Organizations

28th Bomb Wing
The 28th Bomb Wing is assigned to the 12th Air Force under Air Combat Command. The mission of the 28th Bomb Wing is to put bombs on target. Every Airman in the wing, whether they are maintaining equipment, assisting personnel, pulling a trigger or aiming crosshairs, plays a vital role in putting bombs on target. The 28th Bomb Wing is home to 28 B-1B Lancers, and in 2012 will begin flying MQ-9 Reaper missions.

The 28th Bomb Wing is divided into the 28th Operations Group, the 28th Maintenance Group, the 28th Mission Support Group and the 28th Medical Group. (see 28th Bomb Wing Organizational Chart on page 7)

The 28th Bomb Wing commander's staff consists of a vice commander, an executive officer, secretary, director of staff, command chief master sergeant, wing inspector general, historian, information management, protocol, public affairs, legal, chapel, equal opportunity, wing plans, treaty compliance, safety, AFSO21, antiterrorism, information protection, sexual assault response coordinator and the 28th Comptroller Squadron.

28th Operations Group
The mission of the 28th Operations Group, whose motto is to Find and Kill the Enemy, is to provide combat-ready B-1B aircrews for world-wide taskings, including conventional operations and power projection. Airmen in the 28th OG fly the B-1B, plan and support combat operations, and develop deployment plans. Additionally, they manage the base airfield, radar approach control facilities, and air traffic control tower. The group also includes a weather section, a life support flight, and flight and tower simulators.

The 28th OG Intelligence Flight provides current intelligence information and analysis ranging from strategic intelligence for the base's senior leadership to the tactical level required by the group's combat aircrews.

The 28th Operations Group commands three squadrons and a detachment: the 28th Operations Support Squadron, the 34th Bomb Squadron, the 37th Bomb Squadron, and Detachment 1.

28th Operations Support Squadron
The 28th Operations Support Squadron supports the 28th Bomb Wing in all aspects of flying operations to effectively and efficiently train and conduct combat operations.

A diverse squadron, the 28th OSS oversees airfield management, weather support, intelligence analysis, combat crew communications, B-1 simulator training, aircrew flight equipment, aircrew flight records, the Belle Fourche Electronic Scoring Site (ESS), combat survival training, and weapons and tactics training.

The airfield operations flight manages the base's airfield and runway, as well as radar approach control (RAPCON) and the control tower. In 2008, Ellsworth launched the Department of Defense's first noncontiguous RAPCON facility — the Dakota Air Traffic Control Facility, which controls airspace areas separated by more than 260 miles, including Rapid City Regional Airport, Ellsworth AFB, Minot Regional Airport and Minot AFB, N.D.

The weather support flight provides global weather information for all organizations on the base including operations, maintenance, and support. Combat crew communications manages all flight publications and secure communications to support B-1 training and combat missions.

The current operations flight accomplishes long-range scheduling for the wing's aircraft, manages the wing's annual flying hour program, schedules and manages 28th Bomb Wing airspace, and maintains flight records for more than 160 aircrew.

The Belle Fourche ESS in Colony, Wyo., maintains and operates one of the Air Force's threat simulation sites supporting training and combat readiness for units across the Air Force and the Department of Defense.

Aircrew flight equipment builds and maintains all life sustaining aircrew equipment including survival vests and aircraft ejection seat kits. They also conduct all aircrew combat survival instruction for wing personnel and aircrews.

The Mission Employment Center operates and maintains two full-motion, state-of-the-art, Weapons System Trainers — or B-1 simulators — to support training for base aircrews. The simulators include the ability to virtually link to other simulators across the Department of Defense to provide integrated multi-force training. The wing's focal point for B-1 tactics, training, and execution is the weapons and tactics flight. The flight is responsible for ensuring wing combat readiness for worldwide operational taskings, plans, and supports combat operations and deployments for two tactical B-1 squadrons. Additionally, it provides deployable planning and support teams for B-1 employment. The flight maintains the ability to deploy worldwide and function autonomously at forward locations.

34th Bomb Squadron
Known as the Thunderbirds, the 34th Bomb Squadron's mission is to defeat America's enemies across the globe at a moment's notice.

The history of the 34th Bomb Squadron dates back to World War I, when the U.S. Army organized the 34th Aero Squadron in June 11, 1917. During assignment with the 17th Pursuit Group, the squadron became equipped with the P-12 biplane fighter. In 1935 and 1936, the squadron gradually transitioned from the P-12 and P-26 Peashooter to the A-17 and YA-19, which it kept until 1940 when it began flying the B-18 and the B-23 bombers. On April 18, 1942, 34th crews famously flew the B-25 Mitchell from the deck of the U.S.S. Hornet with crews from the 37th Bomb Squadron during the Doolittle Raid against Japan.

Throughout the war, the 34th flew bombing missions in the B-26 Invader overseas and then returned to the United States in November 1945. The day after its arrival, the squadron was inactivated. The 34th BS went through numerous activations and deactivations over its history. However, it was able to fly interdiction and close air support missions in Korea, transitioning to the B-57, the B-66, and then finally the B-52 Stratofortress aircraft.

When the unit moved to Ellsworth on April 1, 1994, it began flying the B-1B Lancer. On April 1, 1997, the squadron moved again, transferring to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the 34th BS was one of the first units to deploy overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On Sept. 19, 2002, the 34th BS moved back to Ellsworth from Mountain Home. As tensions rose in Iraq, the 34th BS deployed from Jan. 5 to May 15, 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Since 2003, the Thunderbirds have completed numerous deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Starting in 2007, the 34th entered a regular deployment schedule with other B-1 units with one year at home station followed by six months deployed. On average, these deployments result in over 6,000 combat hours and more than 500 combat sorties flown supporting overseas contingency operations. On March 27, 2011 the 34th BS flew the first ever B-1 combat mission launched from the United States to strike overseas targets when it participated in Operation Odyssey Dawn, flying non-stop from Ellsworth to strike targets in Libya.

37th Bomb Squadron
The 37th Bomb Squadron Tigers are responsible for employing the B-1B Lancer in support of Department of Defense missions.

The 37th BS consists of approximately 70 Airmen, including aviators, intelligence, and aviation resource management Airmen. These Airmen enable the Tigers to remain on the leading edge of B-1 employment supporting precision engagement and global attack missions.

