Base housing is not for everyone. The base housing at Barksdale AFB is huge. You have easy access to the commissary, BX, movie theater, bowling alley, etc. Great security. If you have just retired, don't know where you want to live and are looking for a job this could be a really great deal. The rent (once you factor in all of the utilities, renter's insurance and the maintenance) is a way better deal than trying to live off base. Plus, as a recent retiree you would still have your military move package. When I retired you could apply for an extension and have up to 2 years to use the move. The extension was pretty much automatic.
Again, not for everybody, but a new option available for some.