Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Installation Type: Joint Base (Air Force lead component)
Status: Active

Overview

Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA-Lackland) is one of the largest and most significant Air Force installations in the United States, located on the southwest side of San Antonio, Texas. As the location of Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) – the sole entry point for all Air Force enlisted accessions – approximately 35,000 new Airmen graduate from Lackland each year. JBSA-Lackland is also home to Air Education and Training Command (AETC), the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, the Air Force Security Forces Center, and numerous intelligence training programs. JBSA encompasses Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston, Randolph AFB, Camp Bullis, and several smaller areas under a joint installation management structure.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Conduct Air Force Basic Military Training; provide initial skills training for Air Force intelligence, security forces, and cyberspace specialties; serve as headquarters for Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
Major Units: 37th Training Wing (BMT, host wing); Air Education and Training Command (AETC) headquarters; 343rd Training Squadron; 344th Military Intelligence Battalion (Army); Inter-American Air Forces Academy; Air Force Security Forces Center
Tenant Units: Defense Language Institute English Language Center (DLIELC); Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI); Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center; 59th Medical Wing; various foreign military student programs

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: San Antonio, TX (population 1.5 million) – installation is within city limits on southwest side
Nearest Commercial Airport: San Antonio International Airport (SAT) – approximately 15 miles north
Gate Access: Multiple gates; Westover Hills Gate (primary); CAC/military ID required; visitor passes at Visitor Control Center; BMT family days increase visitor volume significantly; 24-hour access for military ID holders

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 12,000 (permanent party); 35,000+ recruits/students annually cycling through BMT
Family Members: Approximately 15,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 8,000
Total Installation Population: Approximately 35,000+ (permanent party; does not include BMT trainee population which peaks higher)

Key Facilities

Medical: 59th Medical Wing / Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center – one of the Air Force’s premier medical facilities; comprehensive specialty care, surgery, and dental; University Hospital and other San Antonio civilian hospitals also accessible; SAMMC (San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston) provides major trauma and inpatient care
Commissary: Yes – large commissary on base
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes – large AAFES main exchange, BX, food court, and extensive retail facilities
Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers; outdoor pools; bowling; golf (Oak Hills Golf Course adjacent); auto skills; extensive San Antonio metro recreational options; SeaWorld, Six Flags, and many other attractions within 15-30 minutes
Schools: Northside ISD and Edgewood ISD serve most military families; no DoDEA schools; San Antonio has diverse school options including several Blue Ribbon schools and strong magnet/charter programs
Childcare: Multiple Child Development Centers (CDCs) on JBSA installations; waitlists common; register immediately; contact Child and Youth Services through JBSA main operator
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on post; full wellness and preventive services; appointments required
Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance Office, 37th Training Wing; appointment-based; (210) 671-3362

Housing

On-Post Housing: Privatized housing managed by Hunt Military Communities; over 2,000 units on JBSA-Lackland; mix of family housing neighborhoods; condition generally good; ongoing renovation and upgrade programs
Average Wait Time: 30-90 days; San Antonio off-post housing market is extensive and generally affordable
Off-Post Housing: San Antonio is a large, affordable metro area; neighborhoods like Alamo Ranch, Leon Valley, Converse, Universal City, and Live Oak are popular with military families; average rent approximately $1,400-$2,200/month for 3-bedroom home; home purchase also popular given affordability; no state income tax in Texas
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at Defense Travel Management Office (dtmo.mil)

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining unit; 37th Training Wing and assigned unit sponsorship programs; JBSA newcomer orientation available
In-Processing: JBSA in-processing center; BMT graduation families have separate access procedures for visiting; installation in-processing typically 2-3 days for permanent party
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Airman and Family Readiness Center; enrollment required; San Antonio has outstanding medical facilities including Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), UT Health San Antonio, and Children’s Hospital of San Antonio

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical; hot humid summers (average high 95F/35C in June-August); mild winters (average low 38F/4C in January); spring and fall are pleasant; occasional ice storms in winter; thunderstorms common in spring; no significant snow
Cost of Living: Low to moderate; San Antonio is among the most affordable large cities in the U.S.; no state income tax in Texas; housing well below national average for city of this size
Nearby Attractions: San Antonio River Walk (world-famous, 15 minutes); The Alamo and four other Spanish colonial missions (UNESCO World Heritage Site); SeaWorld San Antonio; Six Flags Fiesta Texas; Natural Bridge Caverns; New Braunfels (tubing on the Guadalupe River, 30 miles); Austin (80 miles); Texas Hill Country wine trails
Spouse Employment: Strong San Antonio economy with healthcare (largest employer sector), JBSA military/defense complex, tourism, technology, and education; UTSA, UT Health, and other universities; A&FRC employment assistance available

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.jbsa.mil
Main Installation Phone: (210) 671-1110
MWR Website: https://jbsa.armymwr.com or https://www.jbsamwr.com (verify current)
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), JBSA-Lackland; (210) 671-3722; relocation, financial readiness, employment, family support

Last updated: 2026-02-23
Sources: https://www.jbsa.mil; https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/jbsa-lackland; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LacklandAirForce_Base, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law