JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO
JOINT BASES
San Antonio, TX
United States
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO
JOINT BASES
San Antonio, TX
United States
Joint Base San Antonio
Base Essentials
The Air Force's largest installation complex, spanning Lackland, Randolph, and Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio — home to basic training, medical commands, and combat wings in one of America's most military-friendly cities.
Base Details
Type
Joint Base
Branch
JOINT BASES
Command
AETC
Status
Active
Est.
2010
Acres
—
Active Duty
32,000
Civilian
15,000
Population
2,550,000
Economic Impact
$12 billion
Joint Base San Antonio History
Joint Base San Antonio was established in 2010 by consolidating Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, and Fort Sam Houston under a single joint base management structure. JBSA is the largest joint base in the Department of Defense by personnel and economic impact. It is home to Air Education and Training Command headquarters (Randolph), all Air Force basic military training (Lackland), and the Army's medical training enterprise (Fort Sam Houston). JBSA shapes every new airman and many soldiers and medical professionals who enter the military.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Air Education and Training Command (HQ)
—
—
502nd Air Base Wing
—
—
Army Medical Center of Excellence
—
—
Historic Timeline
1910
Military Aviation Born at Fort Sam Houston
1917
Kelly Field Established as Primary WWI Pilot Training Center
1930
Randolph Field Dedicated as 'West Point of the Air'
1946
Fort Sam Houston Designated Army's Medical Training Hub
2010
Joint Base San Antonio Formally Established
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1910
Military Aviation Born at Fort Sam Houston
On March 2, 1910, Lieutenant Benjamin Foulois made his first solo flight at Fort Sam Houston in the Army's only airplane, marking what historians recognize as the birth of U.S. military aviation. Foulois went on to become Chief of the Air Corps, and the event established San Antonio as the cradle of American air power.
1917
Kelly Field Established as Primary WWI Pilot Training Center
Kelly Field was established on March 27, 1917, on a site five miles southwest of San Antonio, with aviation operations beginning April 5, 1917. By war's end, 1,459 pilots and 398 instructors had graduated from Kelly, making it the most prolific military pilot-training site in the country. Alumni included future legends such as Charles Lindbergh and Curtis LeMay.
1930
Randolph Field Dedicated as 'West Point of the Air'
Randolph Field was dedicated on June 20, 1930, with 15,000 attendees and a fly-by of 233 aircraft, quickly earning the nickname "West Point of the Air" for its role as the premier Air Corps pilot training installation. Named for Captain William Millican Randolph, the base featured over 500 Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings and in 1943 instituted the Central Instructor's School, training more than 15,000 instructors before the end of World War II.
1946
Fort Sam Houston Designated Army's Medical Training Hub
Following World War II, the Army designated Fort Sam Houston as its principal medical training facility, relocating the U.S. Army Medical Field Service School there and renaming Brooke General Hospital as Brooke Army Medical Center. The Medical Training Center reached a peak of 29,000 graduates per year by 1967, making Fort Sam the undisputed center of Army medicine.
2010
Joint Base San Antonio Formally Established
On October 1, 2010, Fort Sam Houston, Randolph Air Force Base, and Lackland Air Force Base were consolidated into Joint Base San Antonio pursuant to the 2005 BRAC legislation. JBSA became one of the largest joint bases in the Department of Defense, encompassing over 73,000 personnel across its component installations.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Joint Base San Antonio.
Joint Base San Antonio Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Joint Base San Antonio.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Joint Base San Antonio.
Information
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Joint Base San Antonio.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) — JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
Phone
(210) 221-2705Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed 1st & 3rd Thursday at 1:00 PM)
In-Processing
JBSA encompasses three installations approximately 16–18 miles apart, each with separate in-processing. Army personnel (Fort Sam Houston) sign into their unit's orderly room and register with S-1 for in-processing appointments. Contact Military Personnel Division at (210) 221-9274.
Air Force personnel (Lackland/Randolph) report to their unit's Commander's Support Staff (CSS). Those without a CSS report to Customer Service Intro Programs at Building 5616, Room 129, 5161 Stewart Street. The mandatory Newcomer Orientation is held twice monthly on Wednesdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, at the Bob Hope Performing Arts Center Theater, 1451 Stewart Street.