The 37th BS is among the Air Force's most senior units. It began as the 37th Aero Squadron in June 1913, and served with the American Expeditionary Force in France during World War I. During World War II, the 37th served for a short time with the 28th Composite Group in 1940, and then was assigned to the 17th Bomb Group. As part of the 17th BG, the 37th participated in one of the most famous air raids of World War II. Three crews trained in B-25 Mitchell bombers and flew with Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle on the famous raid over Tokyo in April 1942. After the war ended the squadron was deactivated. In 1950, the 37th reactivated as a night intruder squadron and transferred to Pusan, Korea. The squadron flew the B-26 Invader on night interdiction missions during the Korean Was. The squadron "hunted at night, like tigers" and adopted its current patch: a Bengal Tiger.

The 37th Bomb Squadron joined the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth in 1977, flying the B-25H Stratofortress. On Jan. 1, 1987, the squadron transitioned to its current aircraft, the B-1B Lancer.

In December 1998, the Tigers became the first unit to employ the B-1 in combat in support of Operation Desert Fox in Iraq. One year later, Tiger crews teamed with the 77th Bomb Squadron for Operation Allied Force and flew combat operations in Kosovo and Serbia.

After Sept. 11, 2001, the 37th again roared into action alongside the 34th and formed the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. Flying missions to Afghanistan, the squadron contributed to the 34th EBS effort to drive the Taliban from Afghanistan. During this time, the combined squadron flew 5 percent of the strike missions but released nearly 40 percent of the total bomb tonnage — more than 1,730 tons.

In March 2003, crews from the 37th BS joined crews from the 34th BS to employ the B-1 in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tiger crews flew numerous combat missions over Iraq, including a strike against high priority leadership targets in Baghdad.

Since 2003, the Tigers accomplished numerous deployments supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In 2007, the 37th began regular deployments to the Middle East, rotating with other B-1 units, with one year at home station followed by six months deployed. On average the squadron flies over 6,000 combat hours and more than 500 combat sorties per deployment. Additionally, 37th BS personnel supported the 34th's Libya strike missions from Ellsworth from a forward operating location during Operation Odyssey Dawn, the first ever B-1 combat mission launched from the United States to strike overseas targets. A steady contributor to America's airpower might, the 37th Bomb Squadron Tigers surely will continue to contribute to securing America's safety for many more years.

Detachment 1
Established on April 1, 2011, 28th Operations Group, Detachment 1 serves as the precursor to the planned activation of the 432nd Attack Squadron which will operate the remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper. The squadron's activation is planned for late January 2012. Approximately 200 military personnel will be assigned to the new squadron.

The 432nd ATKS traces its heritage back to the 89th Aero Squadron which was activated to participate in World War I. Deactivated after the war, the squadron was reactivated in 1940 as the 89th Reconnaissance Squadron. The squadron trained on B-25 Mitchell bombers and participated in the Doolittle Raid over Tokyo with the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons. Shortly after the Doolittle Raid, the 89th Reconnaissance Squadron was redesignated the 432nd Bomb Squadron and assigned to the European theater. The 432nd Bomb Squadron was deactivated in November 1945.

28th Mission Support Group
The 28th Mission Support Group provides mission essential "city" services at home and combat support services to Airmen while deployed. The group provides essential services for active-duty members, retirees and civilians and their families including food services, security, vehicles, supplies, computer and telephone support, civil engineering, educational and recreational services, and personnel support. Six squadrons are under the 28th MSG umbrella: the 28th Communications Squadron, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron, 28th Contracting Squadron, 28th Force Support Squadron, 28th Security Forces Squadron and the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

28th Civil Engineer Squadron
The 28th Civil Engineer Squadron provides the necessary assets and skilled personnel to prepare and sustain installations throughout the world, in times of war and peace. The squadron's dual mission is to provide quality home-station engineer services for rapid, decisive, sustainable combat support, anytime, anywhere. Additionally, the Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force (Prime BEEF) mobility teams stand ready to rapidly deploy anytime, anywhere to provide fully responsive engineer capabilities in support of our nation's contingencies. This dual mission of war readiness and infrastructure maintenance is accomplished with a combined military and civilian work force capable of rapid transition between missions.

Civil engineers support the installation and the Air Force mission by applying resources to accomplish required tasks in the following areas — readiness/emergency management, real property maintenance and accountability, utility services, minor construction, fire protection, explosive ordnance disposal, disaster preparedness, environmental protection, non-real property services and technical and management services.

The squadron consists of seven flights: asset management, programs, operations, resources, emergency management, explosive ordnance disposal, and fire and emergency services.

In addition to daily operations, the civil engineer Prime BEEF is responsible for maintaining, repairing, operating and recovering the base — or any installation around the world — before, during and after a peacetime or wartime disaster, or deploying a fully capable engineer force in support of contingency operations.

28th Contracting Squadron
The mission of the 28th Contracting Squadron is to provide agile contracting support and business advice to Ellsworth and combatant commanders. The squadron consists of three flights: The LGCA Acquisition Flight provides contract support for commodity and service requirements. The flight oversees $40 million in recurring service contracts, $5 million in medical support personnel contracts, $9 million in utilities and another $20 million in commodity purchases.

The LGCB Acquisition Flight provides construction and related support to the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron. The flight oversees $30 million and over 100 annual requirements for construction and direct support to the 28th Bomb Wing and Ellsworth tenant units.

The LGCP Plans and Programs Flight supports the base's contract Quality Assurance Program, Government Purchase Card program and Contracting Systems Support activity. The Quality Assurance Program Coordinator ensures contract compliance on 14 major service contracts in a $37 million portfolio. The government purchases total $10 million in annual expenditures. This flight is also responsible for maintaining the unit's procurement database and web-based systems. The Purchase Card Coordinator oversees nearly 200 managing accounts, 300 cards and 13,000 GPC activities.

In addition, all three flights collectively carry out congressionally-mandated socioeconomic programs through small business outreach events and by awarding contracts to businesses in several small business categories. Each year, the squadron awards more than $30 million to small businesses, which amounts to nearly 80 percent of available contract dollars. The squadron also contracts with a local AbilityOne contractor for another $13 million annually, which provides jobs for people with severe disabilities. Through these programs, 28th CONS not only complies with the law but also serves as a good community partner.

