JBSA Military and Community Resources
JBSA Military & Community Resources (2026 Guide)
Joint Base San Antonio and the City of San Antonio give active duty, Guard, Reserve, retirees, and families a deep bench of support: medical care, counseling, benefits help, housing guidance, school support, and transition programs. This guide shows you where to start and which links actually matter in 2026.
One base, three main locations
JBSA combines Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, and Randolph into a single joint installation. Services are shared, but each location has its own clinics, housing options, and school patterns, so you need to know which side of JBSA you belong to before you start clicking links and making appointments.
- Fort Sam Houston: Medical training, BAMC, and many Army headquarters functions.
- Lackland: Basic Military Training, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, and large on-base housing footprint.
- Randolph: Headquarters and training missions with quick access to northeast San Antonio suburbs.
Core support hub: Military & Family Readiness Centers
The JBSA Military & Family Readiness Centers (M&FRCs) are your centralized “front door” for relocation help, financial counseling, deployment support, and local information, regardless of branch or rank. Start here if you are overwhelmed and do not know which office owns your problem yet.
- M&FRCs serve all branches, including active duty, Guard, Reserve, retirees, and eligible DoD civilians.
- Relocation Readiness, financial classes, EFMP support, and spouse employment resources are all run through M&FRC.
- JBSA maintains M&FRC info and calendars on the official installation website at jbsa.mil.
Health, crisis, and behavioral health resources
Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center anchor the medical system, while Military OneSource, MFLCs, and the Veterans Crisis Line provide 24/7 behavioral health and crisis support for service members, Veterans, and families.
- BAMC and Wilford Hall are your main MTFs for inpatient and specialty care in the JBSA footprint.
- Military OneSource and MFLCs offer confidential, non-medical counseling outside your chain of command.
- The Veterans Crisis Line (988, then 1) is available 24/7 for anyone in immediate distress.
Benefits, housing, and transition help
VA claims, on‑ and off‑base housing, and civilian transition resources are spread across multiple partners: the Bexar County Department of Military & Veterans Services, JBSA Housing Offices, the Transition Assistance Program, and local education centers. This guide links directly to those programs so you do not waste time in the wrong queue.
- Bexar County DMVS helps file VA claims and navigate local Veteran benefits.
- JBSA Housing Offices and privatized partners handle on‑base housing and Rental Partnership info.
- Transition Assistance, SkillBridge, and education centers support your move into civilian life.
Common questions this guide answers
Where should I start if I am PCSing to JBSA for the first time?
Start with the JBSA Military & Family Readiness Center and your gaining unit’s sponsor, then line up housing, school liaison support, and medical in-processing using the official JBSA website.
Who can help me with VA disability claims and local Veteran benefits in San Antonio?
Contact the Bexar County Department of Military & Veterans Services for one‑on‑one help filing VA claims and connecting to county benefits. Appointments and contact details are listed at bexar.org.
What if I need confidential counseling or crisis support after hours?
Use Military OneSource at militaryonesource.mil for confidential non‑medical counseling, or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1 for immediate, 24/7 help for you or a family member.
Key Takeaways
- JBSA support is organized across three locations, but most family services funnel through Military & Family Readiness Centers.
- Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center anchor inpatient and specialty care for the JBSA community.
- Military OneSource, MFLCs, and the Veterans Crisis Line provide confidential counseling and emergency support around the clock.
- Bexar County’s Department of Military & Veterans Services helps Veterans and survivors navigate VA claims and local benefits.
- JBSA Housing Offices, privatized housing partners, and the Rental Partnership Program guide on‑ and off‑base housing choices.
- Transition Assistance, SkillBridge, and education centers support service members shifting to civilian careers or further education.
- School liaison officers and Child & Youth Services smooth school moves, special‑needs support, and youth activities across districts.
- Using official sites like jbsa.mil and bexar.org ensures you get current, authoritative information instead of outdated third‑party advice.
JBSA and San Antonio Military and Veteran Guides
Core guides for JBSA relocations, neighborhood selection, and community resources that keep San Antonio Military and Veteran families mission ready year round.
- JBSA Military Community Resources : Identify installation contacts, relocation support, and community partners that reinforce daily life around JBSA.
