TL;DR: Texas is home to 15 active-duty military installations and more than 118,000 service members, making it the third-largest military state in the country. This guide covers every major base by region, plus housing tips, state benefits, and PCS resources to help your family settle in faster.
If your next set of orders is bringing you to the Lone Star State, you’re heading to one of the most military-friendly places in America. Since the days of frontier forts that protected settlers heading west, Texas has played a central role in national defense. Today, the state’s 15 active-duty bases generate more than $89 billion in economic impact. In total, they support over 213,000 direct jobs.
So what makes Texas stand out for military families? For starters, there’s no state income tax. On top of that, affordable housing stretches your BAH further than most duty stations. Communities here genuinely understand military life, too. San Antonio didn’t earn the title “Military City, USA” by accident. That same spirit runs through cities like Killeen, El Paso, and Wichita Falls.
Whether you’re headed to Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Hood in Central Texas, or Fort Bliss near the border, this guide walks you through what to expect at every installation, region by region, so you can start planning your move with confidence.
Have orders to PCS to one of the military bases in Texas? Need help exploring housing, neighborhoods, or schools? For custom one-on-one support, start your PCS Plan here.
Texas military presence at a glance
Texas ranks third nationally for active-duty personnel, behind only California and Virginia. Here’s what that looks like:
- Active-duty personnel: approximately 118,000
- Active-duty installations: 15
- Army personnel in Texas: approximately 65,400 (most of any state)
- Annual economic impact: $89 billion+ (Texas Comptroller, 2023)
- Direct jobs supported: 213,000+
- Branches represented: Army, Air Force, Navy (Marines and Coast Guard maintain units at joint installations but don’t operate standalone bases)
Geographically, the military’s footprint spans from El Paso in the west to Texarkana in the east. Major concentrations are around San Antonio, the Killeen–Temple corridor, and the Gulf Coast. As a result, your experience will vary significantly depending on your installation. For example, a PCS to San Antonio feels very different from one to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls. This guide helps you understand those differences before you arrive.
San Antonio: Military City, USA
San Antonio is the beating heart of the Texas military community. It’s home to Joint Base San Antonio, which consolidates three major installations under a single command structure. Because of that concentration, tens of thousands of service members and their families live in and around the city. Consequently, the military presence shapes everything from the local economy to school programs to restaurant menus (you’ll see military discounts everywhere).
Joint Base San Antonio overview
JBSA is the largest joint base in the Department of Defense, spanning over 46,000 acres across four primary locations. It supports more than 266 mission partners. In particular, it plays a critical role in military medicine, basic training, pilot instruction, and cyber operations.
The three core installations are:
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston is known as the “Home of Army Medicine.” It serves as the headquarters for U.S. Army North and Army South, along with the Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE). Additionally, the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) is located here. As the DoD’s largest inpatient medical facility, BAMC serves as the primary referral center for military burn care.
Fort Sam Houston has a historic, tree-lined campus that feels different from a typical Army post. Red-brick buildings, walkable streets, and a sense of history give it a character that families often love. On-base housing is available, and off-base neighborhoods like Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, and the northeast side of San Antonio are popular with military families for their schools and short commutes.
Lackland Air Force Base
Lackland AFB is the “Gateway to the Air Force.” It serves as the only location for Air Force enlisted basic military training (BMT). In other words, every enlisted Airman in the Air Force starts their career here. Lackland also hosts the Defense Language Institute English Language Center. On top of that, it’s home to the 37th Training Wing, the largest training wing in the Air Force.
If you’re PCSing to Lackland as permanent party (not BMT), you’ll find a strong community atmosphere. Off-base neighborhoods like Alamo Ranch, Westover Hills, and Helotes are favorites among military families. Most Lackland-area homes fall within Northside ISD or Southwest ISD. Both are well-regarded districts with military liaisons to help students transition.
Randolph Air Force Base
JBSA-Randolph sits northeast of downtown San Antonio. It’s recognized by its iconic circular layout and the “Taj Mahal,” a Spanish Colonial Revival administration building that has been a landmark since 1931. Specifically, Randolph is home to the 12th Flying Training Wing and AETC headquarters. Pilot and instructor training are the primary missions.
