Randolph AFB
Joint Base San Antonio- Randolph AFB Relocation Information
Welcome to JBSA- Randolph AFB!
Randolph AFB is headquarters for the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) and is known as "the Showplace of the Air Force" due to the Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture in which structures are constructed. The host unit at Randolph is the 12th Flying Training Wing. The base operates parallel runways on either side of its main installation and conducts continuous flight training operations at all hours. Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph is a busy installation.
The stated mission of AETC, the Air Force’s “First Command,” is to be responsible for recruiting, technical training, flying training, and the continuing education of each generation of Airmen. AETC’s mission starts with the Air Force Recruiting Service. The Air Force Recruiting Service includes 24 enlisted squadrons, three health professions squadrons, and more than 1,200 recruiters assigned throughout the United States and overseas, with a goal of engaging and recruiting the best and the brightest for service in the U.S. Air Force.
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” fly over the Taj Mahal at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Photo by Staff Sgt. Cory Bush.
AFPC is the Air Force's Human Resources division implementing personnel, manpower and services programs for nearly 330,000 active duty members and 150,000 civilian employees worldwide. AFPC also manages services programs for Airmen and families.
The 12th Flying Training Wing consists of three Flying Training Groups (the 12th Operations Group at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, the 306th Flying Training Group at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, and the 479th Flying Training Group at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida), as well as a Maintenance Group. The 12th FTW is responsible for combat systems officer training, pilot instructor training, along with remotely piloted aircraft pilot indoctrination and basic sensor operator qualification. The wing manages all airmanship programs for the U.S. Air Force Academy and is the single screening point for all hopeful aviators to include pilots, RPA pilots and CSOs. (Learn more about the 12th FTW)
Aircraft used in training at Randolph include the T-1A Jayhawk, the T-6A Texan II, and the T-38 Talon. Get information about tours of the 12th Flying Training Wing.
A T-1A Jayhawk takes off for a 99th Flying Training Squadron pilot instructor training mission Oct. 17, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The domed building in the background
is the iconic headquarters for the 12th Flying Training Wing known as the Taj Mahal. USAF photo by Randy Martin.
The San Antonio area is home to multiple military installations, the Air Force’s Basic Training, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force’s Medical Education and Training Campus. It’s commonly referred to as “Military City USA,” due not only to the presence of multiple area military installations, but also because of the large retiree population and the overall friendliness to military in the area. It’s the seventh largest city in the country, and it’s only growing.
Downtown San Antonio at Sunset
The South Texas area is a vibrant location combining Old West, Hispanic, and modern day cultures. You may know it as the home of the Alamo, but San Antonio is also a destination city featuring attractions like SeaWorld and Fiesta Texas. With big city amenities like fine dining, museums, and professional sports (like the San Antonio Spurs), merged with the laid back lifestyle of the southern U.S., you may come to embrace the area and understand why San Antonio is one of the top areas in the nation that military retirees choose to settle.
The Alamo in San Antonio
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Relocating to JBSA-Randolph AFB? Download our free guide to the area below!
Frequently Asked Questions About JBSA - Randolph AFB
1) How far is Randolph from Lackland AFB?
The smaller of the two Air Force bases, Randolph is about 30 miles from JBSA-Lackland, which is located in the southwest area of San Antonio.
2) In what county is Randolph AFB located?
JBSA-Randolph is in Bexar County (pronounced “Bear”), Texas.
3) How many people are stationed at JBSA-Randolph AFB?
Randolph AFB is home to 4,423 military members who have about 5,291 dependents. DoD and NAF civilians add to a total population of 15,492.
4) How many gates does Randolph AFB have?
Randolph AFB has 4 gates, including Lindsey Gate (open 24/7), West Gate, South Gate, and East Gate (open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.,inbound only).
Base Location and Information
Military Installations Near JBSA-Randolph
The San Antonio area is home to the three installations comprising Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA): Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, and Fort Sam Houston. The bases are in different sections of the city, which is the second largest city in Texas. Though now considered a combined base, and the largest one in the DOD at that, the installations of Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) are quite spread out across the city. Most residents continue to call them by their individual names. The Air Force is the lead agency for Joint Base San Antonio.