- JBSA Military Family Activities and Events for 2026 : Track seasonal events, youth programs, and recurring activities that help families connect quickly after arrival.
- Best Neighborhoods near JBSA for Military Families : Compare commute times, schools, and neighborhood feel across key corridors that serve multiple JBSA gates.
- PCS to JBSA Moving Guide : Follow a structured PCS sequence from orders and BAH planning through house hunting, closing, and first month on ground.
How JBSA Supports Military Families in 2026
Joint Base San Antonio is effectively a small city spread across three major locations. That is a lot of phone numbers, buildings, and acronyms to sort through when you are just trying to get settled, find a doctor, or fix a pay issue. The good news is that JBSA has centralized most family-facing services into a few core hubs, and almost all of them are documented on the official JBSA website.
Think of this guide as your index: it points you at the right official links for health care, benefits, financial help, housing, schools, and community programs, instead of forcing you to patch things together from random Facebook comments or outdated blog posts.
Health, Medical, and Crisis Support at JBSA
Most military families arriving at JBSA will touch either Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) or Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (WHASC) at some point. These facilities are the backbone of the local military medical system, alongside smaller clinics at each installation.
- Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC): Located at Fort Sam Houston, BAMC is a Level I trauma center and the flagship medical facility for JBSA. You can review services, clinic information, and patient resources at bamc.tricare.mil.
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (WHASC): WHASC at Lackland focuses on outpatient and specialty care. Visit wilfordhall.tricare.mil for clinic hours, appointment instructions, and patient guidance.
- TRICARE information: For network providers, pharmacy rules, and referral questions, start with tricare.mil, then narrow down to your region and JBSA facilities.
Crisis and behavioral health support is not limited to duty hours. Military OneSource offers 24/7 confidential, non‑medical counseling and specialty consultations at militaryonesource.mil or by phone at 800‑342‑9647. Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) provide in‑person, short‑term counseling on base and in local schools without creating a long medical record.
For immediate crisis situations, the Veterans Crisis Line is available by dialing 988 then pressing 1 or chatting online via veteranscrisisline.net. You do not need to be registered with VA to use it.
Benefits, VA Claims, and Financial Assistance in San Antonio
San Antonio brands itself “Military City USA” for a reason. Beyond JBSA’s on‑base support, the city and county operate dedicated Veteran service offices that coordinate with the Department of Veterans Affairs and state agencies.
- Bexar County Department of Military & Veterans Services: This office helps Veterans, spouses, and survivors file VA disability claims, appeal decisions, and access local benefits. Details and appointment options are posted at bexar.org/768/Military-and-Veterans-Services.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: For national benefits, eligibility, and eBenefits, use va.gov. That site hosts disability, health, education, and home loan tools in one place.
- Financial counseling and emergency help: JBSA Military & Family Readiness Centers provide free financial planning, budget reviews, and, in some cases, referrals to emergency financial assistance programs. Start with the JBSA M&FRC page at jbsa.mil/Resources/Military-and-Family-Readiness.
If substance use is part of the picture, the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and equivalent Air Force programs operate prevention and education services on JBSA. You can find program contact details in the JBSA Community Resource Guide at crg.health.mil, which lists vetted installation resources from medical to chaplain services.
Housing Help: On‑Base, Off‑Base, and Rental Support
Housing is where many PCS moves either go smooth or go sideways. JBSA uses privatized housing partners at each installation plus a Housing Management Office (HMO) to coordinate on‑base and approved off‑base options.
- JBSA Housing Management: The HMO should be your first stop before signing any off‑base lease. They provide counseling on local neighborhoods, landlord issues, and the Rental Partnership Program. Housing links by installation are collected at jbsa.mil/Resources/Housing.
- Privatized family housing: Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, and Randolph each use private partners (e.g., Hunt Military Communities, Balfour Beatty Communities). You can jump directly to their websites from the JBSA housing page or search by installation name.
- Temporary lodging: On‑base lodging options like the Gateway Inn or local IHG Army Hotels may fill quickly in peak PCS months. Links and phone numbers are listed on dodlodging.net and the JBSA site.
If your household goods are delayed, JBSA Fort Sam Houston and Randolph maintain a Lending Closet or Loan Locker for temporary household items. These programs are usually managed through M&FRC, and current locations and hours are listed on the JBSA M&FRC page rather than scattered across social media.
