Honestly, when I first came to Colorado Springs, I had no idea this city was so military-oriented.

Everywhere you go, you see people in uniforms, many cars have base stickers, and it's common to encounter soldiers at the local convenience store.

At first, it felt a bit strange, but I realized that this is the city's biggest characteristic and also its charm.

This was really surprising. Colorado Springs is one of the cities in the U.S. with the highest concentration of military bases.

Notably, it is home to Fort Carson Army Base, Peterson Space Force Base, and Schriever Space Force Base.

Additionally, it houses the NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex.

Given this, the term "military city" is not an exaggeration. Just like a bowl of sundae soup that looks ordinary on the outside, this city has an incredible depth within.

Fort Carson is a large army base located south of Colorado Springs, where over 30,000 soldiers and their families reside.

The Colorado Springs we see today must have looked completely different in the past. The areas surrounding the base have developed housing, shopping, and medical facilities for military families.

Peterson Space Force Base is one of the key bases of the U.S. Space Force.

This area was originally used as an air force base in the 1940s, but its strategic importance surged during the Cold War.

At that time, the U.S. had to prepare for the possibility of a nuclear missile attack from the Soviet Union, necessitating a unified command system for real-time monitoring and response.

As a result, NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, was established nearby, serving as a central support base.

Over time, its roles expanded to include satellite surveillance, missile tracking, and space operations, solidifying its position as a core base for the Space Force.

It is reported that around 6,000 to 7,000 military and civilian personnel work here.

The main rank composition includes non-commissioned officers (E-5 to E-9) and officers (O-1 to O-6), with some general officers included.

Salaries vary based on rank and years of service, but for example, an E-5 earns about $3,000 to $4,000 per month, while an O-3 earns about $6,000 to $8,000.

In addition, housing allowances (BAH) and subsistence allowances (BAS) increase the actual take-home pay.

When you think about how the GPS navigation we use daily operates thanks to these local facilities, it gives you a sense of living in an impressive city.

The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is the most mysterious facility in this city.

As the name suggests, it is built inside Cheyenne Mountain, operated by NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command).

This bunker, designed to withstand nuclear attacks during the Cold War, continues to perform important defense missions today. It's a strange feeling to think that such a facility exists somewhere in the mountains we admire at the Garden of the Gods.

The characteristics of a military city also impact the daily lives of its residents.

On the positive side, military-related employment is stable, and the demand for housing for military families keeps the real estate market relatively stable.

Many military families from diverse nationalities and backgrounds live here, contributing to the city's diversity.

Military-friendly financial services like USAA have also developed, making it convenient for military-related households.

It's interesting to note how military culture permeates everyday life in this city. Many stores offer military discounts, and there's a community atmosphere where the entire city celebrates military-related holidays together. Events are held in the community for Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

In my view, the community culture that expresses gratitude for the sacrifices of soldiers is one of the aspects I appreciate about Colorado Springs.

At first, the military city aspect may feel unfamiliar, but as you live here, you naturally come to accept that it is part of the city's identity.

Becoming neighbors with military families and hearing their stories helps you understand how this city was shaped.

Having lived here, I find it to be a safe and diverse community, and overall, if you can view military culture with interest, it is an attractive city.