Randolph AFB is located just outside San Antonio on the far northeastern section of Universal City, with the cities of New Braunfels, Converse, Schertz, and Cibolo surrounding the base. San Antonio is about 18 miles southwest of the base.
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” fly over the Taj Mahal at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Photo by Sean W. Worrell.
Not far from the active flight line is the unique wing headquarters building nicknamed “The Taj”, as in Taj Mahal. Elements of Spanish Colonial charm influence the architecture around this unique base. This atmosphere differs from the usual standard issue military buildings.
San Antonio Area Highways
Downtown San Antonio is navigable by foot and also has a streetcar system that runs on several different routes. Public transportation is available via bus, the VIA Metropolitan Transit System. However, most area commuters travel by POV.
The area is crisscrossed by highways I-35, I-37, US Hwy 281 and I-10. As well, concentric highways that circle the city are often referred to as the “inner loop” I-410 and “outer loop” state highway 1604. Expect frequent construction as the city continues to spread outward as well as typical rush hour traffic.
Activities abound in the San Antonio area. Walk through history with a tour of the four area Spanish missions. Those, along with the Alamo, have been named a World Heritage Site.
Mission San Jose photo via Flickr user Henry Carmona
Foodies can embrace cuisine from Tex-Mex to BBQ, as well as the local food truck scene. Attend productions at the Majestic Theater, view art at the Briscoe and McNay Art Museums, and cheer on local fan favorite NBA team, the Spurs.
Whether your idea of a good time is a stroll along the iconic River Walk with a stop for margaritas and tacos or a hike on one of the area's nature trails, activities abound year-round. Spring’s famous Fiesta, a 10-day salute to Spanish heritage, is a city signature event, with schools closing so students can participate. With the famous Hill Country north of the city and beaches just a few hours away, not to mention the local area, you won’t run out of things to do!
San Antonio River Walk
If your busy military family enjoys spending time outdoors, San Antonio offers an extended version of summer weather. It will be hot and humid, but there are plenty of ways to keep your cool. From Schlitterbahn Water Park to Schumacher Crossing swimming hole, San Antonio offers a pool of options to go for a swim. For the surf and sand of a beach, a couple of hours in the car lands you at Corpus Christi Bay and Padre Island National Seashore. For more inland adventures, consider a weekend getaway to eclectic Austin or historic Fredericksburg.
Within just a few hours’ drive lie several other military bases, including Fort Hood and NAS Corpus Christi.
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Arrival Lodging
The Randolph Lodge has 30 family units and 530 single units, with one handicap accessible family unit. All units are non-smoking. There are 6 pet-friendly temporary lodging units, but certain stipulations and extra pet fees apply.
It’s advised to call lodging directly for rates and reservations.
Contact information:
Reservations
Main: 210-652-1844
DSN: 312- 487-1844
DSN Fax: 312- 487-2616
Email: randolph.inn@us.af.mil
Randolph Inns website
Address
JBSA - Randolph
415 B St. East
Universal City, Texas, 78150-5000
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JBSA- Randolph AFB Housing
Image via Randolph Family Housing
Military housing at Joint Base San Antonio is privatized. Housing consists of three- and four-bedroom historic homes located within walking distance of many base services. Neighborhood amenities include a pool, golf course and community center. Housing is provided by Hunt Military Communities.
Hunt Military Communities Randolph Family Housing Contact Info
Office: (888) 310-6942
Office Fax: (210) 659-9040
Leasing Phone: (877) 494-9585
Maintenance Requests: (866) 532-5636
Property Contact Email: randolphleasing@huntcompanies.com
Address:
Randolph Family Housing
205 New B Street East
Universal City, TX 78148
Military Housing Office
Joint Base San Antonio - Randolph (JBSA-RND)
Open: M-F 8:00am - 4:00pm
Phone: (210) 652-1840
Fax: (210) 652-6031
Address: 610 Harmon Drive
JBSA-Randolph, TX 78150
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JBSA- Randolph AFB Off Base Housing
Even with the woes of freeway traffic, life in the suburbs may offer more home for less money in Texas. With no state income tax (and no tax placed on a military pension), investing in a home in the Lone Star state may be an idea worth considering, but one fact to note is that property taxes can be hefty.
