SHEPPARD AFB
AIR FORCE
Wichita Falls, TX
United States
SHEPPARD AFB
AIR FORCE
Wichita Falls, TX
United States
Sheppard AFB
Base Essentials
Home of Air Force technical training for aircraft maintenance and allied pilot instruction in Wichita Falls, TX — a major training hub with Texas's low cost of living and a close community along the Red River.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AETC
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
6,100
Active Duty
5,000
Civilian
2,000
Population
150,000
Economic Impact
$1.2 billion
Sheppard AFB History
Named AfterU.S. Senator Morris Edward Sheppard
Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, was established in 1941 and is one of the Air Force's largest technical training bases. It is home to the 80th Flying Training Wing, which conducts the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program — the only NATO pilot training program in the world — using the T-6A Texan II and T-38C Talon. Sheppard also trains aircraft maintainers and other technical specialties. The base produces pilots and technicians for both the U.S. Air Force and allied nations.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
80th Flying Training Wing (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training)
—
—
82nd Training Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Established as Sheppard Field
1981
Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Established
—
View Key Moments
(2)
1941
Established as Sheppard Field
Sheppard Field was established in 1941 as a basic training and technical school installation near Wichita Falls, Texas, named for Senator Morris E. Sheppard, a long-serving Texas senator and champion of military aviation funding who died months before the base opened.
1981
Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Established
The Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program was established at Sheppard in 1981 as the only NATO-run pilot training program in the world. Pilots from over a dozen NATO nations train alongside U.S. Air Force student pilots on T-6 and T-38 aircraft.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Sheppard AFB.
Sheppard AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Sheppard AFB.
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 Sheppard AFB.
Information
25 of the Best Sheppard AFB Restaurants
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Information
Sheppard Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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17 of the Best Sheppard AFB Things to Do
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Information
Sheppard AFB Housing: 3 On-Base Options
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Military News
Malmstrom AFB PCB Levels Raise Cancer Risk for Missileers
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Sheppard AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
82nd Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Sheppard AFB report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours. The CSS schedules all mandatory in-processing appointments, including the mandatory Newcomer's Right Start Orientation. After-hours arrivals report to the Flyer Inn lodging facility, the 24/7 arrival point.
The mandatory Newcomer's Orientation covers Sheppard's technical training mission (the 82nd Training Wing and the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program), base services, and Wichita Falls community resources. Sheppard serves as one of the largest technical training installations in AETC, with a large and diverse student population in addition to permanent party.
Sheppard AFB is located in Wichita Falls, Texas — close to the Oklahoma border. The area offers a very low cost of living and a welcoming military community. The A&FRC at (940) 676-5486 provides relocation assistance and Wichita Falls area orientation resources.
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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 Sheppard AFB.
On-post family housing at Sheppard AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post neighborhoods offer 2–4 bedroom homes; many families choose off-post housing in Wichita Falls given the city's proximity and range of options. Sheppard's location on the city's north side means the installation is well-integrated with the community. Sheppard AFB is located a…
Local Market
$1,050/mo
rent
/
$180,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Sheppard AFB
80
20% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Sheppard AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
2
High Schools
View schools
6
Other Schools
View schools
1
Pre-K Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Sheppard AFB is a major technical training base in Wichita Falls, TX — a city of ~100,000. Most families live in Wichita Falls, very close to the base. The base dominates local culture; COL is extremely low by national standards.
Northside / Weeks Park Area
Suburban
The most popular zone for Sheppard families — neighborhoods north of the base along McNiel Ave and in the Weeks Park area are established, affordable, and well-positioned for the main gate. Good school options and very short commutes.
Commute: 5–10 min
Schools: Wichita Falls ISD
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Pet owners
Very short commute, extremely affordable Texas prices, established neighborhoods
Southwest Wichita Falls
Suburban
Newer construction and higher-rated school zones are found in the southwest part of the city. Slightly longer commute but better resale value and newer neighborhoods like Lakeside City and surrounding areas.
Commute: 15–20 min
Schools: Wichita Falls ISD
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
Newer homes, better school zones, good parks and recreation
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Sheppard AFB.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Texas has no state income tax. All military pay, special pays, and retirement income are fully exempt. Texas is one of t…
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.
Pet Policies at Sheppard AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Sheppard AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Sheppard AFB.
Commissary
1
Sheppard AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
2
Health Care Overview — Medical Center
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sheppard AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main 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.
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02
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.
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03
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 Sheppard AFB.
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04
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.
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05
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 Sheppard AFB.
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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.