Air ForceInstallation guide

Sheppard Air Force Base

Wichita Falls, Texas · United States. Mission, community context and official resources for your next step.

LocationWichita Falls, Texas
Country / territoryUnited States
Map categoryAir Force
Sources reviewed2026-09-30

Sheppard Air Force Base at a glance

Sheppard Air Force Base combines technical education with international pilot training. The 82nd Training Wing provides instruction for Airmen and personnel from other services in fields including aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, electronics, fuels and telecommunications. A separate organization, the 80th Flying Training Wing, runs the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program with U.S. and allied instructors and students.

The installation began as a Second World War Army Air Corps training center and was dedicated in 1941. It became Sheppard Air Force Base in 1948. That long educational role remains visible in today's mix of technical students, pilot trainees, instructors and installation-support personnel. Sheppard's two principal training wings offer different courses and experiences despite sharing the same Wichita Falls installation.

Also searched as: Sheppard AFB, Sheppard Field.

Sources: Sheppard AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Mission and major activities

  • Provides technical training across multiple career fields.
  • Operates Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training.
  • Supports U.S. and allied instructors and students.

Sources: Sheppard AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Location and community

Sheppard is in Wichita Falls in North Texas, near the Oklahoma border and Red River. Dallas and Oklahoma City are separate regional cities.

Sources: Sheppard AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Before you arrive

Planning for this location

Technical trainees generally belong to the 82nd Training Wing system; the international pilot-training program belongs to the separate 80th Flying Training Wing.

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

  1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
  2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
  3. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
  4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
  5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: Sheppard AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Sheppard Air Force Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

Housing and family support

Find housing, relocation assistance, childcare and school liaison contacts for the correct installation or support community.

Find official contacts

Spouse employment

Review federal spouse hiring guidance and ask the local family support office about employment resources.

Review spouse hiring guidance

Health care and benefits

Locate VA facilities near the community where you plan to live after service. Confirm your eligibility and appointments with the provider.

Find VA locations

Relocation checklist

Prepare questions about paperwork, household goods and family needs with official moving resources.

Plan the move

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Sheppard Air Force Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Technical instructionAircraft maintenanceElectronicsAviation training

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Translate your experience

Turn your MOS, AFSC or rating into civilian job titles and resume language. Adjust the result to reflect your actual work.

Use the MOS translator

Prepare your resume

Build a clear resume around skills, outcomes, credentials and the roles you want next.

Open Resume Studio

Plan your transition

Organize your separation timeline and discuss official requirements with your transition counselor.

Open the separation planner

Find federal opportunities

Search current announcements and read the location, hiring path and qualifications in each posting.

Search USAJOBS

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Where is Sheppard Air Force Base?

Sheppard Air Force Base is listed in this guide at Wichita Falls, Texas, United States. The map point is approximate. For arrival and reporting information, use official resources and your orders.

What is Sheppard Air Force Base known for?

Provides technical training across multiple career fields. Operates Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training.

What should I confirm before arriving?

Technical trainees generally belong to the 82nd Training Wing system; the international pilot-training program belongs to the separate 80th Flying Training Wing.

How can I prepare for a civilian career from here?

Start with your own military occupation and experience. Use the MOS translator, resume builder and separation planner, and discuss your timeline with the official transition counselor. LockLeed helps candidates pursue direct-hire civilian roles at no cost to the candidate.

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

  1. Sheppard AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overviewSupports: overview, mission, local context, planning note
Shared planning and career resources

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.