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Kwajalein Atoll is a remote location in the Pacific Ocean, mostly controlled by the US Army for missile system testing. It offers some amenities and recreational activities, but modern facilities are limited. The weather is tropical, and hurricanes can occur. Residents have a US area code but may face additional charges for phone usage. Despite the spartan housing, many contractors enjoy the low crime rate and pleasant working conditions.
Kwajalein Atoll, known informally as Kwaj by its largely short-term residents, is part of the Marshall Islands chain located in the western Pacific Ocean. Kwajalein Atoll is located approximately 2,100 miles southwest of Hawaii and 1,400 miles east of Guam. In other words, Kwajalein Atoll is one of the most isolated places on the planet, although not completely isolated from modern amenities such as schools, shops, restaurants and internet services.
Virtually all of Kwajalein is under the control or auspices of US Army Command, so it’s essentially a military base with some accommodations for civilian workers. The main work done on Kwajalein Atoll is missile system testing for various government agencies, mainly military. Most of Kwajalein Atoll’s American residents have assignments for private defense contractors or official government agencies. In fact, it is nearly impossible for a private individual to visit Kwajalein Island without official government permission.
Life on Kwajalein Atoll is generally said to be akin to living in a small American town, not a big city. Organized sports such as snorkeling, volleyball, basketball, and softball are offered. There are fitness centers and other recreational facilities for skating, running and tennis. While swimming in the ocean is discouraged, there are a number of locations where boating and windsurfing are permitted.
The weather on Kwajalein Atoll is typical for tropical islands located near the equator. There is a fairly constant trade wind and sudden rainfall is always possible. The average temperature stays around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (below 30 degrees Celsius) year-round and can get uncomfortably hot if the winds shift or ease. While uncommon, hurricanes have been known to hit Kwajalein Atoll periodically and cause significant damage.
Although the military commanders who oversee the base have made efforts to improve the living conditions of the assigned residents, there are still some difficulties in obtaining modern facilities such as Internet services, advanced mail delivery and satellite television channels. Dial-up Internet access is available, but can be very expensive to use. The Army provides some television services through its network, but residents cannot get satellite television at home as of this writing.
There are a few general stores on Kwajalein Atoll, but they generally operate like Army Post Exchanges, with limited selection and higher retail prices. Residents can visit a nearby island called Ebeye to purchase necessary hardware items or attend church. Telephone service exists and residents do indeed have a US area code (805), but the local Marshall Islands telephone company may add a surcharge per minute of usage.
While the housing arrangements on Kwajalein Atoll may be somewhat spartan, many contractors assigned to work there believe it is truly heaven on Earth. The crime rate is relatively low, working conditions are generally pleasant, and single residents with no dependents are free to adapt a more leisurely island lifestyle when off duty.