Base Search
City Search
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Area Weather & Climate
The Hill Country near San Antonio
The San Antonio area is ideal for fans of warm weather. Mild year-round with a semi-tropical climate, the “hot months” are typically May through September, with the wetter season from April to October. You will still need a jacket, as there can be some cold days and even freezing weather during the winter months.
The area’s weather is affected by the Edwards Plateau to the northwest and the Gulf Coastal Plains to the southeast. Sunshine is the norm, with more than 60% of days clear or partly cloudy. Bluebonnet season in the spring, when the state flower dots the sides of roadways and fields, turns all the outdoors into a portrait studio. Thunderstorms are not uncommon in the late spring and summer, and the area has been known to have a rare sleet or ice storm during the winter months.
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JBSA- Randolph AFB Area Schools
Area School Districts
Randolph Schools Independent School District (ISD) serves students living on base and those students with an approved transfer request. Schools on base include an elementary, middle, and high school.
Get more info: Randolph Field ISD Enrollment Information
JBSA-Randolph School Liaison Office (SLO)
Main Office: (210) 652-3112
To register for a workshop
call: (210) 652-5321
The San Antonio area is vast and diverse, and schooling choices in the area reflect that. The city’s public schools are administered by various San Antonio-area Independent School Districts. Learn more about these school districts, along with information about neighboring county and city school districts at the Bexar County website.
From the San Antonio ISD:
The San Antonio-area Independent School Districts serve 340,238 students. Extracurricular clubs for all skill levels and interests, Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Magnets, Trades, Special Needs, Fine Arts and STEM are among the 173 academic and developmental choices that exist within the districts. View more info at San Antonio Go Public.
Private school tuition is lower than the national average. Find private school ratings at Niche.com and Texas Private School Review.
Homeschoolers in Texas must comply with state law and provide instruction in prescribed areas. See specifics at the Texas Education Agency.
More school links:
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Military and Family Support
Photo via JBSA News
Opportunities abound for connecting with the military spouse community, whether through each the area spouses’ clubs or volunteering. The Randolph AFB spouses’ club is open to any active duty military spouse, and has membership opportunities for retiree spouses and other dependents.
For job seekers, area employment is strong in the industries of construction, oil and gas production, and healthcare. Your time at JBSA might prove to be a chance to network with other military spouses at a Military Spouse Symposium or the many other area events created for military family members.
More helpful links:
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Things to Do Near Randolph AFB
Historic Guenther House in the King William District. Image via sanantonio.gov.
If you’re lucky enough to be stationed at Joint Base San Antonio, you should never be bored! Whether you love exploring cultural sites, the food scene, or getting outdoors, you’ll always find something to do. Here’s a list to start off your San Antonio adventures.
JBSA Force Support Squadron (FSS): Check in with the JBSA FSS for a calendar of events, Outdoor Recreation, and dining/entertainment.
The River Walk: The iconic 15-mile long River Walk is a beautiful spot to shop, dine, and stroll. Just below street level, it’s also the largest urban ecosystem in the U.S. In the downtown section, the King William District and the Alamo are walkable. Take a riverboat cruise for a quick drop off at a different section of the river or to simply enjoy a narrated cruise. Plan your River Walk excursion here.
San Antonio Dining: Foodies rejoice! San Antonio has it all, whether you’re looking for BBQ, fine dining, an amazing steak, or an American eatery. And of course, in this area, the Mexican and Latin American food scene is like no other.
Downtown area attractions: Take one of the City Sightseeing Double Decker buses for hop on-hop off transportation. Their tours cover Alamo Plaza, The Pearl, Spanish Governor's Palace, Cathedral, Theater District, Tower of the Americas, Mexican Market Square, King William Historic District, and more.
Tower of the Americas has a rotating restaurant at its top. Image via San Antonio Things to Do.
A few other attractions you might want to visit include: The Guenther House, Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, The Witte Museum, The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum and Texas Ranger Museum, the Empire Theatre, Aztec Theatre, Briscoe Western Art Museum, McNay Art Museum, San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum, and of course, the historical Alamo.
