With some of the most dramatic landscape in the world, the west is a photographer’s paradise. Hiking, rafting, fishing, and skiing abound. How would you like to have an assignment that puts you in the middle of the Great American West? It is not impossible, so let’s look at several locals that provide great professional opportunity.
Arizona
It does not get more western than Phoenix and Tucson. The Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, and a Petrified Forest are to the north, with some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. In the middle of the state, Sedona has stunning scenery. You can head south to natural areas, caves, extraordinary hiking, and the mission trail. In addition to numerous state and national parks, there are a half dozen military recreation facilities around the state. So how can you get an assignment in such extraordinary country?
Davis Monthan Air Force Base is conveniently located adjacent to Tucson. The base is home to the 355th Wing and numerous components of the 12th Air Force. Just as interesting, is the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), aka the world’s largest airplane boneyard. With hundreds of active positions on ClearanceJobs.com with companies like BAE and Leidos, you may find your next position. Towards the border of Mexico, is Fort Huachuca, the Army’s intelligence center. History abounds in this wild western region, with Tombstone just a few miles away. Farther west is Yuma, with one of the Army’s Proving Grounds and a Marine Corps Air Station, home to AV-8B Harrier and F-35B Lightning squadrons. This location has tremendous outdoor western activities with magnificent scenery found in multiple Star Wars episodes. Both locations have contract positions from organizations like PAE and Northrup Grumman.
Idaho
If you like mountains, hunting, fishing, and skiing, then you will love Idaho. You can really get in touch with nature with numerous state parks and forests. The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness covers well over two million acres, allowing no motorized vehicles. A vast ocean of lava flows, known as Craters of the Moon National Monument and the entrance to Yellowstone National Park are less than a day’s drive from the military bases in Idaho.
A great assignment is Mountain Home Air Force Base, 40 miles southeast of Boise. Stunning sand dunes, lakes, and cinder cones are all part of this fantastic adventure at the home of the 366th Fighter Wing. Currently, SAIC and CACI have offerings in the area. Gowen Field is home to the 116th Cavalry Brigade (NG), the Idaho Air Guard, and the National Interagency Fire Center; each with multiple contract positions. Near Coeur d’Alene in the north, you will find the Naval Surface Warfare Acoustic Research facility. It is located on stunning Lake Pend Oreille. Finding a job in Idaho may prove challenging, but if you seek the great outdoors, you will be rewarded for living in this fantastic state.
Utah
Utah has five national and 43 state parks, with arguably the most fantastic scenery of any state. The southern portion of the state has Zion, Bryce, and Capital Reef, with Arches and Canyon Land National Parks to the East. The north rim of the Grand Canyon is just few miles south of the border. To the north are mountains with skiing at renown Park City.
The Army has Toole Army Depot and Dugway Proving Grounds in western Utah. Even though they have military commanders, most positions are filled by civilian contractors. Hill AFB is home to 419th Fighter Wing and the 75th Air Base Wing. With over 1000 jobs at Hill and in the Salt Lake area, ClearanceJobs.com is a great place to start your search. There are numerous positions with the State of Utah, with the National Guard Intelligence Training Center, Air Guard and the 19th Special Forces Group (NG), Evan Hafer’s old outfit – before creating the Black Rifle Coffee Company.
Find What Locations Suit You
These assignments are not for everyone. But , if you love the outdoors and desire new experiences, they can be your ticket to finding that balance between work and play. With seven working ranches in these states and 15 more in surrounding states, you may even get to check out your ability to rope and ride.
