FORT SAM HOUSTON
ARMY
San Antonio, TX
United States
FORT SAM HOUSTON
ARMY
San Antonio, TX
United States
Fort Sam Houston
Base Essentials
'The Home of Army Medicine' on JBSA in 'Military City USA' — site of the Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) graduating 16,500+ medical professionals yearly. A historic Texas post since 1876 with deep military roots and southern climate.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
MEDCOM
Status
Active
Est.
1876
Acres
2,808
Active Duty
12,000
Civilian
10,000
Population
2,550,000
Economic Impact
—
Fort Sam Houston History
Named AfterGeneral Sam Houston (also President of the Republic of Texas)
Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, was established in 1876 and has deep ties to Army medicine. It is home to the Army Medical Center of Excellence, Brooke Army Medical Center, and the headquarters of Army Futures Command. The installation is part of Joint Base San Antonio, the Department of Defense's largest joint base. Fort Sam Houston trains the majority of the military's combat medics and medical professionals and houses the Army's military medical command structure. Its central Texas location and deep medical infrastructure make it essential to the military health system.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Army Futures Command (HQ)
—
—
Army Medical Center of Excellence
—
—
Southern Medical Command
—
—
Historic Timeline
1876
Fort Sam Houston Established in San Antonio
1898
Rough Riders Organized Here
1910
First Military Aircraft Flights in Texas
1917
WWI Medical Training Hub
1946
Brooke Army Medical Center Established
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1876
Fort Sam Houston Established in San Antonio
The U.S. Army completed the Quadrangle post in San Antonio, Texas — the nucleus of what would become Fort Sam Houston, named for the first President of the Republic of Texas and hero of the Mexican-American War. The fort consolidated Army presence previously scattered across multiple small Texas posts.
1898
Rough Riders Organized Here
Future President Theodore Roosevelt organized and trained his volunteer cavalry regiment — the "Rough Riders" — at Fort Sam Houston before their departure for Cuba during the Spanish-American War. The fort served as the primary mobilization center for U.S. forces deploying to the Caribbean theater.
1910
First Military Aircraft Flights in Texas
Lt. Benjamin Foulois of the Army Signal Corps conducted the first U.S. military aircraft flights in Texas at Fort Sam Houston, teaching himself to fly via correspondence with the Wright Brothers. These flights pioneered the use of aircraft for military reconnaissance and marked the beginning of Army aviation in the Southwest.
1917
WWI Medical Training Hub
Fort Sam Houston became the primary center for medical officer and enlisted training during World War I, establishing the installation's enduring identity as the home of Army medicine. The post trained tens of thousands of medical personnel who served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France.
1946
Brooke Army Medical Center Established
Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) was formally established at Fort Sam Houston as the Army's premier medical treatment and research facility. BAMC grew into the Department of Defense's only Level I Trauma Center and the home of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research — the world leader in burn care.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Sam Houston.
Fort Sam Houston Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Sam Houston.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Fort Sam Houston.
Information
Fort Sam Houston (JBSA): In-Depth Welcome Center
Read
Recreation
5 Fun Things to Do Near Fort Sam Houston
Read
Entertainment
Hidden Gems: The Best Restaurants Near Fort Sam Houston
Read
Housing
Your Ultimate Guide to Fort Sam Houston Housing
Read
Military News
Malmstrom AFB PCB Levels Raise Cancer Risk for Missileers
Read
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Sam Houston.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) — JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
Phone
(210) 221-2705Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (closed 1st & 3rd Thursday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
In-Processing
Army personnel PCSing to Fort Sam Houston report first to their gaining unit's orderly room (enlisted) or headquarters register (officers) to sign in. Permanent party Soldiers then receive an in-processing appointment at the Military Personnel Division (MPD), Building 2263, Room 312, Stanley Road. Report at 0715 on your scheduled day with PCS orders, DA-31 (signed leave form), assignment memorandum, personnel records (201 file), health and dental records, education transcripts, and pay documents. Contact MPD at (210) 221-9274.
Installation in-processing is conducted Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Building 2263, with out-processing on Tuesday and Thursday. Soldiers typically complete the in-processing checklist over 5 duty days, rotating through Finance, Housing, Security, Vehicle Registration, and Transportation — all co-located in Building 2263. The mandatory Newcomers Orientation briefing is held every other Wednesday (weekly during peak PCS season) at the Gateway Club, 0800–1230.