Families stationed at Randolph often choose off-base housing in Schertz, Cibolo, or Universal City. These communities fall within the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, a district known for strong academics and military family support. Alternatively, on-base housing managed by Balfour Beatty is available. Notably, the Randolph Field ISD serves on-base residents and consistently earns high ratings.
Camp Bullis
Camp Bullis, located northwest of San Antonio, is a training site used primarily for field medical training, combat medic certification, and wilderness survival courses. It does not have a large permanent party population, but it supports training activities for JBSA and visiting units year-round.
Why San Antonio works for military families
San Antonio consistently ranks among the best duty stations for military families, and the reasons are straightforward. First, housing is affordable relative to BAH rates, especially compared to coastal duty stations. Since Texas has no state income tax, your take-home pay goes further. Beyond the financial benefits, the city offers world-class dining (the Tex-Mex and barbecue alone are worth the PCS), outdoor recreation, professional sports, and cultural attractions like the River Walk and the Alamo.
For families thinking about buying a home, San Antonio is one of the strongest markets for using your VA Home Loan benefit. Home prices remain reasonable, and your BAH will often cover a mortgage with room to spare. To see what your allowance covers, check out the 2026 BAH rates guide or use the DoD BAH Calculator.
Central Texas: Fort Hood
Fort Hood
Fort Hood is one of the largest military installations in the world, covering 335 square miles near Killeen in Central Texas. The post is home to III Armored Corps, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the 13th Sustainment Command. Its expansive training areas, strategic airfield, and proximity to Texas seaports make it a critical power-projection platform for the Army. The base was briefly renamed Fort Cavazos from 2023 to 2025, but was redesignated Fort Hood in June 2025 — this time honoring Col. Robert B. Hood, a WWI Distinguished Service Cross recipient.
Life around Fort Hood
The surrounding community includes Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, and Temple. Killeen is the largest city and has grown significantly alongside the installation. It offers plenty of shopping, dining, and services, though it has a different feel from a major metro.
Families who want a quieter setting often look to Harker Heights or Copperas Cove. On the other hand, those who prefer a college-town atmosphere sometimes choose the Belton area. Housing costs are among the lowest of any major installation in the country. As a result, your BAH stretches far whether you’re renting or buying.
On-post housing is managed by Lendlease and offers several neighborhoods organized by rank. Off-post, many families take advantage of their VA Home Loan. Because the market is so affordable, buying often makes more financial sense than renting during a typical tour.
Schools and family life
Killeen ISD is the primary school district. However, families in surrounding areas may fall under Copperas Cove ISD, Lampasas ISD, or Belton ISD. Schools on and near Fort Hood are experienced with military-connected students. Moreover, many have designated military family liaisons. If schools are a priority, research specific campuses in Harker Heights and Belton. Those tend to get strong marks from military families.
Austin is about an hour south, making it an easy weekend trip for live music, food, and outdoor recreation. Closer to home, Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake offer fishing, boating, and camping. In addition, Fort Hood itself hosts an extensive MWR program with fitness centers, pools, and youth activities.
Planning your PCS to Central Texas? Start your PCS Plan to connect with a vetted Ambassador who can walk you through housing, neighborhoods, and schools before you arrive.
West Texas: Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss sprawls across more than 1.12 million acres in El Paso County, extending into southern New Mexico. It is the largest installation in the Army’s FORSCOM footprint and the primary training ground for air defense artillery. The 1st Armored Division (“Old Ironsides”) calls Fort Bliss home, along with the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
Life in El Paso
This city surprises a lot of families. El Paso is the fourth-largest in Texas, with a population of nearly 700,000, yet it consistently ranks as one of the safest large cities in the country. Its culture is distinctly bilingual and bicultural, with Mexican food that rivals anything you’ll find stateside (Ciudad Juárez is right across the border, and cross-border dining is a local tradition).
Housing is affordable. Fort Bliss BAH rates are among the lower ones for a major installation. Still, the cost of living matches, which means your money goes further than the raw numbers suggest. On-post housing is available through Balfour Beatty. Off-post, military families tend to cluster on the east side and northeast side for the shorter commute. By contrast, the west side offers newer construction and mountain views at slightly higher prices.