28th Communications Squadron
The 28th Communications Squadron's vision to set the cyberspace standard of excellence for the Air Force is summarized by their motto: "Wired for War." The squadron provides combat ready Airmen in support of warfighter requirements while developing cyberspace professionals focused on world class customer support to all units assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base. The squadron consists of two flights — Operations Flight, and Plans and Resources Flight — as well as a command section and Policy and Evaluations section.

The Operations Flight consists of six sections:
Airfield Systems supports Ellsworth's flying mission, the Rapid City Regional Airport, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and the Western Air Defense Sector by maintaining geographically separated air traffic control and weather radar systems in direct support of military and civilian air traffic control. Infrastructure Systems manages network connectivity and sustains our Long-Haul Communications circuits. Knowledge Operations Management supports Ellsworth with enterprise information management, records management, knowledge management and content management functions. They also manage the wing publications and forms programs and oversee the wing Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act programs Cyber Systems Operations sustains servers that make technology work and continue to work for Ellsworth personnel. Be it network services, BlackBerry support, applications, file storage, firewalls, or anti-virus updates, the Airmen in CSO touch every user on a daily basis. RF Transmissions sustains numerous radio systems, the base "Giant Voice" emergency broadcast network in addition to providing public address system support.

The Client Service Center has three missions vital to both daily IT user services and mission systems maintenance. The heartbeat of the squadron, the Communications Focal Point maintains systems and personnel status, and directs corrective actions in a timely manner by interfacing with external agencies users, and production work centers. The CSC technicians provide desktop, voice network and personal wireless communication touch maintenance support along with installing and configuring software, operating systems and applications. Finally Computer Systems Management provides cradle to grave management and accountability of the entire wing's IT equipment. The Operations Flight also manages base postal activities.

The Plans and Resources Flight is a small but dynamic flight with three unique and vital missions:
The Plans Office provides short and long range communications and information planning for Ellsworth. The wing Information Assurance Office provides base-level information assurance services and manages communication security programs to include Communications, Computer, and Emission security as well the Information Assurance Awareness and Telecommunications Monitoring and Assessment Programs. Finally the Force Development office is the central point for all training, readiness, and deployment management.

The 28th Communication Squadron command section includes the squadron commander, superintendent, first sergeant, and unit program manager. The Policy and Evaluations Section ensures quality maintenance and other functional area support services through evaluation, deficiency identification and trend analysis.

28th Logistics Readiness Squadron
The mission of the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron is to provide responsive, reliable and sustainable logistics support anytime, anywhere. The squadron is made up of more than 340 professionals separated into four flights and two sections. These professionals provide support to 39 wing and tenant units with mobility readiness and operations, vehicle operations, vehicle and equipment maintenance, personal property and cargo shipments, fuel storage and distribution, supply and equipment accountability, war reserve materiel program, and maintains B-1 spares packages and aircraft parts.

The 28th LRS Deployment and Distribution Flight is the single wing authority for receiving, storing and shipping DoD supplies and equipment, handling more than 20,000 different commodities valued in excess of $174 million. It manages the base U-Drive-It fleet, buses and DV vehicles. Additionally, the Deployment and Distribution flight is the wing contact for war reserve materiel management, deployment planning, training and execution, base and expeditionary support planning, sustainment, redeployment, mobility bags, small arms weapons and wing support agreements management. This flight also manages air terminal operations, as well as provides logistics readiness deployment training for all installation personnel to carry out deployment tasks.

During contingency operations, the Deployment and Distribution flight provides wing command and control through the Deployment Control Center and the Installation Deployment Readiness Cell. The Deployment and Distribution Flight is also responsible for arranging the movement and storage of personal property and providing ticketing for official travel of DoD passengers. This is the flight to contact upon arrival at Ellsworth to arrange for delivery of household goods. The squadron's Material Management Flight receives, stores, inventories and issues all stock listed materials for the 28th Bomb Wing. They are the focal point for all supply issues and the base level liaison for all equipment matters. Additionally the Material Management flight manages six B-1B mobility ready spares kits valued at more than $300 million that are postured for deployment at a moment's notice. They also accounts for all wing mobility bags and deployable small arms valued at more than $12 million. Lastly, the 28th LRS Material Management Flight ensures all repairable parts get processed and routed to the proper repair facilities and briefs the 28th Maintenance Group commander and 28th BW commander daily on aircraft MICAP status.

The Management and Systems Section provides the training, resources and systems required to ensure the efficient and effective operation of squadron processes. It is the primary liaison between base customers and the regional supply squadron. The flight provides interface with internal and external customers, and monitors performance to ensure quality service and accountability.

The 28th LRS Vehicle Management Flight is the single authority and source for maintenance and management of the installation's motor vehicle fleet. The flight is responsible for overall management, and maintenance of the wing's 630-vehicle fleet and assigns, accounts for and maintains vehicle assets so they are safe, efficient and environmentally sound to meet the wing's needs.

The Fuels Flight mission is to ensure more than 18 million gallons of quality petroleum products, cryogenics fluids and missile propellants are acquired or produced and issued safely and efficiently to using organizations annually.

28th Security Forces Squadron
The defenders of the 28th Security Forces Squadron provide integrated defense and combat capability to Ellsworth, the United States and the Air Force worldwide. Whether at home station or forward deployed, members of the 28th SFS provide an impenetrable umbrella of force protection encompassing all personnel, property and resources.

The squadron is divided into five flights that handle support staff functions (S1); ground intelligence and investigations (S2); operations and training (S3); logistics (S4); and plans and programs (S5). These staff agencies perform such roles as planning, equipping, training, directing and evaluating mission-related activities and personnel assigned to the 28th SFS. The staff also provides base support including crime prevention, resource protection, criminal investigation and intelligence, incident reporting, visitor control, pass and registration and reports and analysis.

Integrated defense is achieved through security patrolling, community policing, military working dog teams, a base-wide camera and alarm network and strict installation access control. These functions are at work around the clock to ensure protection of the base populace and protection level resources. Patrols maintain an excellent relationship with the public by making contact with the base populace while on patrol in an effort to better understand their concerns about law enforcement issues.

The 28th SFS Military Working Dog section not only provides explosive and drug detection capabilities to the base, but also assists local civil authorities as needed. The Defenders of the 28th Security Forces Squadron — "Courage Conquers All."

28th Force Support Squadron
The 28th Force Support Squadron provides services to Ellsworth's active-duty members, Department of Defense civilians, retirees and their families. The 28th FSS include Manpower and Personnel, Force Development, Sustainment Services, Airman and Family Services and Community Services. These flights, each with a distinct mission, combine to provide important support services to the Ellsworth community.

