their essential flight training at NAS Whiting Field annually.
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Florida’s Great Northwest is here to enhance Northwest Florida’s competitive position through industry diversification and quality job growth. Whether you’re a company executive, site selector, or Northwest Floridian, contact us to learn how we can work together.