El Paso has ten school districts, so where you live determines which one your kids attend. Some families specifically choose neighborhoods in El Paso ISD or Socorro ISD based on school ratings. Expect a desert climate, which means sunshine more than 300 days per year, mild winters, and hot summers. Meanwhile, the Franklin Mountains run right through the city, offering hiking and outdoor recreation without leaving town.
North Texas
NAS JRB Fort Worth
Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth sits on the west side of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and supports multiple branches, including Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army, and the Texas Air National Guard. The 301st Fighter Wing (Air Force Reserve) and Marine Aircraft Group 41 are among the key tenant units.
Fort Worth offers a unique PCS experience because you’re stationed in one of the largest metro areas in the country. You’ll have access to world-class dining, entertainment, professional sports (Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, Stars), and endless shopping. However, the trade-off is traffic, which can be significant during rush hour.
Housing options near the base range from established neighborhoods in west Fort Worth to suburban communities in Benbrook, Weatherford, and Crowley. Families who enjoy a blend of city access and suburban living often find Fort Worth ideal. On-base housing is available through Balfour Beatty. Furthermore, the cost of living is moderate for a metro of this size. Your BAH will cover solid options both on and off base.
Sheppard Air Force Base
Sheppard AFB is located in Wichita Falls is located in Wichita Falls, about 130 miles northwest of the DFW metroplex. It is the largest technical training facility in AETC and one of the busiest pilot training bases in the Air Force. Notably, the 80th Flying Training Wing conducts Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT). This unique multinational program draws students from allied nations around the world.
Wichita Falls is a smaller city (population around 105,000) with an affordable cost of living and a tight-knit military community. Your BAH goes a long way here. Consequently, many families buy homes using their VA loan because the market is so accessible. Popular neighborhoods include areas near Midwestern State University and the southwest side of town.
Schools fall under Wichita Falls ISD, City View ISD, or Burkburnett ISD depending on where you live. Overall, the community is welcoming to military families, and many local businesses offer military discounts. For outdoor recreation, check out Lake Arrowhead and Lake Wichita for fishing and boating.
South Texas and the Gulf Coast
NAS Corpus Christi
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is the primary training base is the primary training base for Navy pilots. Specifically, it’s home to Training Air Wing FOUR, where student naval aviators learn to fly the T-6B Texan II and work toward earning their wings. In addition, the base supports U.S. Customs and Border Protection MQ-9 Reaper drone operations.
Corpus Christi sits on the Gulf Coast and offers a beach lifestyle most military duty stations can’t match. The cost of living is low, and housing is affordable. Because of this, your BAH covers solid options. Weekends here mean fishing, surfing, and beach access year-round. Padre Island National Seashore and Mustang Island State Park are within easy reach.
NAS Kingsville
NAS Kingsville, about 40 miles southwest of Corpus Christi, is home to Training Air Wing TWO. Student pilots here train on the T-45C Goshawk, a carrier-capable jet trainer, making it a key step in the naval aviation pipeline. Kingsville is a small town (population around 25,000), so the base is a major part of the local community.
Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD)
CCAD is the Army’s primary helicopter repair and overhaul facility. It is the Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for rotary-wing aircraft and is the largest single-site employer in the Corpus Christi area. While it doesn’t have a large permanent party of active-duty soldiers, civilian and contractor employment is significant.
Laughlin Air Force Base
Laughlin AFB is located near Del Rio, about 150 miles west of San Antonio along the U.S.–Mexico border. The 47th Flying Training Wing operates three aircraft: the T-6A Texan II, T-38C Talon, and T-1A Jayhawk. As a result, Laughlin is one of the busiest pilot training bases in the Air Force. During peak training, the base handles more daily flights than most commercial airports.
Del Rio is a small border community (population around 35,000), so expect a quieter pace of life. In exchange, you’ll have access to Lake Amistad, one of the best bass fishing lakes in Texas. You’ll also enjoy a lower cost of living that makes your BAH go further. Families here tend to form tight bonds because the community is smaller. Everyone knows each other.