San Antonio Missions and the Alamo: The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park includes the Mission San Jose, Mission Espada, Mission San Juan and Mission Concepcion. Along with the Alamo, the park was named the first World Heritage Site in Texas by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO). These five Catholic missions were established in the 18th century by Spanish priests. Today, the missions (walled compounds encompassing a church and buildings where the priests and local Native Americans lived) are the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America. Plan your visit to the San Antonio missions.
San Antonio Tours: plan a bike tour, walking tour, helicopter tour, ghost tour, barwalk, and more. ‘Visit San Antonio’ has a nice round-up of area tours!
Confluence Park: Open daily, the park is a gateway to hike, bike and paddling trails, which begins near the Blue Star Arts Complex and ends near Mission Espada.
Texas Hill Country: San Antonio is on the southern end of the Texas Hill Country. Visit Fredericksburg, Boerne, and New Braunfels for a taste of city/country life. Picturesque small towns combine with outdoor living for an unforgettable experience.
Japanese Tea Gardens image via sanantonio.gov
Japanese Tea Garden: Dating back to 1919, the Japanese Tea Garden features a lush year-round garden, shaded walkways, stone bridges, waterfall, and ponds filled with koi fish. The garden’s entrance features a moon gate created by a renowned Mexican artist. Free admission. Plan your visit to the Japanese Tea Garden.
The Pearl: Located north of downtown, the Pearl (a former brewery) is now a mixed use space featuring dining, seasonal events, boutique shopping, green spaces, and an amphitheater. It’s also home to the third campus of the Culinary Institute of America.
Natural Bridge Caverns: Take a guided tour of the underground caverns and spectacular formations. Next, pan for gems at the Discovery Village Mining Company. Find your way through the outdoor maze and finish it off with one of the Canopy Challenge ropes course and zip lines. Fun for the whole family!
Sea World San Antonio: Family friendly interactive shows and exhibits, an immersive water park and marine life encounters! Located in northwest San Antonio.
Image via Fiesta Texas Facebook
Six Flags Fiesta Texas: San Antonio’s largest, most popular theme park. Situated in the center of a retail, restaurant and entertainment district, Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers roller coasters, park rides, live entertainment, food, beverages and more.
Outdoor activities in the San Antonio area:
Lost Maples State Natural Area image via Texas.gov
Tubing: Summertime finds San Antonians on the water, and ‘tubing’ (floating down one of the area rivers) is a popular way of enjoying the water. Rent tubes, canoes, and river rafts to float down the Guadalupe, San Marcos, Comal and Frio Rivers. Most vendors also provide shuttles to pick you up at the end of your float.
Canyon Lake: One of the most picturesque area locations, this 8,230-acre lake is one of the most scenic lakes in Texas. It has eight public parks with camping, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, picnicking, wildlife viewing, boating and other water sports. JBSA Recreation Park at Canyon Lake is available year-round for military members and families.
Hiking: Explore locations like Government Canyon State Natural Area, Lost Maples State Natural Area (especially in autumn), Pedernales Falls State Park, and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Find miles of hiking and biking trails, guided hikes, and rock climbing.
San Antonio events:
The area always has something going on, but here are a couple of the annual popular events in the San Antonio area!
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Opening Pageant. Image via Carol M. Highsmith, Wikipedia.
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Every year, 1.5 million visitors come to the Stock Show & Rodeo. Since 1949, it’s one of the largest San Antonio annual events. Attend the carnival and then the Charreada, a unique blend of Mexican and Western culture. Learn more about the stock show and rodeo.
Fiesta San Antonio: Start planning your Fiesta schedule now! Even schools close for this yearly event. Attend one of the parades: Battle of Flowers, Fiesta Flambeau (the largest night parade in the country), and the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. Then attend a food event and watch local entertainment. Fiesta started in 1891 as a way to honor the heroes from the Battle of the Alamo. It is now the city’s largest party! ¡Viva Fiesta!
Easy day trips from San Antonio include:
- Austin
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- Fredericksburg (Hill Country)
- Corpus Christi
- Houston
More Area Info
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Base Address:
5th St E
Randolph AFB
,
78150-4537