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

Overview

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph (JBSA-Randolph) is located in Universal City, Texas, approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio. Often called “The Showplace of the Air Force” for its distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architecture centered on the iconic “Taj Mahal” water tower, Randolph serves as the headquarters of Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and is the primary center for Air Force flying training operations and personnel management. The installation houses the 12th Flying Training Wing and is home to T-38 Talon trainer jets and other training aircraft. Randolph is part of JBSA alongside Lackland and Fort Sam Houston.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Conduct undergraduate and advanced pilot training; manage Air Force personnel actions and assignments; serve as the aircrew training and personnel management hub for Air Education and Training Command.
• Major Units: 12th Flying Training Wing (T-38C and T-1A training); 19th Air Force headquarters; Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) headquarters; Air Force Recruiting Service headquarters; 902nd Security Forces Group
• Tenant Units: Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS); Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS); Air Force Reserve Command personnel elements; various HQ AETC staff functions

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: San Antonio, TX – approximately 15 miles southwest; Universal City and Converse are immediately adjacent communities
• Nearest Commercial Airport: San Antonio International Airport (SAT) – approximately 12 miles west
• Gate Access: Multiple gates including Main Gate on Randolph Boulevard; CAC/military ID required; visitor passes at Visitor Control Center; 24-hour main gate access for military ID holders

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 5,500 (including AFPC and AETC staff billets)
• Family Members: Approximately 7,500
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 7,000 (significant HQ and AFPC civilian workforce)
• Total Installation Population: Approximately 20,000+

Key Facilities

• Medical: 359th Medical Group Clinic; primary care, dental, behavioral health; specialist referrals to SAMMC (San Antonio Military Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston) or civilian San Antonio hospitals; University Hospital and Methodist Healthcare System accessible
• Commissary: Yes – commissary on base
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes – AAFES exchange and facilities; BX on base
• Fitness & Recreation: Fitness centers; outdoor pool; golf course (Oak Hills accessible through JBSA network); bowling; auto skills; San Antonio metro recreational options within 15-30 minutes
• Schools: Judson ISD (Universal City, Converse, Schertz area) primarily serves Randolph families; generally well-regarded suburban school district; no DoDEA schools at Randolph
• Childcare: Child Development Center on base; waitlists common across JBSA installations; register immediately; contact Child and Youth Services through JBSA main operator
• Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base; wellness and preventive care; appointments required
• Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance Office; appointment-based; contact through base directory

Housing

• On-Post Housing: Privatized housing on base and in JBSA network; Hunt Military Communities manages JBSA housing; on-base units popular for proximity to work especially for HQ staff
• Average Wait Time: 30-90 days; Universal City, Converse, Schertz, and San Antonio offer extensive off-post options
• Off-Post Housing: Universal City, Converse, Schertz, Live Oak, and New Braunfels (30 miles) are popular communities; average rent approximately $1,400-$2,100/month for 3-bedroom; San Antonio metro is affordable; 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 or HQ element; 12th FTW and HQ AETC/AFPC sponsorship programs
• In-Processing: JBSA-Randolph in-processing; typically 2-3 days; AFPC in-processing may have additional security access requirements
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Airman and Family Readiness Center; enrollment required; San Antonio has world-class medical facilities accessible

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Humid subtropical; hot humid summers (average high 95F/35C in summer); mild winters; no significant snow; occasional ice storms in winter; pleasant spring and fall
• Cost of Living: Low to moderate; San Antonio is among the most affordable large U.S. cities; no state income tax in Texas
• Nearby Attractions: San Antonio attractions (River Walk, Alamo, 15 miles); New Braunfels and Canyon Lake tubing (30 miles); Austin (80 miles); Texas Hill Country; Guadalupe River; Natural Bridge Caverns (20 miles)
• Spouse Employment: San Antonio metro offers extensive employment; AFPC itself employs large number of civilians; healthcare, education, technology, and government contracting sectors are strong; remote work common for HQ assignments; A&FRC assists

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://www.jbsa.mil/Installations/JBSA-Randolph
• Main Installation Phone: (210) 652-1110
• MWR Website: https://www.jbsamwr.com (verify current URL)
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), JBSA-Randolph; (210) 652-4370; relocation, financial readiness, employment, family support

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