Other key installations across Texas
Dyess Air Force Base (Abilene)
Dyess AFB is home to the 7th Bomb Wing, which operates the B-1B Lancer bomber, and the 317th Airlift Wing, which flies the C-130J Super Hercules. Abilene is a mid-sized West Texas city (population around 125,000) with a strong faith community, affordable housing, and a genuine appreciation for the military. Many families find Abilene surprisingly charming, with its local restaurants, Frontier Texas! museum, and Abilene State Park nearby.
Goodfellow Air Force Base (San Angelo)
Goodfellow AFB specializes in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) training and joint firefighting training. The 17th Training Wing trains cryptologic analysts, imagery analysts, and fire protection specialists from every branch. San Angelo (population around 100,000) offers small-city living with a welcoming community, affordable homes, and easy access to the Concho River and San Angelo State Park.
Red River Army Depot (Texarkana)
Located in the far northeast corner of the state, Red River Army Depot specializes in the repair and maintenance of ground combat vehicles, including Bradley Fighting Vehicles, M1 Abrams components, and mine-resistant vehicles. The depot has survived two BRAC rounds and remains a critical part of the Army’s sustainment network. Texarkana straddles the Texas–Arkansas border and offers an affordable, small-city lifestyle.
Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base (Houston)
Ellington Field sits near Houston’s Johnson Space Center and supports the Texas Air National Guard (147th Reconnaissance Wing), Army National Guard, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, and Coast Guard air operations. It is a joint-use facility, meaning it shares runways with civilian operations. Living near Ellington Field means living in the Houston metro area, with all the big-city advantages (and traffic) that comes with it.
Life in Texas for military families
Cost of living and housing
One of the biggest advantages of a Texas PCS is affordability. Across nearly every installation, your BAH will cover solid housing options, and in many locations, you’ll find that buying a home with your VA Home Loan benefit makes more financial sense than renting.
The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) also offers below-market-rate home loans for Texas veterans and active-duty members, with even lower rates for those with a 30%+ VA disability rating. VLB home loans go up to $806,500 on fixed-rate terms of 15 to 30 years. These can be used in addition to or instead of a VA loan depending on your situation.
For the latest BAH rates at your Texas duty station, check the 2026 BAH rates guide or use the DoD BAH Calculator.
Climate and geography
Texas is enormous, and the climate varies dramatically depending on where you’re stationed. For instance, El Paso averages over 300 days of sunshine with a desert climate. Meanwhile, San Antonio and Central Texas have hot summers and mild winters. Along the Gulf Coast (Corpus Christi, Kingsville), you’ll find humidity and tropical weather. In North Texas (Sheppard AFB), you’ll experience all four seasons, including occasional ice storms in winter.
Regardless of where you land, summer heat is a universal Texas experience. Generally, families stationed in El Paso handle it better (dry heat) than those in Houston or Corpus Christi (humid heat). Air conditioning is non-negotiable statewide.
Schools and education
Texas school quality varies significantly by district and even by campus. Rather than relying on statewide rankings, research the specific district and schools near the neighborhoods you’re considering. Military families consistently recommend these approaches: first, join the base-specific PCS Pay It Forward® Facebook group and ask current families. Then, visit GreatSchools.org for campus-level data. Also, check whether the district has a Military Family Liaison.
Additionally, Texas participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This compact helps ease school transitions for PCS kids by standardizing enrollment, placement, and graduation requirements across state lines.
Spouse employment
Because of its large and diverse economy, Texas creates more spouse employment opportunities than many duty stations. San Antonio, the DFW metroplex, Houston, and Austin all offer strong job markets. Smaller installations like Sheppard, Dyess, and Laughlin may have fewer options. Nevertheless, remote work has expanded possibilities significantly. Every major installation has an Employment Readiness Program or Airman & Family Readiness Center. These centers provide job search support, resume help, and networking opportunities.
Using your VA home loan in Texas
Texas is one of the best states in the country to use your VA home loan benefit. Here’s why:
No state income tax. Your take-home pay goes further, which gives you more buying power. For example, a military retiree collecting $3,000 per month in retirement pay saves roughly $2,000 to $5,000 per year. That’s compared to states that tax military retirement.
Affordable housing markets. At most Texas installations, median home prices fall well within standard VA loan limits. Therefore, you can buy with $0 down and no PMI.