Following is a list of facilities and programs the 28th FSS operates and maintains for Ellsworth people and their families:
• Installation Personnel Readiness
• Military and Civilian Personnel Programs
• Dining Facility, Fitness Center
• Lodging, Airman and Family Readiness Center
• Child Development Center
• Family Child Care and Youth Programs
• Education and Training Section
• Library, Professional Development
• Airman Leadership School
• Arts & Crafts Center
• Auto Hobby Center
• Bowling Center
• Collocated Club
• Community Center
• Golf Course
• Veterinary Clinic
• Marketing • Outdoor Recreation

Military Personnel
The squadron's Military Personnel Element is located at the Rushmore Center, 1000 Ellsworth St. The MPE includes the Force Management, Customer Support and Career Development sections which provide many services to include ID card issue, assignments, promotions and testing. The virtual resource center is located on the second floor and the customer service section is located on the first floor. They can be reached at (605) 385-2427 or DSN 675-2427.

Civilian Personnel
The Civilian Personnel Flight provides services for approximately 400 civil service positions. Most jobs are in the logistics, medical and support areas.

About one third of the jobs serviced are wage grade (blue collar) and the rest, general schedule (white collar). Turnover in civil service jobs is somewhat limited. Employment opportunities are best for persons already in civil service. Employment information can be obtained at the Air Force Personnel Center Job website at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afjobs or by calling their information line at (800) 525-0102.

The base Commissary, Base Exchange and non-appropriated fund jobs are serviced by their own personnel offices. Additional information can be obtained by reviewing announcements and talking with staff members in the personnel office Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Manpower
Located in the Rushmore Center, their mission is to provide manpower and organization services to the 28th Bomb Wing and its subordinate units. This section's goal is to assist in determining the most efficient and effective use of manpower resources through development of objective manpower standards, Management Advisory Studies, Productivity Enhancement Programs and other manpower and organization activities.

Airman and Family Readiness Center
The Air Force realizes there is a direct correlation between a member's quality of life and their ability to successfully accomplish the mission. The Airman and Family Readiness Center is the focal point for personal preparedness and quality of life enhancement. The A&FRC is open to all active-duty members, Department of Defense civilians, retirees and their families. The A&FRC collaborates with base agencies to help foster a sense of community, family adaptation, personnel and family readiness. Its team of consultants and technicians serves as liaison to squadrons to help identify and resolve quality of life issues for individuals and families. The A&FRC has an extensive information and referral network to assist individuals in connecting to the right resource.

The A&FRC promotes resiliency in both the individual and family. These services may be direct or indirect with emphasis on readiness and retention. Some activities and services AFRC performs include:
• Readiness prepares individuals and families for separation and offers pre-planning and support during deployments, temporary duty assignments or remote tours, and reunion education. Personal and Family Financial Readiness strives to help customers maximize their purchasing power, improve standard of living, reduce stress and anxiety during financial crisis and increase resiliency.
• Family Life Education provides comprehensive individual and family assessments, skills development classes, support groups and activities that assist families in adapting to the military lifestyle.
• Employment works with individuals either one-on-one or in a group with career planning, job search workshops and job referral networks.
• Volunteer Program functions as the base community's focal point for volunteer recognition activity utilizing The President's Volunteer Service Award
• Air Force Aid Society offers assistance during emergencies in the form of interest-free loans and grants. Additional services include Give Parents A Break, Child Care for Volunteers, Child Care for PCS (inbound or outbound, 20 hours per child and open to all ranks), Car Care Because We Care, Respite Care and Bundles for Babies.
• Relocation Assistance provides individualized assistance, training, information and referral to inbound and outbound personnel and their families.
• Special Needs works with individuals enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) through partnerships with the base medical treatment facility, assignments section, youth center and child development center.
• School Liaison helps connect parents, schools and the military by providing direct assistance to parents in all matters to do with kindergarten through high school students.
• Transition Assistance equips separating and retiring military and civilian personnel and their families with the skills and knowledge necessary for a smooth, successful transition into the private sector.
• Casualty Assistance assists family members of deceased active duty personnel and retired military members from all branches of service.
• Discovery Resource Center is geared toward adult self-exploration and self-teaching. It features an Internet cafe-style setting, CAC enabled computer, an interactive children's corner and personalized assistance via a contractor.

Education and Training Section
The Education and Training Section has educational programs ranging from High School remediation to post-graduate level courses. There are two universities offering a range of degree programs on base. Several other schools are available in the nearby area, plus all the colleges available on the Internet.

Adult community education, including English as a second language and the general education diploma (GED high school equivalency certificate), is offered through the Career Learning Center in Rapid City. Western Dakota Technical Institute provides a variety of vocational-technical programs such as mechanics, drafting and medical fields. The Oglala Lakota College offers two- and four-year degrees with majors that include education and Native American studies.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and National American University offer on-base classes leading to associate, bachelor and master degrees. Each college has an extended campus on base to serve the needs of military and civilian students within the Rapid City area. Most classes are conducted on base and carry resident credit. National American University offers master degrees in management and business administration on base.

The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology campus is conveniently located in Rapid City. The school is nationally recognized, with a full range of engineering and technical degrees, including pre-health. Courses are scheduled primarily during the day with some evening classes available. The University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University have a combined nursing school located near the SDSM&T campus with course work from the two-year level through a master degree, including nurse practitioner.

In Rapid City, South Dakota State University provides a master in education with emphases in education administration or curriculum, and also offers instruction and a master of science in counseling and human resource development.

The Base Education and Training Center offers professional counseling and guidance, to include information on Air Force tuition assistance, GI Bill benefits, financial aid programs and choosing career or education goals. College offices, both on and off base, also provide advisement and assistance. Resources are also available at the base library.

Air Force Institute for Advanced Distributed Learning professional military education courses are available via correspondence. Several sources offer distance learning options, external degree programs and independent study opportunities. National American University provides a DANTES, On-base National Test Center, providing college equivalency exams (e.g. CLEP, DSST). Most testing services are free of charge for active-duty members. Adult family members of active-duty members, Department of Defense civilians, retirees and Reserve and Guard members can also benefit from DANTES services.

Counseling services are available, by appointment, to active-duty members, Department of Defense civilians, retirees and their families. The education center can be reached by calling (605) 385-2312 or DSN 675-2312, or by visiting the offices in the Rushmore Center, Suite 2800.

