Lackland AFB is located in:
Country: USA
Region: South Central
State: Texas
County: Bexar (pronounced "bear")
City: San Antonio
San Antonio is home to three large military installations and is known for its friendliness to the military. Businesses actively court the military by offering discounts. Although the summers are hot, overall the climate is relatively mild and offers opportunities to be active year round. The cost of living remains around at 90, below the national average of 100. No matter what your interests are, there is undoubtedly something here for you.
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HISTORY
Lackland AFB is named after Brigadier General Frank Lackland, who was commissioned into the regular Army after serving in the District of Columbia National Guard. Construction on the base began on June 15, 1941, and was originally part of Kelly Field. One year later, it became an independent organization--the San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center. On February 3, 1948, the facility became what it is today--Lackland AFB, Gateway to the Air Force.
MISSION
Lackland's mission is to provide basic training for all non-prior service airmen of the regular Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve; provide modern technical training in the fields of security and law enforcement, military working dog handling, combat arms, recruiting, supply, transportation, services, food preparation, and social actions. Lackland provides students from 117 countries the opportunity to increase their proficiency in the English language through its Defense Language Institute English Language Center. Technical training in Spanish for our neighbors in Central and South America is provided at the InterAmerican Air Forces Academy.
POPULATION SERVED
The Lackland family is spread across three different commands: Air Education and Training Command (AETC),Air Combat Command (ACC), and Air Force Material Command (AFMC).
It is a joint services base with members of the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. In the summer of 2006, the base will be home to a small Coast Guard contingent as well.
Team Lackland consists of approximately 40,000 people. Of these, 14,000 are active duty members. Another 5,000 are DoD civilian employees. The remaining 21,000 are contract employees, family members, and retirees.
SPONSORSHIP
Your gaining unit is responsible for ensuring that you have a sponsor. If you do not hear from someone, please refer to the Major Units link on the SITES Home Page for phone numbers to the command support staff. If you have an Air Force e-mail account, you may also find your gaining unit's organizational e-mail account in the global directory. A third alternative is to contact the Family Support Center at your losing or gaining installation for assistance in contacting your sponsor.
Once you contact your sponsor, please provide them all pertinent information about needs, family, travel plans, and any other concerns. If there are any changes,let your sponsor know as soon as possible so that he or she can make the necessary adjustments in arrangements. If you want your sponsor to meet you upon your arrival, please discuss that issue and exchange the necessary phone numbers to make that happen.
There are two temporary mail facilities on Lackland AFB.
If you have orders for the 37 TRW or 59 MDW, this will be your address.
RANK AND NAME (First Name Last Name)
PSC 1
2401 Kelly Dr Unit 361100
Lackland AFB TX 78236-6011
If you have orders for HQ AIA or any of its units, your address will be:
RANK AND NAME (First Name Last Name)
PSC 6
2261 Hughes Avenue Unit 623201
Lackland AFB TX 78236-3201
If it will be more than 30 days before you arrive, ask your sponsor to request that all names on the orders be added to the Hold Mail database.
If you arrive during duty hours, please check in at your unit. You will find information about the phone numbers under Major Unit Listings. You may also ask your sponsor to escort you. Temporary lodging facilities are the check in point after hours. See the following section for more information.
TEMPORARY LODGING
Lackland AFB has billeting units available. If those units are full, the Inns of Lackland have agreements with hotels and motels near the base and downtown to provide temporary housing for those arriving here in official travel status. Your sponsor can make reservations for you if you provide a copy of your orders and credit card information. You may prefer to make your own reservations.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
The Family Support Center offers a wide variety of information and services to assist newcomers with their move. A representative will be at the initial inprocessing briefing to provide overview information. The newcomers may also stop by the Family Support Center to get information.
Child Care for PCS is available within the first 60 days after arrival. Check with the Family Support Center for details.
The Loan Closet is housed on the first floor of the main Family Support Center. With orders, you will be able to check out basic household items for 30 days.
The official newcomer's orientation at Lackland AFB takes place at Right Start. This is a half-day program that offers broad information about the base. When you inprocess, you will be given your appointment. Attendance is mandatory for the active duty member. Spouses are cordially invited to attend. You will also attend a half-day Medical Right Start that Wilford Hall Medical Center offers. That is also mandatory for the active duty member, and spouses are encouraged to attend.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION
Please do not use your cell phone while driving unless you have a hands-free device. This policy is strictly enforced.
Child care for infants is at a premium. Two child development centers on base have infant slots, but there is usually a waiting list. Family day care homes are available but also have limited infant capacity. You may pick up a list of family day care homes at the Family Support Center or at the Family Day Care Office located on the second floor of Mitchell Hall, Bldg 2300.
Base housing is limited, but there are numerous apartments and single dwelling rentals in the community.