VLB home loans. In addition to your VA benefit, the Texas Veterans Land Board offers a separate home loan program with competitive rates. Veterans with a 30%+ disability rating get an additional rate discount. VLB loans can go up to $806,500 on terms of 15 to 30 years.
Home improvement loans. The VLB also offers loans up to $50,000 for home repairs and upgrades, with discounted rates for veterans with a 30%+ rating.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, Texas gives you options. Learn more about how to use your VA Home Loan benefit or start your PCS Plan to connect with a vetted real estate Ambassador who understands military timelines and VA loan requirements.
Texas state benefits for military families and veterans
Texas consistently ranks as one of the most military-friendly states in the country. Here are the key benefits that matter most during and after your service.
Tax benefits
No state income tax. This applies to everyone in Texas, but it’s especially valuable for military families. Specifically, active-duty pay, military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, TSP withdrawals, and SBP payments are all completely free from state taxation.
Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Veterans with a 100% VA disability rating (or individual unemployability) receive a full exemption on their homestead property taxes. For veterans rated 10% to 90%, partial exemptions range from $5,000 to $12,000 off the assessed value. Similarly, surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty or from service-connected causes also qualify.
Education benefits
Hazlewood Act. This is one of the most generous state education benefits in the country. Eligible Texas veterans receive up to 150 semester credit hours of free tuition at any Texas public college or university. The exemption covers tuition and most mandatory fees (not books or living expenses). To qualify, you must have been a Texas resident when entering service (or entered service in Texas), served at least 181 days on active duty, and received an honorable discharge.
Hazlewood Legacy Act. If veterans haven’t used all their Hazlewood hours, they can transfer the unused balance to dependent children. Keep in mind that only one child can use the benefit at a time. They must be 25 or younger and meet GPA and academic progress requirements.
Housing and land programs
The Texas Veterans Land Board operates three loan programs designed specifically for veterans: home purchase loans up to $806,500, land loans up to $150,000, and home improvement loans up to $50,000. All three programs offer competitive rates, with additional discounts for disabled veterans rated 30% or higher.
Other notable benefits
Business incentives. New veteran-owned businesses can form an LLC for free and are exempt from the Texas franchise tax for five years.
Hunting and fishing. Disabled veterans rated 50% or higher qualify for a free “Super Combo” license covering hunting and all-water fishing. Active-duty Texas residents also receive the Super Combo at no cost.
State parks. Veterans with a 60%+ disability rating receive free admission to all Texas state parks through the State Parklands Passport.
DFW Airport parking. Veterans can park at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport free of charge.
Veterans homes. Texas operates 10 state veterans homes in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen, Temple, and Tyler.
For more on PCS-related tax benefits, check out PCS and taxes: what you get to write off from your military move.
Planning your PCS to Texas
Every PCS gets easier when you have the right plan and the right people in your corner. Here’s how to set yourself up for a smooth move to any Texas installation:
Build your PCS Plan. Start your PCS Plan to connect with a vetted, military-connected Ambassador who can walk you through housing options, neighborhood comparisons, school research, and timing for your specific base.
Join your base Facebook group. Every PCS Pay It Forward® base has a dedicated Facebook group where current families share real-time advice on everything from gate wait times to the best pediatrician in town.
Get your PCS logistics organized. Use the PCS Binder and Checklist to stay on track, and review your DITY/PPM move options if you’re considering a personally procured move.
Research your BAH. Look up rates for your specific duty station using the 2026 BAH rates guide or the DoD BAH Calculator. Knowing your number early helps you set a realistic housing budget.
Explore your VA loan options. If buying makes sense for your timeline and financial situation, your VA Home Loan benefit gives you $0 down and no PMI. Texas’s affordable markets make this especially attractive.
For more tips on organizing your move, visit the PCS Toolkit or read our military moving tips guide.
Key takeaways
Texas earns its reputation as one of the best states for military families, and the numbers back it up. With 15 active-duty installations, no state income tax, and some of the most affordable housing near major bases in the country, your BAH and take-home pay go further here than at most duty stations.