Holbrook Library
The Holbrook Library is open to all active-duty members, retirees, Department of Defense civilians, family members and students enrolled in classes through the base education office. The library's book collection of 44,000 volumes includes special collections of best sellers, the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Reading List, children's books, travel and South Dakota history. The library subscribes to many periodicals and newspapers, covering subjects from finance to woodworking. Children and adults will find educational and recreational DVDs and VHS cassettes in the 1,200 audiovisual collection. The library also has audio books and music in CD MP3 player format.

Twenty-three personal computers are available for research, e-mail and other Internet purposes. Computers are provided to create Microsoft Office and to scan documents to electronic format. A reference department includes a wide variety of materials to support all on-base education courses. The library online catalog provides access to all of the library's item records within the library and over the Internet. The library online catalog and electronic resources are available 24 hours, seven days a week, to all patrons with Internet access. Additional library materials can be obtained through our inter-library loan program. Available electronic resources include research databases, language learning, test preparation, online tutor access and online reference librarian access. A typewriter is available for customer use. Programs are available for the young reader, leisure reader or student. For more information, call (605) 385-1688 or DSN 675-1688.

Professional Development Section
Providing a range of services helping Airmen to prepare and/or to enhance their career is the Professional Development Section. Services provided by this section are the Career Assistance Advisor (CAA), all enlisted professional enhancement courses, and the First Term Airman Center (FTAC). A Career Assistance Advisor is available to assist Airmen with all matters concerning their military career. The CAA can provide information and assistance to airmen throughout their military career whether they are looking into a new Air Force Specialty Code or trying to decide to continue serving or to separate the Air Force.

The Professional Development Section offers professional enhancement through the NCO Professional Education and the Senior NCO Professional Education course providing NCOs with a bridge between their professional military education schools. The PE courses ensure NCOs are provided with continuing education in the areas of leadership, communications, and the profession of arms.

For all new first-term Airmen arriving on station, the First Term Airmen Center serves as a transition from the systematic and regimented training environment into the operational, hands on employment of the skills knowledge and training gained from technical school. For more information, call (605) 385-2367 or DSN 675-2367.

Airman Leadership School
The mission of the Airman Leadership School is to prepare senior airmen for positions of greater responsibility by broadening their leadership and managerial capabilities. The school is located in the Samuel O. Turner Professional Military Education Center and is fully equipped to support the five-week, in-residence course. The ALS faculty stands ready to instruct as many as 28 students per class, producing an average of 196 graduates each year.

ALS is an Air Force educational program implemented at the base level that prepares senior airmen for positions of greater responsibility. It provides many of the leadership skills required of supervisors and reporting officials throughout the Air Force. ALS enhances the development of senior airmen by strengthening their ability to lead, follow and manage while they gain a broader understanding of the military profession.

The resident Airman Leadership School program consists of 192 hours of primarily guided discussion classroom methodology, experiential activities and exercises, and case studies. The Community College of the Air Force grants college credits for course completion. The course consists of five Air University core areas: Profession of Arms, Warfare Studies, Leadership Studies, International Security Studies, and Communication Studies. The lessons in the core areas are distributed throughout the four graduate attributes. The attributes consist of the military professional, expeditionary airman, supervisor of airmen, and the supervisory communicator. The administrative time and commandant's time round out the course for ALS. For more information, call (605) 385-1680 or DSN 675-1680.

Bandit Inn Dining Facility
The Bandit Inn staff serves more than 165,000 meals annually. Enlisted personnel, retirees, and retiree family members, along with officers granted permission by the 28th Bomb Wing commander, are authorized to eat all meals in the facility. The staff provides monthly ethnic meals (rotating Hispanic, Italian, Oriental and Southern), quarterly birthday meals, and annual Christmas and Thanksgiving meals. The facility was awarded Air Combat Command's first Food Service Excellence Award in 1992 and was the runner up for the same award in 1995. The team of food service professionals also captured the 1993 John L. Hennessey Trophy — Single Facility, signifying the best food service operation in the Air Force. For more information, call (605) 385-1624 or DSN 675-1624.

Bone Café Flight Kitchen
The Bone Café Flight Kitchen serves around 300 members daily, with a focus on flight-line customers. The facility is open 24-hours-a-day, Monday through Friday, for ground support meals, offering three hot meals. The facility is open from 9 to 1 a.m. on weekends for ground support items and serves three hot meals. For more information, call (605) 385-1058 or DSN 675-1058.

Bellamy Fitness Center
The Bellamy Fitness Center is equipped to fulfill the needs of physical fitness enthusiasts, sports participants and individuals interested in gaining and or maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle. The center serves active-duty members, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and their families. Fitness center staff offers 68 classes monthly, conducts two special events monthly, and offers nine intramural/recreational sports core while serving an average of 675 customers daily. The fitness center features a state-of-the-art weight and cardiovascular room, three racquetball courts, two wallyball courts, three basketball courts, an indoor running track, a group exercise room, a parent-child workout room and steam and sauna rooms. The Bellamy Fitness Center also provides management oversight of the 60,000 square foot Pride Hangar fitness complex. This large scale facility is geographically separated from the main center and encompasses an indoor astro turf athletic field and a four-lane collegiate running track. The facility was recognized as Air Combat Command's 2008 Best Fitness and Sports Program and earned a five-star rating for demonstrating superior achievement in the areas of operations, programs, training, facilities and customer service. For more information, call (605) 385-2266 or DSN 675-2266.

Pine Tree Inn
The Pine Tree Inn lodging operation manages more than 125 bed spaces/hotel rooms for all incoming and outgoing personnel, and provides lodging for transient military members. The hotel has a business center in the main facility and wireless internet available for all guests. Visitors arrive at the Pine Tree Inn, which is the main building of the Ellsworth lodging operation.

Currently, four pet-friendly TLF units are authorized. The $1.4 million dollar Visiting Quarters/Pine Tree Inn renovation was completed/opened in April 2010. Due to heavy demand for lodging accommodations from June through August, it is strongly recommended to make lodging arrangements through the reservations desk at (605) 385-3956 or DSN 675-3956.

