What Military Base is in San Antonio?
San Antonio, Texas, is a city with a rich military history and is home to several military bases. Located in the southeastern part of the state, San Antonio has played a significant role in the military since the early 19th century. In this article, we will explore the various military bases located in San Antonio and highlight their importance.
Joint Base San Antonio
Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is a contiguous military installation that serves as the headquarters for Army South and the 94th Army Reserve Command. The base was formed in 2010 through the consolidation of four separate military bases:
- Lackland Air Force Base
- Fort Sam Houston
- Randolph Air Force Base
- Ellington Field
Joint Base San Antonio is located on over 12,000 acres of land and employs over 100,000 people. The base is responsible for providing medical care, training, and logistical support to military personnel.
Lackland Air Force Base
Lackland Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base that serves as the primary enlisted basic military training (BMT) location for men and women entering the Air Force. The base is home to the 415th Supply Chain Operations Wing and the Security Forces Training Center. Lackland Air Force Base has a rich history dating back to 1942, when it was originally a prisoner-of-war camp.
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston is a United States Army base that serves as the headquarters for Army South and the Brooke Army Medical Center. The base is home to the U.S. Army North and the U.S. Army South. Fort Sam Houston has a rich history dating back to 1876, when it was established as a frontier fort.
Randolph Air Force Base
Randolph Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base that serves as the Air Education and Training Command headquarters. The base is home to the Randolph Air Force Base Museum, which showcases the history of military aviation. Randolph Air Force Base has a rich history dating back to 1930, when it was originally a civilian airport.
Ellington Field
Ellington Field is a United States Air Force base that serves as a Air National Guard base. The base is home to the 112th Fighter Wing, which operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Ellington Field has a rich history dating back to 1917, when it was established as a military airfield.
Other Military Bases in San Antonio
In addition to Joint Base San Antonio and the individual bases mentioned above, there are several other military bases located in and around San Antonio. These include:
- Kelly Field Annex: A former United States Army Air Forces base that is now used for joint training and operations.
- Stinson Municipal Airport: A United States Coast Guard base that is used for helicopter training and operations.
- Fort Sam Houston Annex: A former United States Army base that is now used for joint training and operations.
Education and Training
San Antonio is home to several military academies and training facilities, including:
- San Antonio Military Advanced Training Center: A training facility that offers advanced training in fields such as cybersecurity and intelligence analysis.
- San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium: A consortium of medical schools and training programs that offer education and training in healthcare and medical sciences.
- San Antonio Commanding General’s Scholarship Program: A scholarship program that provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Conclusion
San Antonio, Texas, is a city with a rich military history and is home to several military bases. Joint Base San Antonio is a contiguous military installation that serves as the headquarters for Army South and the 94th Army Reserve Command. The base is located on over 12,000 acres of land and employs over 100,000 people. The various military bases in San Antonio offer a range of education and training programs, making it an ideal location for military personnel and their families.
Table: Military Bases in San Antonio
| Base | Military Branch | Location | Notable Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Base San Antonio | Army and Air Force | San Antonio, TX | Army South, 94th Army Reserve Command |
| Lackland Air Force Base | Air Force | San Antonio, TX | 415th Supply Chain Operations Wing, Security Forces Training Center |
| Fort Sam Houston | Army | San Antonio, TX | Army South, Brooke Army Medical Center |
| Randolph Air Force Base | Air Force | San Antonio, TX | Air Education and Training Command |
| Ellington Field | Air Force | San Antonio, TX | 112th Fighter Wing |
Bullets: Benefits of Military Bases in San Antonio
• Provide a range of education and training programs for military personnel and their families
• Support joint military operations and logistics
• Offer advanced training in fields such as cybersecurity and intelligence analysis
• Provide medical care and logistical support to military personnel
• Employ over 100,000 people and have a significant impact on the local economy