Education, Transition, and Spouse Employment
Education and transition support are split between the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), on‑base education centers, and school‑focused staff like school liaison officers.
- Transition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP is mandatory for separating and retiring service members and covers resume writing, job search skills, and VA benefits. JBSA TAP schedules and contact info are usually posted through M&FRC at jbsa.mil.
- SkillBridge and career skills programs: These programs let you work with civilian employers while still on active duty. The official DoD SkillBridge site, skillbridge.osd.mil, lists approved opportunities; local participation is coordinated through JBSA transition staff.
- Education centers: On‑base education offices advise on tuition assistance, the Post‑9/11 GI Bill, and college or certification choices. For general benefit rules, use va.gov/education.
- Spouse employment programs: Military OneSource’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) at myseco.militaryonesource.mil and M&FRC seminars help spouses with resumes, networking, and short‑term training grants.
Schools, School Liaisons, and EFMP Support
San Antonio’s school landscape is complex. District boundaries shift frequently, and each JBSA installation touches multiple Independent School Districts (ISDs). JBSA school liaison officers exist specifically to help you navigate this.
- JBSA School Liaison Program: School liaisons assist with enrollment, transfer issues, special education concerns, and local district contacts. JBSA maintains school liaison contact information and calendars at jbsa.mil/Resources/School-Liaison-Office (check the current URL on the official site if it changes).
- Texas school accountability data: The Texas Education Agency publishes district and campus report cards at txschools.gov, where you can search by address, campus, or district.
- Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC): For Advance Enrollment and military‑child‑specific resources, visit militarychild.org.
- Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): EFMP supports families with medical or educational special needs. JBSA EFMP details are typically posted under medical and M&FRC pages, while general program info lives at militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp.
Family, Community, and Quality of Life Resources
Beyond the basics, JBSA and the City of San Antonio invest heavily in community programs that make everyday life more bearable: recreation, events, and local discounts.
- JBSA MWR and ITT: Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs plus Information, Tickets, and Travel (ITT) counters offer discounted admissions, outdoor recreation, pools, gyms, and events. Start at jbsatoday.com for current schedules and ticket info.
- JBSA Connect app: The JBSA Connect mobile app aggregates gate hours, alerts, resource links, and event listings in one place. Look for “JBSA Connect” in your app store and cross‑check that it is published by an official DoD or installation source.
- City of San Antonio resources for Veterans: The city maintains a Military and Veteran Affairs office and local partner links at sanantonio.gov — search for “Military and Veteran Affairs” to find current programs and contacts.
If you prefer a single, vetted list of installation resources, the JBSA Community Resource Guide aggregates programs across health, finance, relationships, and crisis support at crg.health.mil. It is not as pretty as social media, but it is much more reliable.
Quick Comparison of JBSA Resource Starting Points
Use this table as a quick reference to decide where to reach out first for common issues. From there, your sponsor or M&FRC can help you drill down to specific offices and appointment lines.
| Need | Best first stop | Key official link | Who it serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCS / relocation questions | Military & Family Readiness Center | jbsa.mil/Resources/Military-and-Family-Readiness | All branches, active duty, Guard, Reserve, families, and DoD civilians |
| Medical care and referrals | BAMC or Wilford Hall / TRICARE | bamc.tricare.mil & wilfordhall.tricare.mil | Service members, dependents, and eligible retirees enrolled in TRICARE |
| Behavioral health / crisis support | Military OneSource & Veterans Crisis Line | militaryonesource.mil & veteranscrisisline.net | Service members, Veterans, and family members needing confidential help |
| VA benefits and local Veteran services | Bexar County DMVS and VA.gov | bexar.org & va.gov | Veterans, retirees, spouses, and eligible survivors in the San Antonio area |
| On‑/off‑base housing questions | JBSA Housing Management Office | jbsa.mil/Resources/Housing | All service members and families seeking housing near JBSA |
| Schools and special education | JBSA School Liaison Program | jbsa.mil/Resources/School-Liaison-Office | Families with school‑age children, including EFMP and frequent movers |
| Transition to civilian life | Transition Assistance Program & SkillBridge | skillbridge.osd.mil & JBSA TAP via M&FRC | Separating or retiring service members and qualifying spouses |
| Community events and recreation | JBSA MWR / ITT and JBSA Connect | jbsatoday.com & JBSA Connect app | Service members, families, and retirees looking for activities and discounts |
How to Use JBSA and San Antonio Resources Step by Step
If you are new to the area or overwhelmed, this simple sequence keeps you from spinning your wheels in the wrong place.