Black Hills Community Center
The Black Hills Community Center is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Risner streets, within walking distance of the Airman Residence Halls. The center provides a setting for a variety of activities for young military members. It includes a game room with Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, pool tables, dart boards, foosball tables and a pingpong table. There are also seven computers with high-speed Internet services and WiFi. Opportunities exist for participation in pool, darts and pingpong leagues. There is a lounge area with a big-screen television and free movies on Tuesday nights. The snack bar offers a variety of food and drinks to satisfy the appetite. The center coordinates many major basewide events including picnics, performances by Tops in Blue and the base open house. For more information, call (605) 385-1609 or DSN 675-1609.

Bandit Lanes
Bandit Lanes features 16 Brunswick lanes, a snack bar and a pro shop. Competitive leagues bowl almost every night except on Saturdays. Saturday nights, cosmic bowling is open for all base members. Parties may also be reserved for cosmic bowling. Open bowling is offered seven days a week at various times, and feature special pricing, and events are offered periodically. Ellsworth has very active men's, women's and youth associations, which sponsor events throughout the year. The snack bar offers a complete lunch and dinner menu. The pro shop offers a complete line of bowling items including balls, bags, shoes and a large selection of bowling aids. For more information, call (605) 385-2536 or DSN 675-2536.

Dakota's Club Dakota's Club is an all-ranks club with separate bars for enlisted and officer personnel. A Friday night social hour offers many drink specials. The enlisted bar features a DJ on Friday nights who plays a wide variety of music to satisfy everyone's music taste. The club offers a buffet and full menu options for lunch Monday through Friday. Regular programs include Texas Hold'em, first Friday social hours, monthly Friday night dinner, Friday social hour and Friday night DJ/karaoke. The club also has a large ballroom area that seats 300 people. It can be reserved for official and personal functions. Catering is also available. Membership is available to all ranks and civilian equivalents. For more information, call (605) 385-1764 or DSN 675-1764.

Prairie Ridge Golf Course
Ellsworth's Prairie Ridge Golf Course is a regulation nine-hole facility that earned distinction as the 2007 Air Combat Command Golf Program of the Year. The course is located outside the main gate and has a championship layout. It measures 3,400 yards and has a course rating of 36. The pro shop offers all name brand equipment and apparel to suit any golfer's needs. Custom-made clubs and golf lessons are available upon request. The practice areas offer natural grass and artificial hitting areas. There are two practice putting greens and practice sand traps, as well as chipping and pitching areas. The golf course can be reached at (605) 923-4999.

Human Resource Program
The human resource program is dedicated to the non-appropriated fund personnel needs of the squadron. The 28th Force Support Squadron employs approximately 200 non-appropriated fund employees in a variety of areas including crafts and trades, administrative and technical positions. Transition assistance personnel and military spouses who accompany their sponsor to Ellsworth have preference for job referrals. The human resource office staff may be contacted at (605) 385-2465 or DSN 675-2465.

Outdoor Recreation Program
The 28th FSS Outdoor Recreation Program provides activities for Ellsworth residents throughout the year. The activities are designed to introduce people to the outdoors in the areas of white water rafting, rock climbing, canoeing, horseback riding, skiing and backpacking. Programs include fishing tournaments, volksmarches, a boating safety course, hunting and fishing seminars, ski trips to Montana, scenic trips through the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, white water adventures in Colorado and numerous other activities throughout the year. The outdoor recreation program runs an indoor swimming pool, which is collocated with the Bellamy Fitness Center, and an outdoor swimming pool. A small information, tickets and tours counter offers discount tickets to several major attractions in the Midwest and West Coast, as well a few local attractions. Tickets and Tours also has many information brochures on local attractions. Tour buses provide trips to Deadwood, the Mall of America in Minnesota and seasonal excursions to various sporting events in the Denver and Minneapolis areas. South Dakota hunting and fishing licenses are also available.

The staff also oversees the FamCamp, located just inside the base's Patriot Gate. It's within easy walking distance of the Shoppette. Each site is equipped with water and electricity hookups as well as picnic tables and grills. On site is an enclosed facility which houses a laundry room and showers. Space is limited, and stays are limited to seven days. Sites are not reserved and are available on a first come, first served basis.

The skeet and trap range is located north of the base firing range and is fully operational with two trap and two skeet ranges. Both intramural and recreational leagues are conducted throughout the year, as well as open times by appointment for a small fee per round. The staff also oversee the equipment checkout area which features one of the widest varieties of equipment in the area. To find out more about the outdoor recreation program, call (605) 385-2997 or DSN 675-2997.

Skills Development Center
The Skills Development Center houses the auto hobby center, arts and crafts center, United Parcel Service package service and a special occasion gift shop in a single facility. Auto hobby enthusiasts can look forward to 14 stalls (four of which have hoists), two wash stalls, engine rebuild stalls and a welding stall. Additionally, an outside stall is available for RVs which are too large for the inside stalls. Nearby, there is a two-bay spray car wash. A wide variety of tools are available, as well as an experienced staff to assist customers.

Services available include tire balancing and rotating, brake drum and rotor turning, battery charging, air conditioning service, radiator repair and a pressure tank for cleaning auto parts. Customers may also use lube, oil and filter services. The center also offers wrecker service for road emergencies (for which there is a fee).

The sales store stocks some related repair items including oil, oil filters, gear lubes, transmission fluid and hose clamps. Other repair parts, automotive paint and body repair materials, as well as customizing parts, are available through the sales store by special order.

The auto hobby center also manages the "Resale Lot" where vehicles can be placed for sale. Registration is required prior to displaying each vehicle. The phone number at the auto hobby center is (605) 385-2900 or DSN 675-2900.

Complementing auto hobby in the skills development center is the arts and crafts center, offering a full range of learning and advanced skills for the do-it-yourself hobbyist and crafts person. The frame shop provides instruction in measuring and fitting, glass cutting, matting techniques and frame chopper equipment. For the not-so-adventuresome, custom orders are taken and a trained staff member can create a beautiful frame to complete a customer's artwork. A retail area in the frame shop features limited edition prints by well-known artists. The arts and crafts center staff can be reached at (605) 385-2901 or DSN 675-2901.

Youth Center
The Youth Center offers many recreational activities for youth, including sports programs (basketball, T-ball and soccer), instructional classes (tae kwon do, piano and more) and drop-in activities (pool, foosball, pingpong, electronic and table games, etc.). In addition, experienced staff members also host private birthday parties. Participants, ages 6 to 18, must pay a small fee for all the fun and enjoyment which awaits them. A full-sized basketball court, extensive game room and monthly contests provide a recreational outlet for most youths. The youth center also has junior teen time and a standalone Teen Center offering a variety of fun, recreational and life skills building activities. The Youth Center offers a Before-and-After-School Program, primarily for elementary students, during the school year. During the summer months, an exciting summer day camp program provides structured full-day care for elementary school students. Questions, concerns or inquiries may be directed to (605) 385-2277 or DSN 675-2277.

