Washington, D.C.—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured $66.3 million for Recruit Housing & Training Facilities, a Training System Simulator and F-16 Mission Training Center at the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) in the fiscal year 2021 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCONVA) Appropriations bill. This funding will provide JBSA with the resources and facilities to train its Airman, increasing our military’s readiness and preparedness.

This bill passed in the Appropriations Committee and now goes to the House Floor for consideration.

“The men and women who every day protect our nation through their service deserve our full support,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This funding will provide JBSA the necessary equipment and resources to prepare for future challenges and strengthen our overall national security. As a senior Member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, I am committed to funding projects at JBSA so they can continue to be a critical asset to our national defense.

“I would like to thank Appropriations Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger as well as MILCONVA Subcommittee Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz and Ranking Member Carter for their support of our military and Veterans. I also want to thank Congressman Will Hurd for helping me secure this critical funding for JBSA ”

Funding for New Recruit Housing & Training Facilities

Congressman Cuellar secured $36 million to construct a Recruit Housing & Training (RH&T) facilities for Basic Military Training (BMT) at JBSA. These RH&T facilities will accommodate 1248 recruits; 48 recruits per flight, 24 flights per squadron with 4 reserve bed spaces per flight in order to address surges, gender separation and injured recruits. These new facilities will replace the original facilities constructed in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

One of Lackland Air Force Base's primary missions is to educate and train every Basic Military Training (BMT) enlisted recruit when entering military service in the U.S. Air Force. Without quality BMT programs and state-of-the-art, master-planned facilities, the Air Force will have difficulty recruiting, training, and retaining new recruits. Properly sized, sited, designed, and furnished facilities are essential to successfully train future Air Force enlisted personnel. To support current accession rates, a total of 8 RH&T facilities are required to accomplish the BMT mission at Lackland AFB.

Funding for Training System Simulator

Congressman Cuellar secured $19.5 million for a ground base training system simulator for JBSA. This project provides critical real-world mission rehearsal and training for T-7A pilots. Without it, pilots will be unable to provide adequate support in operational tactics development while also maintaining proficiency through flight simulator training. JBSA Randolph will see the first simulator arrive in 2nd Quarter FY2022 and T-7A aircraft will arrive in 1st Quarter FY 2023 for Initial Operational Test and Evaluation.

Currently Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is engaged in a $20B major acquisition effort to re-capitalize its aging fleet of 430 T-38C aircraft and associated training systems currently located at five existing bases, with the T-7A system comprised of 350 total aircraft, and the associated Ground-Based Training System. These funds will be used to construct a facility addition to hold a ground-based facility training simulator system, which consists of a Weapon Systems Trainer, Operational Flight Trainer and Unit Training Device. 

Funding for a F-16 Mission Training Center

Congressman Cuellar secured $10.8 million for a new F-16 Mission Training Center for the Air National Guard at JBSA. The Center will house simulators capable of housing 4 simulator bays, training rooms, and administrative support areas. JBSA is scheduled to receive mission training systems, however, the base does not possess excess or suitable space to bed down the simulator devices and conduct supporting training and maintenance activities. 

Therefore, with these funds the Air National Guard will be able to gain maximum efficiency in training, proficiency, and mission readiness for its fighter pilots. Realistic multi-aircraft, multi-platform combat training directly increases mission effectiveness and combat readiness.

To see Congressman Cuellar’s speak on the Appropriations floor about this MILCONVA funding, click here.

To read Congressman Cuellar’s language for JBSA in the MILCONVA Appropriations bill, click here.