JBSA - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE
History
Randolph Air Force Base, in San Antonio’s northeast quadrant just to the southeast of Universal City, houses several headquarters, including the 12th Flying Training Wing, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Personnel Center and Air Force Recruiting Service. It is also home to the 502nd Security Forces and Logistics Support Group. For a full list of mission partners at JBSA, visit www.jbsa.mil/Mission-Partners.
JBSA-Randolph is known as the “Showplace of the Air Force” because of the consistent Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style in which all structures, including hangars, were built. With its distinctive architecture, the wing’s headquarters has come to be known throughout the Air Force as “the Taj Mahal” or simply “The Taj.”
Construction of Randolph AFB began in November 1927. Randolph Field, a historic district located within Randolph AFB, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2001. Today, JBSA-Randolph trains pilots on the T-6A Texan II, T-38C Talon and T-1A Jayhawk.
HISTORY
The need for an additional aviation training field became evident soon after 1926’s congressional passage of the Air Corps Act, which changed the name of the Army Air Service to the Army Air Corps. Gen. Frank P. Lahm, placed in charge of all aviation training, set up an Air Corps Training Center with headquarters at Duncan Field, next to Kelly Field in San Antonio, but soon realized that even those two fields could not handle the increasing demands. In 1927, the city of San Antonio bought a 2,300-acre tract preferred by Lahm and gave it to the Air Corps. Randolph’s construction began there, and the facility was dedicated on June 20, 1930, as a flying training base. It continues this mission today.
The field bears the name of Capt. William M. Randolph, adjutant of Kelly Field’s Advanced Flying School and a member of the naming committee for its new sister operation, though he did not survive to see its completion. He died in the takeoff crash of his AT-4 at Gorman Field, Texas, on a return flight to Kelly. In his memory, the other committee members gave his name to the new field, which was dedicated as Randolph Field on June 20, 1930. The Air Corps Training Center moved its headquarters from Duncan Field to Randolph on Oct. 1, 1931, and began a training regime so exacting that it became known as the “West Point of the Air.” After the Air Force became a separate service Sept. 18, 1947, Randolph Field was officially renamed Randolph Air Force Base on Jan. 14, 1948.
In 2001, Randolph Field was named a National Historic Landmark and makes up a historic district within JBSA-Randolph.
In 2010, under orders from the Base Closure and Realignment Commission, installation support functions at Fort Sam Houston, Randolph AFB and Lackland AFB were combined under a single organization to form Joint Base San Antonio, the largest joint base in the Department of Defense.
Organizations
502ND SECURITY FORCES AND LOGISTICS SUPPORT GROUP
The 502nd Security Forces and Logistics Support Group, under the 502nd Air Base Wing, is composed of one logistics readiness squadron, three security forces squadrons and a trainer development squadron. With 1,700 members, the group supports more than 145,000 active-duty, civilian and retired personnel at 11 JBSA locations. The group also provides full-size mockup trainers for organizations across the DOD and worldwide for enhanced combat readiness.
12TH FLYING TRAINING WING
The 12th Flying Training Wing is the “Source of America’s Airpower.” The wing is responsible for training combat systems officers, pilot instructors, remotely piloted aircraft pilots and basic sensor operators. The wing also manages all airmanship programs for the U.S. Air Force Academy and is the single screening point for potential aviators. The wing graduates more than 850 instructor pilots, 350 combat systems officers, and 500 remotely piloted aircraft pilots and sensor operators annually. The wing also trains more than 2,000 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets and 2,200 undergraduate flight training candidates.
The wing consists of three flying groups: the 12th Operations Group at JBSA-Randolph, the 306th Flying Training Group at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, and the 479th Flying Training Group at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, as well as a maintenance group, which operates at JBSA-Randolph and NAS Pensacola.
AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND
Air Education and Training Command was established and activated in January 1942, making it the second oldest major command in the Air Force. AETC includes the Air Force Recruiting Service, two numbered air forces and the Air University. The command operates 12 major installations and supports tenant units on numerous bases across the globe. There are also 16 active-duty and seven reserve wings.
AETC’s training mission makes it the first command to touch the lives of nearly every Air Force member. Over the years, more than 25 million students have graduated from AETC training and education programs.
AIR FORCE PERSONNEL CENTER
The Air Force Personnel Center ensures commanders around the world are provided with skilled airmen to conduct Air Force and joint missions. The center is responsible for managing personnel programs and carrying out policies affecting Air Force active-duty and civilian members. The center’s programs cover the entire life cycle of military and civilian personnel for the Air Force, from accession through retirement, including readiness, growth, development and deployment.