What separates a good PCS from a stressful one is preparation. Before you arrive at any Texas base, take these steps: start your PCS Plan to get matched with a local Ambassador, join your base’s PCS Pay It Forward® Facebook group for unfiltered advice from families already there, and look into your VA Home Loan options early if homeownership fits your timeline.
Whether you’re headed to the sprawling desert ranges of Fort Bliss, the medical training hub of Fort Sam Houston, the pilot training pipeline at Sheppard or Laughlin, or the armored heart of Fort Hood, Texas has a way of making military families feel at home. The barbecue doesn’t hurt, either.
Frequently asked questions about military bases in Texas
How many military bases are in Texas?
Texas has 15 active-duty military installations, representing the Army, Air Force, and Navy. When you include National Guard facilities, reserve centers, and training sites, the total number of military installations in the state exceeds 30. The largest concentration is in the San Antonio area, where Joint Base San Antonio combines Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB.
What is the largest military base in Texas?
Fort Hood near Killeen is the largest military base in Texas by land area, covering 335 square miles. However, Fort Bliss in El Paso is even larger when you include its extended training ranges. Those ranges span more than 1.12 million acres across Texas and New Mexico. By troop population, both installations rank among the largest Army bases in the world.
Does Texas have state income tax on military pay?
No. Texas has no state income tax at all, which means active-duty pay, military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, TSP withdrawals, and SBP payments are all completely tax-free at the state level. This is one of the biggest financial advantages of being stationed in or retiring to Texas.
What is the Hazlewood Act?
The Hazlewood Act is a Texas state education benefit that provides eligible veterans up to 150 semester credit hours of free tuition at Texas public colleges and universities. It covers tuition and most mandatory fees. Veterans who don’t use all their hours can transfer the remaining balance to their children through the Hazlewood Legacy Act.
Which Texas military base has the best BAH rates?
BAH rates vary by installation and rank. JBSA (San Antonio), Fort Bliss (El Paso), and Fort Hood (Killeen) all have moderate BAH rates, but the cost of living in these areas is low enough that your allowance covers quality housing. NAS JRB Fort Worth has slightly higher BAH because it’s in the DFW metroplex, where housing costs more. Use the DoD BAH Calculator at defensetravel.dod.mil to look up your specific rate by ZIP code.
Can I use my VA loan to buy a house near a Texas military base?
Yes. VA loans are available near every military installation in Texas, and the state’s affordable housing markets make it an excellent place to use this benefit. You can buy with $0 down and no private mortgage insurance. The Texas Veterans Land Board also offers separate home loan programs with competitive rates, giving you additional financing options.
What are the best school districts near Texas military bases?
School quality varies by location. Around JBSA, Randolph Field ISD, Alamo Heights ISD, and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD get strong marks. In Central Texas near Fort Hood, Belton ISD and Harker Heights–area campuses within Killeen ISD are well-regarded. For Fort Bliss families, research specific campuses within El Paso ISD, Socorro ISD, and Canutillo ISD. The best approach is to join your base’s PCS Pay It Forward® group and ask current families for school recommendations.
Was Fort Hood renamed?
Yes, but the name is back. In 2023, the base was renamed Fort Cavazos as part of a DoD initiative to remove Confederate-linked names from military installations. In June 2025, the Trump administration reversed the change and redesignated it Fort Hood. This time, the base honors Col. Robert B. Hood, a WWI Distinguished Service Cross recipient who served with the 12th Field Artillery Regiment in France — not the Confederate general John Bell Hood. You may still see references to “Fort Cavazos” on older websites and documents, but all official correspondence now uses Fort Hood.
What is Joint Base San Antonio?
Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is the largest joint base in the Department of Defense. It consolidates Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB under a single installation command, along with Camp Bullis and several smaller annexes. JBSA supports more than 266 mission partners and is the hub for military medicine, basic training, pilot instruction, and intelligence operations.
What military branches have bases in Texas?
Currently, the Army, Air Force, and Navy all operate major installations in Texas. While the Marine Corps and Coast Guard don’t have standalone bases, they maintain units at joint installations like NAS JRB Fort Worth and Ellington Field. In addition, the Texas Air National Guard and Army National Guard operate significant facilities across the state.
