Military City, USA 

It's little wonder that so many military families covet an assignment to one of San Antonio's four premier military installations - Brooks City-Base, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base or Randolph Air Force Base. Each installation is located in one of the most beautiful and attraction-laden cities in the country, and each combines an impressive history with a modern-day mission that endows it with special significance in today's military.

Fort Sam Houston dates back to 1845, when soldiers trained here for service on the western frontier. Many of the legendary African-American cavalry fighters, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, were stationed here a century ago. Generals Eisenhower, MacArthur and Pershing also served at Fort Sam; Pershing's historic quarters are now the post commander's home. Today, Fort Sam is home to a number of Army units, including the Army Medical School, where personnel learn the latest battlefield treatments to save more lives on the front lines.

Randolph Air Force Base trains pilots, navigators and electronic warfare officers for military service in fighters, bombers and cargo aircraft. Built in 1930, the base was designed as the perfect "air city" to support basic and primary flying operations, flight instructor training and combat crew training. Like Fort Sam, the base is designated a National Historic Landmark, with many original buildings still in use today; this includes the breathtaking Building 100  - nicknamed the "Taj Mahal" - which houses the headquarters for the 12th Flying Training Wing. Historical exhibits stay on continuous display in the building's rotunda. Also headquartered at Randolph are the Air Education and Training Command, which oversees all flying and technical training, plus the 19th Air Force. The central headquarters for the Air Force Personnel Center operates here as well.

Lackland Air Force Base provides basic military training for all enlisted personnel entering the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. New recruits undergo an intensive six-week basic course here, and many return later in their careers for high-level technical training in more than 390 different courses. Lackland also is home to the Defense Language Institute, English Language Center and the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, which train international military personnel from more than 130 countries. More than 70,000 students graduate annually from Lackland's various training centers. Besides the impressive parade grounds, where graduation ceremonies are held every Friday, the USAF Security Forces Museum is a must-see at Lackland.

Destination Location

If you're lucky enough to be stationed at one of these installations, expect to receive frequent houseguests. Family and friends will want to visit. but it's probably not you they are coming to see - it's San Antonio! This is a big destination location with many more amenities than most military towns.

San Antonio makes a great weekend getaway from several other military spots across the southwest. It's just a two-to-three-hour drive from Fort Hood or NAS-Kingsville, for instance. And it's only a day's drive from installations in surrounding states such as Cannon AFB in New Mexico(about 505 miles) or Fort Sil in Oklahoma(about 145 miles). All the San Antonio bases offer billeting, so save money on hotels and stay on base. It may be tough to get billeting during the week because these are very busy facilities, but rooms usually open up on weekends.

Nearly 20 million people visit San Antonio every year and military personnel make up a large percentage. Veterans frequently return for squadron reunions and historical sightseeing. Many more settle in San Antonio after retiring from military service because of the mild climate and easy access to major military facilities where they can maximize retiree health benefits, such as commissary privileges and health care.

But it's not just retirees who love the area. Active duty members and families also find much to appreciate from the unique shops and restaurants along the downtown Riverwalk to the world's first uphill water coaster at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. San Antonio provides the picture-perfect setting for great family vacations, beginning with the San Antonio Children's Museum, where kids are encouraged to explore a miniature version of the city. The Magik Theatre provides family professional theater in the heart of downtown. The Downtown All-Around playground at HemisFair Park and the newly renovated Milam Park (across from Market Square) provide excellent stops for kids to burn off excess energy. And don't forget the Tower of the Americas, which offers a spectacular view of San Antonio from 750 feet above the ground. Steps away from the Tower of the Americas is UTSA's Institue of Texan Cultures, San Antonio's experience museum, featuring interactive exhibits and activities for families that celebrate Texas's multicultural heritage!

The Plaza Theatre of Wax houses more than 225 life-like characters in four themed sections - Hollywood, Horror, History and Religion. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! has more than 500 unique curiosities from around the world. Brackenridge Park, a 433-acre refuge in the heart of the city, offers a full day of family fun. The San Antonio Zoo, with a collection of more than 3,000 animals, is ranked as one of the best in the country. The Witte Museum's philosophy is hands-on learning, with exhibits exploring Texas history and science. The Brackenridge Eagle Miniature Train and Kiddie Park will round out a day of fun and education.

San Antonio is also home to two major theme parks - Sea World San Antonio, the world's largest marine life park, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the town built just for fun! Sea World combines fun with education and appreciation for some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures through more than 25 shows, educational exhibits and rides.

Six Flags Theme Park is a non-stop celebration of San Antonio and South Texas. It's created around four themed areas: the Mexican town of Los Festivales, the Greman village of Spassburg, the 1920 cowboy boom town of Crackaxle Canyon, and the small Texas town of Rockville during the golden age of rock'n'roll, which includes Fiesta Bay Boardwalk, a '50s-'60s seaside boardwalk complete with a 90-foot ferris wheel.

San Antonio At A Glance

Cost of Living: According to the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the area's cost of living is about five percent below the national average. As the 8th largest city in the U.S., San Antonio's cost of living is the lowest among similarly-sized metropolitan areas in the nation.

Housing: Off-base housing is plentiful, with lots of new development on the north side of town. Many families opt to invest in homes here because they're more affordable than other parts of the country. The rental market, however, is fairly tight and can be pricey in certain areas.

Education: Local school districts operate public elementary schools on and off base. Middle and high schools are all off base. A wide variety of private schools are also available, often sponsored by religious institutions. Several major colleges and universities have campuses in San Antonio and outlying suburbs.

Employment: A wide variety of positions is available on and off base. For off-base jobs, check local classifieds at MySanAntonio.com.

Commuting: A snap compared to most major metropolitan cities. Expect to spend some time on the major highways (IH-35, Hwy 281, Loop 410, Loop 1604) for your morning and evening commutes. The average commute for San Antonio drivers is 22 minutes.

Entertainment: Though best known as the home of the Alamo - the symbol of Texas's break from Mexico - San Antonio today is more defined by its integration of Anglo and Hispanic cultures. The blend of diverse cultures comes together in the eateries and shops of the vibrant Riverwalk. Almost every major sight or park, including the city's many old Spanish missions is within a few miles of downtown and accessible by public transit.

Local Festivals include: Alamo Irish Festival - March; Dawn at the Alamo and Remember the Alamo Weekend - March; Fiesta San Antonio - April; International Accordion Festival - Oct; Jazz's Alive - Sept; Mariachi Festival - April; Mud Festival - Jan; San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo - Feb; Summer Art & Jazz Festival - June; Tejano Conjunto Festival - May; Texas Folklife Festival - June.

Performing Arts: San Antonio Symphony

Nearby Parks & Recreation: RiverWalk, Mission Trail, Government Canyon State Natural Area, HemisFair Park, Brackenridge Park, Friedrich Wilderness Park

Sports Teams: SPURS (NBA), Missions (minor league baseball), Rampage (AHL), Silver Stars (WNBA)

Historic Sites and Museums: The Alamo, San Antonio Missions National Historical parik, Witte Museum, Casa Navarro State Historical Park, San Antonio Museum of Art, Texas Air Museum, McNay Art Museum