Child Development Program
The Child Development Program offers activities for children, ages 6 weeks through 5 years of age. The program is designed to promote the physical, social, emotional, intellectual and language development of children, while nurturing their self-esteem and creativity. A daily schedule ensures a healthy balance of all types of activities in each age group. The Child Development Center participates in the USDA Child and Adult Food Program with menus posted in each area. Space is limited to 204 children, which includes contract care and hourly care. Reservations for hourly care can be made up to one week in advance. Hours of operation are 6:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Child Development Program at Ellsworth is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. For more information, call (605) 385-2488 or DSN 675-2488.

Family Child Care Program
The Family Child Care Program is an alternative form of child care for children, 6 weeks to 12 years of age. The program is designed to help ensure the health and safety of children cared for in licensed daycare homes. The licensed home care providers provide Returning Home Care and Extended Duty Care through specially funded programs to help military members meet the mission requirements while having their children in a quality child care program. Adults wishing to offer daycare in base housing are required, by Air Force Instruction 34-276, to apply for licensing from the base commander through the family child care coordinator. Providing home daycare without doing so could result in termination of base housing privileges. For information and specific requirements, call (605) 385-4270 or DSN 675-4270. For child care referral, call the 24-hour hotline at (605) 385-6104.

28th Maintenance Group
The Airmen of the 28th Maintenance Group are responsible for fixing and providing maintenance on the 28 B-1B aircraft at the base as well as associated support equipment. The 1,500 professionals conduct periodic inspections and intermediate-level maintenance work around the clock, in all types of weather at locations around the globe, to ensure the bombers, equipment, and munitions are ready for combat. The 28th MXG is comprised of four squadrons: the 28th Maintenance Operations Squadron, the 28th Munitions Squadron, the 28th Maintenance Squadron, and the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
The 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is the largest squadron in the 28th Bomb Wing with more than 700 Airmen authorized, supporting 28 combat coded B-1 bombers. The 34th and 37th Aircraft Maintenance Units provide direct maintenance support to the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons at home and deployed, with maintenance equipment support from the Support Flight. Each aircraft maintenance unit is comprised of a production, APG (aircraft general), specialist and weapons section. The squadron conducts all on-equipment maintenance, weapons loading and support activities, generating combat and flying training sorties for B-1 crews at home and around the world

. 28th Maintenance Operations Squadron
The 28th Maintenance Operations Squadron ensures the capability of 28 combat-coded B-1 bombers assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing by managing fleet health, monitoring the quality of on- and off-equipment maintenance, effectively scheduling aircraft utilization and programmed maintenance, and ensuring efficient utilization of all wing maintenance assets.

28th Maintenance Squadron
The 28th Maintenance Squadron combines avionics, aircraft systems and maintenance capabilities into one squadron consisting of seven flights with more than 460 assigned personnel, and contract oversight of precision measurement equipment laboratories and transient alert activities. The squadron is responsible for all off-equipment maintenance and heavy repairs, supporting 28 combat-coded B-1 aircraft and related subsystems, and manages the 28th Bomb Wing Crashed, Damaged, Disabled Aircraft Repair program which is responsible for a five-state region. In addition, the squadron maintains 660 pieces of aerospace ground equipment, engines and engine test cell operations to support Joint Chiefs of Staff operational taskings.

28th Munitions Squadron
The 28th Munitions Squadron provides conventional munitions, armament systems and trained munitions personnel, supporting the B-1 aircraft assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing. The squadron consists of more than 240 professionals working in four flights supporting the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons and one National Guard unit. The squadron is responsible for 1,707 munitions line items worth $128 million, 577,000 pounds net explosive weight, 86 facilities and a 647-acre munitions storage area.

28th Medical Group
The 28th Medical Group provides outpatient medical care to active-duty members and their families, as well as retired personnel and their families. The medical professionals provide a wide range of services and programs designed to ensure good health and wellness for those they serve including, a family practice clinic, optometry clinic, dental clinic, flight medicine, physical therapy clinic, Health & Wellness Center, and public health clinic. The 28th MDG group also provides veterinary services for routine vaccinations and treatment of minor illnesses for dogs, cats and horses belonging to active-duty and retired military personnel. The two squadrons that make up the 28th MDG are: the 28th Medical Support Squadron and the 28th Medical Operations Squadron.

One of the first things personnel should do when arriving at Ellsworth is enroll to the 28th MDG or, in this region, for TRICARE PRIME. The TRICARE contractor is TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Inc., and Ellsworth is in the west region. To enroll, simply stop by the TRICARE Service Center located by the main entrance on the first floor of the clinic. Contact United Concordia to ensure you are enrolled in the TRICARE Dental plan. If you are not enrolled in this region and require civilian health care, TRICARE may not pay for health care.

Flight Medicine Clinic
The Flight Medicine Clinic is available to active-duty members on flying status and their families, as well as any colonel and above, or active-duty chief master sergeants and their families.

Dental Clinic
Dental care is available for active-duty members only. Services offered include dental exams, cleanings, restorative dentistry (fillings), oral surgery, endodontics (root canals), crowns, bridges, treatment of gum disease and supporting structures. Family members may be seen on an emergency basis only, for relief of pain, and are strongly encouraged to sign up for the TRICARE Family Member Dental Plan. For more information, visit the TRICARE Service Center located near the main entrance to the 28 MDG, on the Web at http://www.TRICARE dentalprogram.com or by calling (800) 866-8499.

Pharmacy
The pharmacy services are available to active-duty members, retirees and family members. The 28th MDG pharmacy is the most affordable option available — it is free. Carrying many brand name and generic medicines, the pharmacy can usually fill prescriptions within 45 minutes. If the pharmacy does not carry what you or your family member needs, network pharmacies may be utilized with a minimal co-pay of $3 for 30 days of generic medications, $9 for 30 days of brand name medications, or $22 for certain non-formulary, brand name medications. Another option for family members is the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy Program. Check with a TRICARE Service Representative or visit http://www.TRICARE.osd.mil for other TRICARE and pharmacy information.