AIR FORCE RECRUITING SERVICE
The Air Force Recruiting Service recruits the best candidates possible for enlisted career opportunities as well as officer candidates, chaplains and medical professionals. AFRS, headquartered at JBSA-Randolph, is composed of three groups: the 360th Recruiting Group at New Cumberland, Pennsylvania; the 369th Recruiting Group at JBSA-Lackland; and the 372nd Recruiting Group at Hill AFB, Utah.
Arrival
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From San Antonio International Airport
Take Loop 410 east to Interstate 35 north (toward Austin). Exit Pat Booker Road, which runs directly to the front gate of Randolph.
CHECK-IN PROCEDURES
Once you arrive at Randolph AFB, report to your commander support staff with your sealed records. Upon signing in with your unit, you will be scheduled for required inprocessing appointments.
If you or a family member needs a CAC or ID card, that will be handled through the military personnel flight. Military members can and are encouraged to make appointments for ID cards.
If you arrive to JBSA-Randolph after 4:30 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, go to Randolph’s 24-hour arrival point, the Randolph lodging office, in Building 112. Report to your commander support staff the next duty day.
TEMPORARY LODGING
Randolph Inn
Building 112, 415 B St. E............................................210-652-1844
http://af.dodlodging.net/propertys/JBSA---Randolph-AFB
The Randolph Inn provides safe, comfortable and clean accommodations for incoming personnel and their families who are being assigned to JBSA-Randolph. Amenities include cable TV, coffee makers, microwaves and refrigerators. Pet-friendly units are available. For current rates and booking information, visit the DOD dodging website.
Getting Settled
HEALTH CARE
359th Medical Group
221 Third St. W............................................210-652-6403
Appointments...............................................210-916-9900
www.59mdw.af.mil/Units/359th-Medical-Group
The 359th Medical Group provides comprehensive medical and dental care, physiological training, health promotion and occupational public health support to JBSA-Randolph units and a beneficiary population of nearly 24,000. The group is part of the 59th Medical Wing headquartered at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center on JBSA-Lackland. The 359th Medical Group’s staff of 370 personnel provides care in eight facilities, including the JBSA-Randolph Clinic.
HOUSING
Housing Management Office
610 Harmon Drive.....................................210-652-1840
www.housing.af.mil/Units/Joint-Base-San-Antonio
The Randolph Housing Management Office is ready to help you transition to your new home and community. Use its resources to become familiar with available housing options and support services. When you arrive at Randolph, visit the office for valuable information, counseling and guidance before signing any lease or sales contract for housing.
Unaccompanied Housing
525 C St. E..............................................210-652-3600
www.housing.af.mil/Units/Joint-Base-San-Antonio
Unaccompanied housing is provided for unaccompanied airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-3 and E-4 with less than three years of service. Each service member is provided a private sleeping room, furnishings, bed linens and supplies required for comfortable living. Room arrangements may vary depending on location. Unaccompanied members in the rank of E-4 with more than three years of service will move into housing in the local community.
Permanent-party unaccompanied housing consists of 84 private bedrooms with 230 square feet of living space. Amenities include a theater room, a game room, recreational sports rooms, two common area kitchens, three laundry rooms, four barbecue pits and a pavilion. There are another 50 rooms in Building 861 (the technical training dorm) that are permanently assigned for JBSA-Randolph personnel. These rooms are a 1 1 configuration with 145 square feet of living space. Amenities include a common area kitchenette, a day room, an entertainment room and a laundry room.
No pets or smoking are allowed in the dormitory rooms.
Randolph Family Housing
205 New B St. E.......................................888-310-6942
Hunt Companies owns the family housing and maintains, repairs and manages the Randolph family housing community. Military personnel can opt to live in privatized housing by signing a tenant lease with Hunt, though they may also rent or purchase housing in the local community. There are no application or deposit fees and an on-site maintenance team is available around the clock to resolve problems.
The Hunt Military Community is comparable to housing off base but offers many amenities and support services, such as community events that provide residents of all ages with free, fun and educational events and activities. Community features include a community center, a fitness center, a pool and playgrounds.
Those who choose to live in the community will sign a tenant lease agreement, typically for a one-year term, that includes a military clause and a lease termination clause. You pay your monthly rent by authorizing an allotment of your BAH to pay the housing office. If you move before the allotment start date, you will pay a prorated amount directly to the office. The tenant lease agreement will spell out the rent payment terms and conditions.
Post Office
355 B St. W, Suite 3.......................................210-652-2606
The full-service post office on base provides window service weekdays, and the lockbox lobby is open 24/7.
If you need a forwarding address for your mail, you may use the Postal Service Center. Your sponsor may deliver or you may fax a copy of your PCS or TDY orders to 210-652-5429. You must follow up with a phone call at 210-652-3569. Then, you may forward your mail to:
Your Name
1985 First St. W, No. 2000
JBSA-Randolph, TX 78150
Upon your arrival, you may pick up your mail at the Postal Service Center in Building 860. If you have questions, call 210-652-3569.