Enroll at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) for TRICARE Prime and request a Primary Care Manager — call TriWest at 1-888-TRIWEST or visit milConnect. The DEERS/ID Card office is at Building 4023, 2410 Jessup Road. The M&FRC Relocation Readiness Program at Building 2797 ((210) 221-2705) offers PCS planning consultations, a Lending Locker with free household item loans for up to 30 days, school liaison services, and financial readiness classes.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Fort Sam Houston.
TX285
MHA
On-post housing at Joint Base San Antonio — Fort Sam Houston is managed by Lendlease, which operates family communities on the historic post in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, with 2- to 4-bedroom homes near JBSA's extensive amenities including Brooke Army Medical Center, schools, and recreational facilities. Lendlease provides 24/7 maintenance support and an onlin…
Local Market
2026 BAH Calculator
Loading calculator...
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around Fort Sam Houston
88
12% Below National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
Open Calculator
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Sam Houston.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
1
Elementary Schools
View schools
2
High Schools
View schools
3
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
1
Combined Schools
View schools
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
San Antonio, Texas is a beautiful and unique city full of many fun things to do and experience. As the seventh most populated city in the United States, there are plenty of activities and places to visit that pay tribute to the city's rich history. If you’re stationed at JB San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, and are looking for ways to relax, we’ve got you covered. There are several things to do near Fort Sam Houston no matter your interest. Check them out below.
5 Things to Do In San Antonio Near Fort Sam Houston
1. San Antonio Botanical Garden
Looking for a fun weekend activity where you can get away and observe the beauty of nature? Well, look no further than the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The garden is over 38 acres, and serves as a living museum of native and imported plants.
Every month, the garden hosts various events including private tours, movie viewings, and gardening events for all visitors to enjoy.
Address: 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209
Hours: 8:00am - 6:00pm
2. Splashtown Waterpark
For families, weekends are a time to come together, make memories, relax, and have fun. During the summer, the heat can be brutal, putting a limit on the number of activities that families can enjoy.
However, the Splashtown Waterpark is a fun way to cool off, and lessen the effects of the summer heat. The waterpark has 20 acres worth of slides, attractions, restaurants, and shops, which makes it the perfect all-day adventure destination.
Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time during the hot summer months, especially if you plan on going during the weekend.
Address: 3600 N Panam Expy, San Antonio, TX 78219
Hours: 10:30am- 6:00pm
3. Witte Museum
Ranked as the top museum in San Antonio, the Witte Museum is perfect for science and nature enthusiasts. The museum is dedicated to telling the history of Texas, showcasing historic artifacts, pictures, textiles, drawings, and artwork that represents the history of the state of Texas.
The museum has massive exhibits dedicated to dinosaurs, the People of Pecos and Texas Wild, and regularly has rotating exhibits that are related to history, storytelling, and group-friendly fun.
The Witte Museum is also known for being extremely interactive, so it makes a great afternoon for families with little ones.
Address: 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm
4. The Alamo
The Alamo is one of the most visited landmarks in Texas, and is often referred to as the pride of San Antonio. The grounds of the Alamo include the Alamo church, the long barrack, exhibits, and a living history encampment that allows visitors to take a step back in time.
Additionally, visitors can watch the short film, Crossroads of History, that covers over 300 years of history. The Alamo is most certainly one of the best things to do in the Fort Sam Houston area.
Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: 9:00am - 5:30pm
5. Japanese Tea Gardens
Referred to as one of the historical jewels of San Antonio, the Japanese Tea Gardens is a picturesque location perfect for taking in the beauty of nature, or for hosting specialty photoshoots.
The gardens are free for visitors, and are home to a variety of plants, flowers, a koi pond, and a waterfall. The garden has been a favorite of tourists and locals for over 100 years, and has even become known as one of the most photographed places in San Antonio.
Thus, this is one of the Fort Sam Houston activities that you’ll want to make sure you visit with your children, friends, or family at least once in your life.
Address: 3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
Hours: 7:00am - 5:00pm
The Things to Do Near Fort Sam Houston Are Endless
We’ve highlighted just a few of the many excellent activities and things to do in San Antonio near Fort Sam Houston. However, there are many more activities out there for service members and their families to enjoy.
