LOCATION: Randolph AFB, located between IH-35 and I-10, is part of the San Antonio Metro just northeast of San Antonio. Randolph houses several headquarters including Air Education & Training Command (AETC), Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC), Air Force Headquarters Recruiting Services and Nineteenth Air Force (19AF).
HISTORY: Randolph Field was dedicated June 20, 1930 as a flying training base and continues in this mission today. The idea for Randolph began soon after the establishment of the Air Corps Act in 1926, which changed the name of the Army Air Service to the Army Air Corps. General Frank P. Lahm was placed in charge of all flying training and established the Air Corps Training Center and set up its headquarters at Duncan Field, next to Kelly Field, TX. After deciding the facilities at Kelly and Brooks Fields were not sufficient for proper training, the Air Corps soon decided an additional training field was needed. Randolph Field was named after Captain William Millican Randolph, who crashed his AT-4 on takeoff returning to duty at Kelly. He contributed immeasurably to the progress of aviation and served on the base name selection committee. After the Air Force became a separate service September 18, 1947, Randolph Field was officially named Randolph Air Force Base January 14, 1948.
MISSION: With a multifold mission, the 12th Flying Training Wing conducts instructor pilot training in the Raytheon-Beech T-6A Texan ll, Cessna T-37 Tweet, Northrop T-38 Talon and Beech T-1A Jayhawk aircraft. In addition, the wing conducts Joint Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training and electronic warfare officer training in the Boeing T-43 medium-range turbofan jet. The 12th Flying Training Wing has three groups: operations, mission support and medical, and a maintenance directorate. The 12th Flying Training Wing trains and equips its people to meet the Air Force's worldwide Air and Space Expeditionary Force commitment. In addition, it is responsible for the Air Force's Advanced Instrument School (AIS).
The wing also provides host-base support to more than 30 Department of Defense units, including Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Personnel Center.
The primary aircraft assigned to Randolph are the T-1A/T-37/T-38/T-43/T-6A.
POPULATION SERVED: Randolph is home to 4,423 military members who have 5,291 dependents. DoD and NAF civilians combine for a strenght of 5,778 for a total population of 15,492.
SPONSORSHIP: It's important to maintain contact with your sponsor and provide him/her with your arrival information. However, if you are unable to contact your sponsor prior to or upon arrival, contact your CSS during normal duty hours. If arriving after duty hours, contact the Lodging Office, which is the 24-hour arrival point. They have a roster reflecting sponsors for all inbound personnel as well as a listing of all unit INTRO monitors and First Sergeants. Report to your orderly room the next duty day. Once you have signed in the approval authority for permissive TDY for house-hunting is your gaining commander. (Note: All Navy personnel and AF Navigator Students will in-process with the 562nd Flying Training Squadron Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9:00am sharp.) Taxi and shuttle service is also available from the San Antonio International Airport to Randolph. Fares vary, but taxi average around $35.
Once you arrive at Randolph AFB, report to your orderly room with your sealed records. Upon signing in with your unit, you will be scheduled for required in-processing appointments including Finance, Social Actions, and Base Newcomer's Orientation briefings.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS: Contact the base lodging office as soon as you have your orders and an arrival date to request whatever needs you or your family may have. If nothing is available on base they will refer you to a near-by hotel in the local community.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: The Relocation Assistance Center offers classes and individual relocation assessment and referral. Smooth Move seminars are offered on a recurring basis or as individual or class briefings.