- Confirm your “home” installation. Check your orders and unit to determine whether you are primarily attached to Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, or Randolph. That affects housing, clinics, and school patterns.
- Contact Military & Family Readiness. Use the phone numbers or email addresses at jbsa.mil to schedule a relocation or newcomer appointment.
- Set up medical and TRICARE. Verify your enrollment and PCM assignment through tricare.mil and the BAMC or WHASC patient portals.
- Lock in housing and schools. Talk to the Housing Management Office, then work with the JBSA school liaison before you sign an off‑base lease or purchase.
- Connect with benefits and financial help. If you are a Veteran or retiree, schedule time with Bexar County DMVS and review VA tools at va.gov.
- Plan ahead for transition. If you are within 24 months of separation or 36 months of retirement, start TAP and investigate SkillBridge and local employers now.
- Stay plugged into community updates. Install JBSA Connect, follow official JBSA channels, and check jbsatoday.com for events and alerts.
References Used
- Joint Base San Antonio official website: Installation overview, news, resources, housing, M&FRC, and contact information for Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, and Randolph. jbsa.mil
- JBSA Military & Family Readiness Centers: Central hub for relocation, financial counseling, family support, transition, and spouse employment programs. jbsa.mil/Resources/Military-and-Family-Readiness
- Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC): Official site for inpatient and specialty care at Fort Sam Houston. bamc.tricare.mil
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center: Official site for outpatient and specialty care at Lackland. wilfordhall.tricare.mil
- Bexar County Department of Military & Veterans Services: Local VA claims help and Veteran support. bexar.org/768/Military-and-Veterans-Services
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: National hub for VA health, disability, and education benefits. va.gov
- Military OneSource: 24/7 confidential non‑medical counseling, EFMP support, and family resources. militaryonesource.mil
- Veterans Crisis Line: Immediate support for Veterans and families. veteranscrisisline.net
- JBSA Community Resource Guide: Verified installation programs from health to chaplain services. crg.health.mil
- Texas Education Agency school report cards: Accountability ratings and performance data for Texas schools. txschools.gov
- Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC): Advance Enrollment and education resources for military children. militarychild.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start if I am completely new to JBSA?
Begin at the JBSA Military & Family Readiness Center listed on jbsa.mil, then coordinate with your unit sponsor, housing office, and school liaison.
How do I find the right medical facility for my family?
Confirm your TRICARE enrollment, then check bamc.tricare.mil and wilfordhall.tricare.mil for JBSA clinic details and referral rules.
Who helps with VA disability claims in San Antonio?
The Bexar County Department of Military & Veterans Services at bexar.org provides no‑cost claims assistance, plus local benefit guidance for Veterans and survivors.
What if I need after‑hours counseling or crisis support?
Use Military OneSource at militaryonesource.mil for non‑medical counseling, and call 988 then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line immediately.
How can I make sure my kids land in the right school district?
Contact the JBSA School Liaison Office via jbsa.mil before choosing housing and cross‑check district performance at txschools.gov.
What resources exist for families in the Exceptional Family Member Program?
Coordinate with JBSA EFMP staff through M&FRC and your medical provider, then review EFMP guidance at militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp.
How do I get help with a PCS or delayed household goods?
Use the Relocation Readiness Program at the M&FRC for PCS guidance and find Lending Closet or Loan Locker locations on the official JBSA M&FRC page.
Where can I find local events, discounts, and recreation options?
Check jbsatoday.com for JBSA MWR and ITT offerings, and install the JBSA Connect app for on‑the‑go updates and gate information.
What support is available as I transition out of the military?
Enroll in the Transition Assistance Program through M&FRC, explore SkillBridge at skillbridge.osd.mil, and review VA education and disability benefits on va.gov.
Is this guide official legal or benefits advice?
No. Use this guide to find official resources, but confirm all decisions with JBSA offices, VA, legal assistance, or a qualified professional before you sign or submit anything.