RELIGIOUS GUIDANCE
After-hours Emergency Pastoral Needs
JBSA Command Post........................................210-221-9363
Chapel 1
Building 102, 2 Washington Circle
.....................................................................210-652-6121
Religious Activity Center
Building 975, on H Street behind AETC Headquarters
www.jbsa.mil/Resources/Chaplain-Services/JBSA-Randolph-Chaplain
The JBSA-Randolph chapel and Religious Activity Center offer religious education and various types of counseling and seminars covering premarital, marital, religious, stress, grief and loss issues. All counseling sessions are covered by privileged communication.
Serving You
DINING
Air City Bar & Grill (Parr Club)
Building 500............................................210-652-4864/658-7445
Gil’s Pub (Kendrick Club)
Building 1039........................................................210-652-3056
Mulligan’s Grill (Golf Course)
Building 1300........................................................210-652-4653
Sparetime Grill (Bowling Center)
Building 870..........................................................210-652-6271
Wingman Cafe
Building 860..........................................................210-652-5533
For hours, menus and special event information, visit https://jbsatoday.com/Dining Facilities and www.jbsa.mil/Resources/DiningFacility.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Broadway Bank
629 Third St. W....................................................210-283-6500
Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union
Building 290, 701 Harmon Drive
.........................................................................210-945-3300
RECREATION
For information about the recreational programs at JBSA-Randolph, visit the 502nd Force Support Squadron at https://jbsatoday.com.
Aquatics
Center Pool
Building 502........................................................210-652-2060
South Pool
Building 980........................................................210-652-2053
https://jbsatoday.com/RND-Aquatic-Centers
JBSA-Randolph features two outdoor swimming pools with recreational swim, instructional lessons and lap swim. The pools can also be reserved for parties.
Bowling Center
Building 870........................................................210-652-6271
https://jbsatoday.com/RND-Bowling-Center
The bowling center offers traditional, league and cosmic bowling on 24 lanes. The center has a pro shop and snack bar as well.
Community Services Mall
Building 895.........................................................210-652-5142
https://jbsatoday.com/RND-Community-Services-Mall
The Community Services Mall is where patrons can check out rental equipment, make reservations for Eberle Park, fill out paperwork for the car resale lot or reserve a spot at the RV storage lot. The mall is also home to the frame shop and the ITT office.
Fitness Center
Building 999.........................................................210-652-7263
https://jbsatoday.com/RND-Rambler-Fitness-Center
In addition to circuit training, cardio and weight equipment, the Rambler Fitness Center has sports programs, fitness classes and specialty services to help members maintain good physical fitness and lifestyles. The center also features basketball, racquetball and tennis courts, sports fields, indoor and outdoor running tracks, exercise rooms, intramural sports, dry saunas, massage therapy and aqua massage beds, and a juice bar.
Framing Shop
Building 895.........................................................210-652-5142
https://jbsatoday.com/RND-Framing
The framing shop crafts custom frames, retirement boxes and more.
Information, Tickets and Travel
Building 895..........................................................210-652-5142
ITT offers discounted tickets for admission to local sporting events, shows and attractions like SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The office also has discounted tickets for popular national attractions like Disney and Universal Studios.
Golf Course
Building 1300.......................................................210-652-4653
https://jbsatoday.com/RND-Randolph-Oaks-Golf-Course
Randolph Oaks Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course with a lighted driving range and putting green for practice. Gear up at the pro shop, or grab a bite and a beverage at Mulligan’s Grill. The golf course is open to the public.
SHOPPING
Exchange
Building 1068, 630 Third St. W................................210-658-7471
Food Court
Charleys Philly Steaks.............................................210-566-8169
Popeyes................................................................210-566-8169
Starbucks..............................................................210-566-8040
Subway................................................................210-566-8169
Services
Barbershop...........................................................210-659-1595
Beauty Salon........................................................210-566-1182
GNC....................................................................210-566-4366
Mil Memorabilia.....................................................210-566-3688
Military Clothing....................................210-652-5643/2663/2840
Mobile Center........................................................210-566-6561
Nail Spot..............................................................210-566-1985
Optical Center.......................................................210-659-7322
UPS Store.............................................................210-658-5400
Air Force Personnel Center
Building 499
Einstein Bros. Bagels..............................................210-566-3267
Taqueria La Pasadita (food truck)...................................no phone
Building 1038
Burger King..........................................................210-659-8729
Express with Class Six...................................210-566-6872/6881
Home and Garden.................................................210-566-6881
Building 1070
Firestone Auto Care..............................................210-659-6955
Gas Kiosk............................................................210-658-1859
Other Facilities
Java Nook, Building 1040.............................................no phone
Laundry and Dry Cleaners, Building 1071
.........................................................................210-659-0212
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