Lackland AFB
Lackland AFB PCS Guide
Base History & Name
Staff from the 59th Medical Wing's Wilford Hall Emergency Department pose for a photo following the recognition of two of their teammates at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, April 23, 2025. Two paramedics received the EMS Field Save Pin following...
Lackland Air Force Base began in 1941 as part of Kelly Field, created to meet the urgent need for aircrew training during World War II. Its original mission focused on basic military training for Army Air Corps recruits.
As the war intensified, Lackland rapidly expanded by adding new barracks, classrooms, and support facilities to accommodate the influx of trainees.
After World War II, Lackland became the sole site for Air Force basic training, a role it has maintained since the Air Force became a separate service in 1947. The base continued to grow during the Cold War, adding technical training schools and supporting units.
Notably, the 37th Training Wing has been headquartered at Lackland since 1993, overseeing all Air Force basic training and supporting the base’s expanding mission.
Lackland played a key role during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, processing and training thousands of new airmen. In the post-Cold War era, the base modernized its facilities and expanded its mission.
Today, Lackland hosts cyber and intelligence training and is a key part of Joint Base San Antonio, formed in 2010 by merging Lackland with Fort Sam Houston and Randolph AFB.
Lackland AFB has not undergone any major official name changes since its establishment. It remains a cornerstone of Air Force training and a major employer in the San Antonio region.
Namesake
General Lackland's leadership and vision helped shape the foundations of the Air Force's training programs. Though he did not serve in Texas, his legacy is honored through the base's enduring mission to train new generations of airmen.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Williams (far right), 343rd Training Squadron technical school instructor, poses for a photo with his fellow security forces technical school instructors, 2017, at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas. After losing his left leg to an improvised explosive device...
Major Units
37th Training Wing
The 37th Training Wing is responsible for conducting basic military training for all enlisted Air Force personnel, as well as various technical and professional training programs. It plays a central role in shaping the future enlisted force of the U.S. Air Force.
502nd Air Base Wing
The 502nd Air Base Wing provides installation support and mission services for Lackland AFB and other Joint Base San Antonio locations, ensuring operational readiness for tenant units and training operations.
16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber)
The 16th Air Force integrates cyber warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare operations, supporting global Air Force missions and national security objectives.
Training Schools
Basic Military Training (BMT)
Overview
BMT is the foundational training course for all new enlisted Air Force personnel, covering military discipline, physical fitness, weapons handling, and core values.
Course Length
7.5 weeks
Who Attends
New Air Force enlisted recruits
Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA)
Overview
IAAFA provides professional military education and technical training to military personnel from partner nations in the Western Hemisphere, focusing on air operations, leadership, and technical specialties.
Course Length
Varies by course (typically 4-12 weeks)
Who Attends
International military personnel and select U.S. Airmen
PCS & Relocation Essentials
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Georgia – Maj. James Hodgson, Air Force Reserve Headquarters (left), receives a briefing and relocation check sheet from Personal Property manager Staff Sgt. Brent Rochette, noncommissioned officer in charge, 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Traffic Management Office at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Dec. 15, 2021.
Arriving at Lackland AFB starts with receiving your official orders. Next, contact the base Transportation Office to discuss your move options and schedule your shipment. Most service members use either a Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM, also called DITY). The HHG option lets the government contract movers to ship your belongings. The PPM option allows you to move your items yourself and possibly receive reimbursement. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to manage your move, track shipments, and upload required documents. This system is your main hub for all move-related actions and updates. Entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) help cover costs. TLE reimburses you for temporary lodging and meals while you search for permanent housing (up to 10 days for CONUS moves). DLA helps offset miscellaneous moving expenses. Familiarize yourself with these benefits to maximize your entitlements. Lackland AFB is a major Air Force training hub, so expect a busy base and potential wait times during peak PCS season. Plan ahead and stay in contact with your sponsor for base-specific guidance and local tips.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request your Lackland sponsor as soon as possible for local insight.
- Book temporary lodging early, especially during summer PCS season.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important documents with you at all times.
- Take photos of your belongings before packing for insurance purposes.
- Label boxes clearly by room and contents to ease unpacking.
- Verify pet policies for base lodging and off-base hotels.
- Review your weight allowance to avoid out-of-pocket costs.
Important Forms & Links
Manage your move, schedule shipments, and track status.
Official DoD rates and allowance information.
Guidance, checklists, and support for your move.
Base-specific arrival information and resources.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance.
Schools & Childcare
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Families stationed at Lackland AFB rely on local public school districts for K-12 education, as there are no DoDEA schools on base. The base School Liaison Officer (SLO) is your best resource for navigating school registration, transfers, and special programs. Connect with the SLO early to get guidance on enrollment, district boundaries, and support for military-connected students.
Childcare Options
Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The program is NAEYC-accredited and prioritizes military families.
School Age Program (SAP)
SAP offers before- and after-school care, school holiday programs, and summer camps for elementary-aged children. Accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
Family Child Care (FCC) Program
FCC providers offer care in on-base homes, with flexible hours and options for full-time, part-time, and hourly care. All providers are certified and inspected regularly.
Local Schools
Northside Independent School District (NISD)
NISD is the primary district serving Lackland AFB and is one of the largest in Texas. It is known for strong academics, robust extracurriculars, and modern facilities. GreatSchools.org rates many NISD campuses above average for test scores and student progress.
Lackland Independent School District (Lackland ISD)
Lackland ISD is a small district that serves students living on Lackland AFB in base housing. The district consistently earns high ratings from the Texas Education Agency and offers a close-knit school community.
Harmony School of Excellence - San Antonio
This charter school offers a STEM-focused curriculum and is popular with military families for its academic rigor. Harmony campuses in San Antonio generally receive strong parent reviews and above-average ratings on GreatSchools.org.