What to pack
You will be outside for hours, walking between parking lots and ceremony venues. Pack for comfort:
- Required for every adult (18+) to enter base. Fix now if expired or missing the gold star, it takes weeks.
- You will walk a lot on concrete and grass.
- Weather-appropriate clothes. San Antonio swings from 40°F mornings to 90°F afternoons depending on the season. Check the forecast the night before.
- Camera or charged phone. You will take hundreds of photos. Bring a portable charger.
- Water and snacks. Ceremonies are long and concessions are limited.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses if your week falls in spring or summer.
What to leave at your hotel
All bags are . There is no storage on base. If security finds a prohibited item, it is confiscated and you will not get it back.
Prohibited
- Weapons (including pocket knives)
- Alcohol
- Cannabis, THC vapes, and CBD (federal law applies regardless of home state)
- Noise makers (air horns, cowbells)
Restricted (allowed with limits)
- Smoking and vaping in designated areas only. Nearest one is behind the Reception Center bleachers.
- Service dogs performing a trained task only. No emotional support animals, comfort pets, or therapy dogs.
See the Getting There guide for the full security process.
Packing for tech school
Your Airman ships to tech school Friday morning with . Use town pass time Thursday to help them pack.
- Green Duffle(issued)
- Backpack(issued)
- One Personal Suitcase(max 24" × 26" (standard medium checked bag))
Things to bring them: civilian clothes, toiletries, laptop, phone chargers, and snacks for the bus or flight. If they are flying to tech school, check with their training instructor about shipping the duffle separately.
Frequently asked questions
- What ID do I need to enter JBSA-Lackland for graduation?
- All visitors 18+ need a valid photo ID. A passport or Real ID (gold star on your license) gets you through fastest. A regular driver's license still works, but you'll go through extra processing at the visitor center, which takes longer. Minors don't need ID if accompanied by an adult.
- Can I bring a pocket knife to BMT graduation?
- No. No weapons of any kind on JBSA-Lackland, including pocket knives. Also off-limits: alcohol, cannabis, THC vapes, CBD (federal law applies regardless of your home state), and noise makers like air horns or cowbells. There's no storage on base, so leave anything questionable at your hotel.
- Can I smoke or vape on JBSA-Lackland during graduation?
- Smoking and vaping are only allowed in designated smoking areas on base. The nearest one to the graduation area is behind the Reception Center bleachers. Smoking or vaping anywhere else isn't allowed.
- What luggage can my Airman bring to tech school?
- Airmen can bring three bags: their issued green duffle, issued backpack, and one personal suitcase (max 24" x 26", standard medium checked bag size). Use Thursday Town Pass to help them pack. Bring them civilian clothes, toiletries, laptop, phone chargers, and snacks for the trip.
- What can I bring to BMT graduation at Lackland AFB?
- Bring comfortable shoes (you'll walk a lot), water and snacks, a portable phone charger, and sunscreen if it's hot that week. Standard purses, diaper bags, and backpacks are fine. All bags get searched at the gate. Don't bring: weapons (including pocket knives), alcohol, cannabis, THC vapes, or CBD (federal law applies regardless of your home state), or noise makers like air horns or cowbells. Leave anything questionable at your hotel. All adults need a Real ID or passport.