JBSA-Lackland Airman Training Complex (ATC) Dormitories

Lackland Air Force Base, a component of Joint Base San Antonio, is instrumental in ensuring the mission readiness of the U.S. Air Force. All enlisted U.S. Air Force personnel attend Basic Military Training (BMT) at this Texas facility. To address maintenance efficiencies and functional limitations with aged dormitories, dining halls and associated infrastructure, the U.S. Air Force engaged Merrick & Company for multi-year program to design new, state-of-the-art BMT facilities.

To efficiently house and train the nearly 80,000 students graduating annually, Merrick designed eight new 260,000 square feet, four-story Airman Training Complex (ATC) buildings. Each new ATC building houses a BMT Squadron. Up to 1,248 trainees are assigned to each dormitory, complete with sleeping quarters, showers and restrooms, an instructional dayroom and instructor offices. The ATC ground floor is nearly all open formation space for ceremonies and training, with a skylight above for natural lighting and louvered dormers for gravity-driven ventilation.

Design for the ATCs combines highly specialized operational and living requirements within the Lackland AFB context to facilitate world-class training and build esprit de corps. The Merrick team crafted spaces and selected material for maximum durability and reduced maintenance. Additionally, Merrick’s ATC design balanced durability and function with sustainability. One of the many building elements supporting a LEED certifiable design is a grey water collection system for irritation.

Given the high number of trainees living at the Base at any given time of the year, design of ATCs had to accommodate efficient movement of large groups in formation – in both interior and exterior spaces. Each ATC has a drill pad, running track, three exercise pads, war skills training areas and a weapons cleaning pavilion. These large, unified spaces offer flexibility and permit adjustments as the mission changes.