, home of the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing. Located in Wichita Falls, Texas, Sheppard is one of the Air Force’s major training installations and is known as the Air Force’s “Logistics University.”

Sheppard has a long history of preparing Airmen and allied partners for service. Originally established during World War II, the base has grown into a major training hub that supports Air Force technical training, international pilot training, mission support, medical services, and quality-of-life programs for service members and families. Its location in North Texas also makes it a unique duty station, with quick access to Wichita Falls, nearby small towns, and larger cities like Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City within driving distance.

If you are PCSing, be ready for a practical North Texas assignment with a strong training mission, a close military community, and plenty of resources at the Sheppard AFB Welcome Center to help you settle in. You will want to prepare for hot summers, changing weather, and the usual PCS checklist: housing, schools, base access, medical care, employment, and temporary lodging. Continue reading for our guide to Sheppard AFB and what you can expect as you prepare to make Wichita Falls your new home.

The Sheppard AFB Main Gate is on Sheppard Access Road, right off TX-240/Burkburnett Road, on the southwest side of the base. It’s the 24-hour gate, and Google maps has it labeled as “

You will want to visit the Sheppard AFB Welcome Center, whether this is your next duty station, training stop, or weekend visit: a little arrival intel goes a long way.

Average Drive Times to Base Gates From Popular Cities

Take I-35E North toward Denton, then connect to US-287 North toward Wichita Falls. As you get close to Wichita Falls, follow signs toward Sheppard AFB / TX-240 / Burkburnett Road and use GPS for “

Take US-287 North straight toward Wichita Falls. Once you reach the Wichita Falls area, follow signs for Sheppard AFB and enter through the 

 off TX-240/Burkburnett Road and Sheppard Access Road.

Take I-44 West/Southwest toward Lawton and Wichita Falls. Continue across the Texas state line, then take the Sheppard AFB/Missile Road area exit and follow local signs to the 

 or the Missile Road Gate is located directly next to the 

Need Base Access? Here's What You Need To Do:

Visitors age 16 and older who do not have a DoD-issued photo ID must be sponsored by an eligible DoD ID card holder to receive a visitor pass at the Sheppard AFB Welcome Center. During business hours, visitor passes are processed at the Visitor Control Center on a walk-in basis. Passes may be issued for up to 30 days at the 

Visitors should bring a valid, unexpired, 

 driver’s license or state-issued photo ID. First-time registration may also require a Social Security card. If your ID is not REAL ID compliant, you may need supporting documents such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. All visitors are subject to a background check before being granted unescorted access.

Non-U.S. citizens must have a valid reason for entry, a valid passport and visa, and must complete additional screening, including criminal history and AFOSI background checks. Foreign visitor requests require at least 14 business days for processing and generally cannot be sponsored directly by a U.S. citizen or DoD cardholder, except in limited circumstances. For foreign visitor pass questions, contact your DoD sponsor, organization, or the Visitor Control Center at (940) 676-2066 or (940) 676-7441.

To access the installation you are required to present one of the following:

DoD ID card holders may enter with their valid DoD-issued identification.

Visitors age 16 and older who do not have a DoD ID will need a visitor pass sponsored by an eligible DoD credential holder.

Bring a valid, unexpired photo ID, such as a state-issued driver’s license or state ID card.

Your driver’s license or state ID should be REAL ID compliant.

If your ID is not REAL ID compliant, bring supporting documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card, along with your state-issued photo ID.

First-time visitor registration may require a Social Security card, so bring it with you if you are requesting base access for the first time.

Non-U.S. citizens must bring a valid passport and visa, have a valid reason for entry, and complete additional screening before receiving a visitor pass.

All visitors should be prepared for a background check before being granted unescorted access.

Sheppard AFB Welcome Center keeps base access fairly simple: the Main Gate is your go-to 24/7 entrance, the Missile Road Gate handles weekday traffic and visitor access, and the Hospital Gate is currently closed.

The Sheppard AFB Main Gate is on Sheppard Access Road, right off TX-240/Burkburnett Road, on the southwest side of the base. It’s the 24-hour gate and Google maps has it labeled as “

The Missile Road Gate is located directly next to the 

at 210 Missile Road, Sheppard AFB, TX 76311. This gate can only be accessed Monday-Friday 0600-1730.

When arriving at the Sheppard AFB Welcome Center, your first step is to follow your unit’s reporting instructions and check in with your sponsor, CSS, or gaining unit. If you arrive after duty hours or on a weekend, 

 to report to the 24-hour arrival point at the 

 and then report to their unit’s UPC/CSS the next duty day. Temporary lodging is available through the Sheppard Inn, and PCS families are encouraged to make reservations early.

Newly assigned military members are also required to attend Sheppard Right Start, the installation’s mandatory newcomer orientation. Right Start is normally scheduled through your unit CSS and gives newcomers information about base services, local resources, safety, housing, medical care, and support programs. Spouses are welcome and encouraged to attend. Be sure to hand-carry important documents such as orders, IDs, medical records, school records, housing paperwork, and travel receipts so you have what you need during in-processing.

Once you’re through the Sheppard AFB Welcome Center, here are a few base amenities and facilities worth knowing.

, also known as the Sheppard Clinic, provides on-base medical care for eligible beneficiaries. Services include primary care, pediatrics, pharmacy, lab and X-ray, dental, optometry, mental health, immunizations, women’s health, and other support services. The clinic does not have an emergency room or urgent care, so emergencies should go through 911 or the nearest emergency room.

 527 Tuskegee Airmen Ave., Building 500 Sheppard AFB, TX 76311

 helps service members get a head start on housing before a PCS. Through HEAT, you can connect with the housing office at your next duty station, ask questions, and request assistance before you arrive.

 310 H Avenue, Bldg 373 Sheppard AFB, TX 76311 

Need a new military ID, dependent ID, or help updating your DEERS information? The 

 office is the place to handle ID cards, enrollment updates, and other must-do admin tasks that keep military life moving.

426 Tuskegee Airmen Ave, Bldg 402, Room 101 Sheppard AFB, TX

 have a way of showing up right when military life gets busy. 

The Sheppard AFB Financial Services Office

 can help with pay, travel vouchers, allowances, and other finance-related questions that come with PCS moves, TDYs, and everyday service life.

426 5th Ave bldg 402, Sheppard AFB, TX 76311

Legal questions can pop up at the most inconvenient times, especially during a PCS, deployment, or major life change. 

 can assist eligible members with services such as powers of attorney, notary services, wills, and general legal assistance.

Whether you’re stocking up after a PCS, grabbing weeknight dinner supplies, or just trying to avoid another takeout run, the 

 is a helpful stop for everyday grocery needs. Eligible shoppers can find food, household staples, and military-friendly savings right on base.

130 Community Center Dr, Sheppard AFB, TX 76311

Need to grab groceries, fuel up, replace a uniform item, or make a quick “how did we forget that?” stop? 

 area is a convenient on-base stop for everyday essentials, quick meals, caffeine runs, and errands. With options like Starbucks, Popeyes, GameStop, and Panda Express, it is an easy place to grab coffee, pick up a meal, browse, or make a quick “how did we forget that?” stop.

Dorothy Vetterl

Contributing Writer

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Welcome to Sheppard AFB! Your Guide to Base Access, Amenities, and More

Welcome to Sheppard AFB! Your Guide to Base Access, Amenities, and More

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