Space Force Basic Training Happens at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas

All U.S. Space Force recruits attend basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, located in San Antonio, Texas. This is the single location where the Space Force sends every new enlisted member for their initial eight-week training program. There is no alternative location — if you join the Space Force, you will train here.

Lackland has been the Air Force's primary basic training site for decades, and when the Space Force was established in 2019, it inherited this facility as its training hub. The base sits on the southwest side of San Antonio and handles thousands of recruits each year across all military branches that use the facility.

The base itself is a working military installation, so you will not be able to visit freely during someone's training. Family members can attend a graduation ceremony at the end of the eight weeks, but access to the training areas is restricted to active duty personnel and authorized visitors.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas is the only location where Space Force basic training occurs.
  • Basic training lasts eight weeks and all new Space Force enlisted members attend the same facility.
  • Family members cannot visit during training but may attend the graduation ceremony at the end of the eight-week program.
  • After basic training, recruits move to technical training at other bases depending on their assigned career field.

What Happens During the Eight Weeks at Lackland

The eight-week program covers military discipline, physical fitness, weapons handling, and Space Force history and culture. Recruits live in dormitories on base, follow a strict daily schedule, and train alongside other new Space Force members. The curriculum is the same for everyone regardless of their eventual job assignment.

During this time, recruits have limited contact with the outside world. Phone calls and internet access are restricted, especially in the first few weeks. Mail is allowed, and this is often the primary way families stay in touch during training.

The training is designed to be physically and mentally demanding. Recruits must pass fitness tests, learn military customs and courtesies, and demonstrate they can follow orders and work as part of a team. Those who cannot meet the standards may be recycled into a later training group or separated from the Space Force.

What Comes After Basic Training at Lackland

Once basic training ends, recruits do not stay at Lackland. They move to a technical training location that depends on their career field — called their Air Force Specialty Code or AFSC. A recruit training to be a cyber operations specialist will go to one base, while someone training as a space operations officer will go to another.

Technical training can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on the job. Some technical training happens at other bases within the United States, while some specialized training may occur at international locations. The Space Force notifies recruits of their next assignment before they leave Lackland.

After technical training, recruits receive their first permanent duty assignment, which is where they will work for their initial tour of service. This could be at a Space Force base in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, or overseas.

How to Find Out Your Recruit's Training Schedule

When someone enlists in the Space Force, they receive a ship date — the date they must report to Lackland. This date is given during the enlistment process and is confirmed in their enlistment contract. Recruits should receive written confirmation of this date from their recruiter.

Once a recruit arrives at Lackland, they are assigned a training flight (a group of about 40 to 50 recruits). The base will provide a mailing address where family members can send letters. Some bases also provide a phone number for emergencies, though routine calls are not permitted during the first few weeks.

The graduation date is typically eight weeks after the ship date, though this can shift slightly if training is delayed for weather or other reasons. Family members should confirm the exact graduation date with the recruit's recruiter or check the Space Force website for updates.

Visiting for Graduation and Family Day

Family members are invited to attend graduation, which happens on a Friday at the end of the eighth week. The ceremony is held outdoors on the parade ground at Lackland and includes a formal review where recruits march in formation. After the ceremony, there is usually a brief period where families can meet with their recruits.

Some years, the base also hosts a Family Day on the Thursday before graduation, which allows families to tour certain areas and learn more about what recruits experienced during training. This is not may provide every cycle, so check with the base or your recruit's training flight for confirmation.

To attend graduation, family members must register in advance through the Space Force's official channels. Bring a valid photo ID, as base security will check credentials at the gate. Arrive early, as parking can be limited and security screening takes time.

Base Location and Getting There

Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is located at 37th Training Wing, 1701 Kenly Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78236. The base is about 15 minutes south of downtown San Antonio and is accessible by car from most parts of the city.

If you are flying to San Antonio for graduation, the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is about 20 minutes from the base by car. Rental cars, rideshare services, and taxis are all available at the airport. Hotels are plentiful in San Antonio, and many families stay near the airport or in the downtown area.

Do not attempt to drive onto the base without authorization. Security personnel will stop you at the gate, and you will need a valid ID and a reason to enter. For graduation, you will receive specific instructions about where to park and how to enter the ceremony area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit my recruit during the eight weeks of basic training?

No. Recruits are not permitted to have visitors during basic training. Contact is limited to mail and, after the first few weeks, occasional phone calls. The only time families can visit is for the graduation ceremony at the end of the eight weeks.

What if my recruit gets injured or sick during basic training?

The base has medical facilities and will treat injuries or illness. If the situation is serious, the base will contact the recruit's emergency contact. Minor issues are handled on base and do not require family intervention. The recruit will continue training unless the injury or illness prevents them from doing so.

Can my recruit leave the base after graduation?

Yes. After the graduation ceremony, recruits are usually released to their families for a short leave period before they report to their next training location. The length of this leave varies, but it is typically a few days to a week. Your recruit's orders will specify the reporting date for technical training.

What if my recruit fails basic training?

Recruits who do not meet the standards may be recycled into a later training group to try again, or they may be separated from the Space Force. If this happens, the base will contact the recruit's family. Separated recruits are usually sent home, though the exact process depends on the reason for separation.

Is there a specific time of year when basic training starts?

No. The Space Force runs basic training cycles throughout the year, and recruits ship on different dates depending on when they enlisted and when the Space Force needs them. Ship dates are assigned during the enlistment process and can be months in the future.