Being stationed near JB San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston means that you get to experience the best the city has to offer in terms of activities, food, and culture. Looking for more fun things to do? Be sure to check out our restaurant list breaking down the best culinary experiences.
Suggested reads:
Stone Oak
Suburban
Commute: 20 min
Schools: North East ISD
North San Antonio; newer construction; excellent NEISD schools; popular with O-4+ and senior NCOs; strong appreciation
Alamo Heights / Terrell Hills
Urban
Commute: 10 min
Schools: Alamo Heights ISD
Historic inner-loop community; closest quality off-post neighborhood; walkable; Alamo Heights ISD highly rated; expensive but strong equity
Universal City / Schertz
Suburban
Commute: 15 min
Schools: Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (SCUCISD)
Military-heavy northeast suburbs; affordable; newer construction in Cibolo and Schertz; popular with junior enlisted and NCO families
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Sam Houston.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Spouse Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax. Most popular military domicile state.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military may keep home-state plates.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may receive property tax exemption up to $12,000; 100% disabled fully exempt.
Latest Videos from MyBaseGuide
View all
Pet Policies at Fort Sam Houston
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Sam Houston.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Fort Sam Houston Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(210) 295-4265Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Restricted Breeds
5
Prohibited Animals
—
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
Coming soon
Coming soon
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Fort Sam Houston.
Commissary
1
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Commissary
Exchange
PX
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
Brooke Army Medical Center — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
Coming soon
MWR & Recreation
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Sam Houston.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Walters Gate is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
Read answer
02
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Fort Sam Houston has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
Read answer
03
What school district serves the base?
Fort Sam Houston Independent School District (rated A (TEA)) serves most military families at Fort Sam Houston. Visit fshisd.net for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
Read answer
04
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
Read answer
05
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Fort Sam Houston.
Read answer
06
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
Read answer
07
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Fort Sam Houston.
Read answer
Question
More ARMY Installations
Explore other ARMY bases and installations.
Aberdeen Proving Ground
Aberdeen, MD
Anniston Army Depot
Anniston, AL
Brooke Army Medical Center
San Antonio, TX
Camp Humphreys
Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi
Carlisle Barracks
Carlisle, PA
Detroit Arsenal
Warren, MI
Fort Barfoot
Blackstone, VA
Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir, VA
Fort Benning
Columbus, GA
Fort Bliss
El Paso, TX
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg, NC
Fort Buchanan
Guaynabo, PR
Fort Campbell
Fort Campbell, KY
Fort Carson
Colorado Springs, CO
Fort Detrick
Frederick, MD
Fort Devens
Devens, MA
Fort Drum
Watertown, NY
Fort Gordon
Augusta, GA
Fort Greely
Delta Junction, AK
Fort Hamilton
Brooklyn, NY
Fort Hood
Killeen, TX
Fort Huachuca
Sierra Vista, AZ
Fort Indiantown Gap
Annville, PA
Fort Irwin
Fort Irwin, CA
Fort Jackson
Columbia, SC
Fort Knox
Fort Knox, KY
Fort Leavenworth
Leavenworth, KS
Fort Lee
Prince George, VA
Fort Leonard Wood
Waynesville, MO
Fort McCoy
Fort McCoy, WI
Fort McPherson
Atlanta, GA
Fort Meade
Fort Meade, MD
Fort Polk
Leesville, LA
Fort Riley
Junction City, KS
Fort Rucker
Ozark, AL
Fort Shafter
Honolulu, HI
Fort Sill
Lawton, OK
Fort Stewart
Hinesville, GA
Fort Wainwright
Fairbanks, AK
Hawaii – Army
Honolulu, HI
Natick Soldier Systems Center
Natick, MA
Pentagon
Arlington, VA
Picatinny Arsenal
Wharton, NJ
Presidio of Monterey
Monterey, CA
Redstone Arsenal
Huntsville, AL
Reynolds Army Health Clinic
Fort Sill, OK
Rock Island Arsenal
Rock Island, IL
Schofield Barracks/Wheeler Army Airfield
Wahiawa, HI
TRIPLER Army Community Hospital
Honolulu, HI
Tobyhanna Army Depot
Tobyhanna, PA
USAG Miami
Doral, FL
Walter Reed National Medical Center
Bethesda, MD
West Point
West Point, NY
White Sands Missile Range
White Sands, NM
Yuma Proving Ground
Yuma, AZ
Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.