Location
Schriever AFB is located in El Paso County, the largest county in Colorado and 12 miles east of the city of Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs, the second largest city in Colorado, and located 61 miles south of the State Capitol. Offering an ideal blend of business opportunity, culture and outdoor recreation, Colorado is home to more than 25 ski resorts. Colorado Springs is a vacation haven that draws over 6 million visitors annually. Notable attractions in Colorado Springs include the famous Broadmoor Hotel, US Olympic Center and the Nation’s highest elevation zoo. Colorado Springs is the largest municipality in El Paso County with an estimated population of 380,000. According to ACCRA Cost of Living index Colorado Springs sit at 92.8 out of composite index of 100. Colorado Springs is located on the eastern boundary of the Rocky Mountains with the 14,110 foot Pikes Peak to the west. The base operator number is 719-567-1110.
History
The history of Schriever AFB goes back to the decision to establish a new space control facility approved by the Secretary of Defense in September 1979. The site, formerly known as Falcon Air Station, was chosen from 12 possible sites and ground breaking took place in May 1983. On June 5, 1998, Falcon Air Station was renamed Schriever Air Force Base in honor of retired General Bernard A. Schriever, who pioneered the development of the nation’s ballistic missile programs and is recognized as “the father of the United States Air Force’s space and missile program.” Schriever AFB is the only Air Force base that was named after a person who was living at the time. General Schriever died in June 2005. For more information on Schriever’s history, visit the installation’s homepage.
Mission
Schriever AFB is the home of the 50th Space Wing, the Space Innovation and Development Center, the Missile Defense Agency’s Joint National Integration Center, 310th Space Group and numerous tenant organizations. The 50th Space Wing’s mission is to command satellites to deliver decisive global effects, to include precision navigation and timing and secure satellite communication, through command and control of DOD satellite systems. The other units at Schriever also perform space missions. We are unique in that we have no flight line and no aircraft mission.
Population Served
Title Number
Active Duty 1,644
Army/Navy/Marines 24
Family Members 476
ANG/Reserve & IMA 478
Appropriated Fund Civilians 601
Non-Appropriated Fund Contract 5,273
Base Transportation
Because of the close walking distance between facilities there is no shuttle service outside the restricted area however; shuttle service is provided continuously throughout the day inside the restricted area. Bus schedules are posted throughout the base. A free bus shuttle is also available to Schriever AFB personnel residing at Peterson AFB. Security Forces has instituted a carpooling program. If you drive to work with at least one other person you can park just west of the North Entry Control Facility in designated, reserved carpool parking slots. The Vanpool program is available at Schriever AFB. A vanpool is a group of 5 to 15 people who commute to work on a regular basis in a van provided by VPSI, Inc. The riders share a fee that covers the cost of operating the van. The vanpool group determines their daily route. Riders meet at a designated pick-up location, such as a shopping center.
Sponsorship
Upon receiving PCS orders it is important to gather as much information about your new location. The sponsorship program is a great way to accomplish this. Units should assign sponsors to in-bound personnel. The sponsor should contact you and send a sponsor package for your use. Sponsors are a great resource for you before, during and after your arrival. They can assist you with questions, make lodging arrangements and meet you upon arrival to the area. If you have not received a sponsor or sponsor package, please contact the Schriever Airman and Family Readiness Center at DSN 312-560-3920 or 719-567-3920.
During normal duty hours, contact your sponsor or the unit you are assigned to. If they are unable to assist you, contact the 50 FSS/MPS DSN 312-560-5900, 719-567-5900. . Newcomers wanting to forward their mail or send packages should contact the Peterson AFB Post Office to set up a P.O. Box at DSN: 312834-4865.
Temporary Quarters
Currently, Schriever does not have Temporary Lodging. The Temporary Lodging facility is located at Peterson AFB and space is limited. There are 40 TLF units which have fully-equipped kitchens and sleep up to five people. Call DSN 312-834-6293/8048 to make reservations as soon as you receive orders. Newcomers are limited to a fifteen-day stay and then can stay additional days on a space available basis. Pets are allowed in the Temporary Lodging Facility but limited. Pet units are available only in a one, two bedroom unit and in three, one bedroom units. There are several kennels located a short distance from the base. Hotel/motel availability may be scarce during the summer due to the large number of tourists who visit the area, so plan ahead and make reservations.
Relocation Assistance
If you are in need of a few items until your household items arrive, the Schriever Airman and Family Readiness Center hosts the base Loan Closet which is equipped with a supply of household and baby items for temporary checkout. The Loan Closet hours are 7:30 am until 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. They can be reached at 917-567-3920 or DSN 312-560-3920. The Airman and Family Readiness Center is located at 65 Hahn Avenue (in the temporary building across from the Child Development Center). New arrivals to Schriever are scheduled to attend the Right Start briefing held the third Thursday of every month.
Critical Installation Information
Though Schriever is a growing base, some of the services that are normally provided at most Air Force bases are currently not available on Schriever. However, Peterson AFB, a full service base, is only ten miles down the road and offers support functions.
The Schriever AFB commercial prefix is 567, and the DSN prefix is 560. For Schriever AFB Operator Assistance, call DSN 312-560-1110 or 719-567-1110. The Colorado Springs area code is 719.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.