Barksdale is a U.S. Air Force installation under Air Combat Command with B-52 bombers, KC135 and KC10 aircraft refueling tankers, and a Reserve squadron of A-10 close air support aircraft. Tankers are due to move under the base realignment and closure program. The base has a land area of approximately 22,000 acres, with 5,500 acres developed for industrial/residential, and the remainder is improved woodlands, including abandoned World War II bombing ranges. The woodlands are heavily forested with a timber harvesting program that generates revenues for the installation. Approximately 6,000 acres are managed wetlands.

There are no chemical restoration efforts ongoing under the Barksdale Installation Restoration Program (IRP). During an IRP Records Search in 1986, the use and possible disposal of chemical weapons were investigated. No field testing or geophysical surveys were conducted for chemical weapon disposal. Old newspaper and photo accounts indicate chemical training being conducted in the early 194Os, but no indication of actual use or disposal.