LACKLAND AFB
AIR FORCE
San Antonio, TX
United States
LACKLAND AFB
AIR FORCE
San Antonio, TX
United States
Lackland AFB
Base Essentials
Welcome to Lackland Air Force Base, “Gateway to the Air Force.” Part of Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland AFB is an enclave inside the city of San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas. Named after Brigadier General Frank Lackland, who was commissioned into the Army after serving in the District of Columbia National Guard, Lackland AFB holds a lot of history. Today, the base encompasses 4.23 square miles of land, with a population of around nine thousand as of the 2020 census. Lackland AFB was originally built during World War II and is now home to Air Force Basic Training and operated by Air Educatio...
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AETC
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
6,800
Active Duty
—
Civilian
3,000
Population
2,550,000
Economic Impact
—
Lackland AFB History
Named AfterBrigadier General Frank Dodd Lackland
Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, was established in 1942 as the Army Air Corps' basic training center. Today every enlisted airman and Space Force guardian begins their military career with basic military training at Lackland, making it the "Gateway to the Air Force." The base is part of Joint Base San Antonio and also hosts the Defense Language Institute English Language Center, the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, and various intelligence training programs. Lackland processes approximately 35,000 to 40,000 new recruits annually.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
37th Training Wing (BMT)
—
—
Inter-American Air Forces Academy
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Defense Language Institute English Language Center
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—
Historic Timeline
1941
Established as a Satellite of Kelly Field
The installation opened in 1941 as a satellite of nearby Kelly Field, named for Brigadier General Frank D. Lackland, a former commander of Kelly Field who helped establish the original training infrastructure. It was designated a separate base in 1947.
1947
Designated Sole Air Force Basic Training Base
Lackland was designated the Air Force's only Basic Military Training installation in 1947, consolidating all Air Force recruit training at a single location. Every airman who has ever served in the U.S. Air Force has gone through basic training at Lackland.
2010
Consolidated into Joint Base San Antonio
Lackland AFB was consolidated into Joint Base San Antonio in 2010 along with Randolph AFB and Fort Sam Houston, creating one of the largest joint military installations in the country. It continues to operate as the Air Force's sole basic training base under the joint base structure.
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1941
Established as a Satellite of Kelly Field
The installation opened in 1941 as a satellite of nearby Kelly Field, named for Brigadier General Frank D. Lackland, a former commander of Kelly Field who helped establish the original training infrastructure. It was designated a separate base in 1947.
1947
Designated Sole Air Force Basic Training Base
Lackland was designated the Air Force's only Basic Military Training installation in 1947, consolidating all Air Force recruit training at a single location. Every airman who has ever served in the U.S. Air Force has gone through basic training at Lackland.
2010
Consolidated into Joint Base San Antonio
Lackland AFB was consolidated into Joint Base San Antonio in 2010 along with Randolph AFB and Fort Sam Houston, creating one of the largest joint military installations in the country. It continues to operate as the Air Force's sole basic training base under the joint base structure.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Lackland AFB.
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Lackland AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Lackland AFB.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Lackland AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Lackland AFB.
JBSA-Lackland Customer Service Intro Programs / 37th Training Wing
Phone
(210) 671-6174Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Upon arrival at JBSA-Lackland, personnel report to their Commander's Support Staff to sign in and receive a schedule of required in-processing appointments. Those without an assigned CSS report to Customer Service Intro Programs at Building 5616, Room 129. The Military Personnel Customer Service section at Building 5616 can be reached at (210) 671-2507.
The mandatory Newcomers Orientation briefing is held twice monthly on Wednesdays at the Bob Hope Performing Arts Center Theater (1451 Stewart Street) from 0800–1200. It is open to all newly assigned military and civilian personnel; spouses are encouraged to attend. First-term airmen attend the First Term Airmen Center (FTAC) as a separate mandatory requirement.
As the home of Basic Military Training for the Air Force, JBSA-Lackland has a large transient population alongside permanent-party. The Airmen's Gateway (Visitor Reception Center) at (210) 671-6174 is available as an initial point of contact. The installation also hosts the 59th Medical Wing and numerous other organizations — coordinate in-processing through your specific wing or group CSS.
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Temporary Lodging Details
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Sponsor Program Information
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Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Lackland AFB.
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Cost of Living Around Lackland AFB
88
12% Below National Average
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Lackland AFB.
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Education Benefits
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Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Popular Neighborhood
Suburban
Families
Short Commute
Neighborhood details coming soon
Nearby Community
Urban
Singles
Nightlife
Neighborhood details coming soon
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Lackland AFB.
State Income Tax
Military Pay
Retirement Pay
Vehicle Tax
Vehicle Registration
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Property Tax
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Spouse Income Tax
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Combat Zone
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Pet Policies at Lackland AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Lackland AFB.
Emergency Vet
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On-Base Vet Clinic
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Restricted Breeds
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Prohibited Animals
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Dog Parks
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Boarding & Kennels
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Pet Guidance
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Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Lackland AFB.
Commissary
Coming soon
Exchange
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Medical
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Childcare & Youth
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MWR & Recreation
Employment & Education
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lackland AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Luke Gateway East 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 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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03
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 Lackland AFB.
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04
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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05
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 Lackland AFB.
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Data & Methodology
The information on this page is compiled through a combination of sources. We reference official U.S. Department of Defense publications, branch directives, and installation command websites on a regular cadence to ensure accuracy across policy, regulation, and operational data. Where relevant, we supplement that foundation with credible auxiliary resources, including verified government agencies, military support organizations, and established partners with direct ties to the installation community.
Our editorial team includes past and present military personnel who review and contribute firsthand knowledge — ensuring what you read reflects the real experience of military life, not just what's written in a regulation.
MyBaseGuide is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or any government agency. Information is provided for general reference and updated periodically. It may not reflect the most recent changes to installation policy or command decisions. Always confirm time-sensitive details directly with your gaining installation.