Additional M&FRCs: JBSA-Lackland at Building 5725, 1550 Wurtsmith Street, (210) 671-3722; JBSA-Randolph at Building 693, 555 F Street West, (210) 652-5321. The Visitors Reception Center at Lackland (2602 Luke Blvd by Gate 6) operates 24/7 at (210) 671-6174.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Joint Base San Antonio.
On-post housing at Joint Base San Antonio is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, which operates family neighborhoods serving personnel at Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, and Fort Sam Houston across San Antonio, Texas, with 2- to 5-bedroom homes available across several distinct communities. Balfour Beatty maintains community centers, fitness facilities, playgrounds,…
Local Market
$1,600/mo
rent
/
$320,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Joint Base San Antonio
88
12% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Joint Base San Antonio.
School Liaison Officer
Lackland School Liaison Office
3
Elementary Schools
View schools
2
High Schools
View schools
3
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
3
Combined Schools
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Schertz / Cibolo
Suburban
Schertz and Cibolo sit northeast of JBSA and have become the top destination for military families in the area, driven largely by the outstanding Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (SCUC ISD), which consistently earns top state ratings. These are fast-growing suburbs with strong community infrastructure, excellent parks, and a range of housing options from affordable starter homes to larger builds.
Commute: 10–25 min
Gate: Randolph Main Gate / Pat Booker Rd Gate
Schools: Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Rapidly growing corridor with new restaurants and retail. Close to Canyon Lake for weekend recreation. One of the best school districts in the San Antonio metro makes this the clear top pick for families with school-age kids.
Universal City / Converse
Suburban
Universal City and Converse sit directly adjacent to Randolph AFB and are the most affordable communities with quick gate access. Universal City is literally on the base fence line — you can't get much closer. Converse offers slightly more housing variety at similar price points. Both are served by SCUC ISD, which is a major draw.
Commute: 5–10 min
Gate: Randolph Main Gate
Schools: Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD
Budget-friendly
Single service members
Families with kids
Extremely convenient gate access to Randolph AFB. High military density and familiar community dynamics. A quick jump to Loop 1604 opens up all of San Antonio.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Joint Base San Antonio.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Texas has no state income tax. All military pay — active duty, retirement, and Reserve/Guard — is completely untaxed at…
Spouse Income Tax
No state income tax means MSRRA has no practical effect. Military spouses owe zero Texas income tax on wages regardless…
Vehicle Registration
Texas does not exempt military members from the state motor vehicle sales and use tax (6.25%). SCRA protects nonresident…
Property Tax
100% permanently disabled veterans receive a full homestead property tax exemption with no dollar cap — the most generou…
Pet Policies at Joint Base San Antonio
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Joint Base San Antonio.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(210) 295-4265Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (JBSA-Randolph: (210) 652-3190 Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
12
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Joint Base San Antonio.
Commissary
3
JBSA–Lackland Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
BX
Medical
2
Brooke Army Medical Center — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Joint Base San Antonio.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston: Walters Street Gate (Main Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How many commissaries are on base?
Joint Base San Antonio has 3 commissary locations: JBSA–Lackland Commissary, JBSA–Fort Sam Houston Commissary, and 1 more. All accept Click2Go online ordering for curbside pickup.
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03
Is there a BX on base?
Yes, Joint Base San Antonio has a BX (Base Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Brooke Army Medical Center is the primary military treatment hospital serving Joint Base San Antonio. Call (210) 916-4141 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Joint Base San Antonio has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Joint Base San Antonio has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Fort Sam Houston Independent School District (rated A (TEA)) serves most military families at Joint Base San Antonio. Visit fshisd.net for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Joint Base San Antonio restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Joint Base San Antonio has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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10
Is military pay taxed in Texas?
Texas has no state income tax, so military members at Joint Base San Antonio owe no state taxes on military pay, allowances, or retirement income.
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11
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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12
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Joint Base San Antonio.
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13
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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14
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Joint Base San Antonio.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.