Mental Health Clinic
The Mental Health Clinic provides a wide range of mental health services for all active-duty personnel. The 28th MDG MHC provides mental health evaluations, consultations, individual treatment and emergency intervention. They also conduct consultations for squadron commanders and first sergeants regarding active-duty members' treatment, prognosis, and administrative status. The MHC is responsible for the Suicide Prevention Program along with conducting several group therapy and prevention programs.

Mental health services for active-duty family members and retiree family members are available through TRICARE. Stop by or contact the TRICARE Service Center at (889) TRIWEST for a list of participating mental health providers in the local community and to learn how Mental Health benefits work. During duty hours, call (605) 385-3656 for a MHC appointment. A PCP referral is not required. Call (605) 385-6700 after duty hours.

Alcohol, Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program
The ADAPT office schedules, coordinates and conducts evaluations of active-duty personnel involved in substance abuse incidents. They also directly oversee and implement treatment plans with individualized regimens for all active-duty substance abuse clients. Such plans may include intensive outpatient rehabilitation and individual or group counseling sessions. The MHC also has an active Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention Program, including prevention and awareness briefings and randomized drug testing.

Family Advocacy Program
The Family Advocacy Program specializes in the evaluation and treatment of family maltreatment and special needs families accomplished through four program components Family Maltreatment, Special Needs Identification Assignment and Coordination Process (formerly, Exceptional Family Member Program), Outreach and Prevention and New Parent Support Program. The Family Maltreatment component provides both consultation and treatment to families involved in family maltreatment.

This component also provides consultation to commanders and first sergeants regarding an active-duty member's involvement in a suspected or known case of family maltreatment, their subsequent treatment and prognosis, and safety issues of family members or victims. Emergency maltreatment consultations to the emergency department or other hospital clinics upon notification of such a request are also available.

The Special Needs Identification Assignment and Coordination Process (formerly EFMP) component provides assessment, administrative action and referral for families with a member having exceptional medical, educational or psychological health needs requiring ongoing treatment from a specialist. The Special Needs Identification Assignment and Coordination Process conducts Family Member Relocation Clearances and Facility Determination Inquires on dependent family members to ensure services are available at the gaining base and family members are cleared for travel.

The Outreach and Prevention component provides education-based, family-related programs to military personnel and their beneficiaries. Briefings are conducted for commanders, first sergeants, other base agencies and military personnel regarding family-related programs and services. Family education is offered through parenting classes, couples communication classes and support groups.

The New Parent Support Program offers a variety of educational and support services for active-duty members who are expecting, or who have children 36 months or younger. Limited marital and family therapy is available for active-duty members and their families who meet eligibility criteria (must be identified as high needs by a clinical assessment and objective screening tool). During duty hours, call (605) 385-3660 for a Family Advocacy appointment or to report possible maltreatment.

Scheduling an Appointment
During Normal Duty Hours: The 28th MDG appointment line is (605) 385-6700, option 5. Phone lines are open from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for active-duty members, and are open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all non active-duty members. For upcoming 28th MDG closures, please call the information line at (605) 385-6800.

After Hours/Emergency Care: For any emergencies threatening life, limb, eyesight, unrelieved pain or for broken bones, immediately go to the nearest emergency department. Personnel are to contact their Primary Care Provider (PCP) the next business day to advise him or her that ER care was sought and why. If follow-up care with a specialty provider is needed, contact your PCP or the MTF PCP on-call as soon as possible to ensure a referral is provided to TriWest. For acute concerns that need intervention to prevent the deterioration of your health prior to the next business day, please call the after-hours phone line at (605) 385-6700.

Prime Access Standards, Appointments will be scheduled as follows:
• Acute Care - Scheduled within 24 hours
• Routine Care - Scheduled within 7 days
• Well Appointments - Scheduled within 28 days

* For Routine and Well appointments, you may receive a phone call with an audio and personal reminder the day prior to the appointment.

What do you do if you require medical care downtown? For care with a specialist (e.g. orthopedist, audiologist, etc.), contact your Primary Care Provider first. If you go to the specialist without contacting your PCP first, you may have to pay for that visit.

If you or your family has a true medical emergency (defined as a threat to life, limb, eyesight or unrelieved pain), call 9-1-1 or seek care from the nearest medical facility. Contact your PCP as soon as possible to let them know why you went to the ER and inform them if the ER physician wants you to see any civilian specialty provider.

TRICARE
Prime: While mandatory for active duty, family members of active duty and retirees under the age of 65 are encouraged to take advantage of this little-to-no-cost option. A Primary Care Provider will be assigned to you and your family and will work to ensure your overall well-being. If the type of care required is not offered by the PCP, he or she will place a referral for you or your family member to see a specialist in the TRICARE civilian network.

Standard: TRICARE Standard is available to family members and retirees. This option is the most costly, however, it provides for the greatest flexibility when seeing providers. Speak with a TRICARE Services Representative, located in the TRICARE Service Center, for more information and to determine if TRICARE Standard is the right health care choice.

Extra: Part of the TRICARE Standard option, TRICARE Extra offers a lower cost share when family members see TRICARE network civilian health care providers and facilities. Speak with a TRICARE Services Representative, located in the TRICARE Service Center, for more information and to determine if TRICARE Standard is the right choice.

Importance of DEERS: Much of the Military Health System's information concerning active-duty members, retirees, and their families is retrieved from the Defense Enrollment Eligibility and Reporting System maintained by the Military Personnel Element. Verify this information is accurate and up-to-date to ensure referrals and other health-related correspondence is sent to you in a timely manner — personnel should review their DEERS information for accuracy every three months.

TRICARE Briefings
TRICARE offers many briefings to the beneficiary community to include the Newcomers' briefing, Heart Link briefing, Medical Right Start briefings, reunion briefings, pre-deployment briefings and various briefings at squadron commander's calls.

Heart Link: The Heart Link briefing is offered at the Airman and Family Readiness Center and is focused more toward family members.

Medical Right Start: This briefing is mandatory for all newly-assigned active-duty members, and family members are highly encouraged to attend. It is offered on the first and third Tuesday of every month in conjunction with the 28th Bomb Wing Right Start program.

Commander's Calls: TRICARE is always available to brief at Commander's Calls to update members on new TRICARE policies or services.

TENANT UNITS
Air Force Financial Services Center
Opened in Sept. 14, 2007, the Air Force Financial Services Center provides travel pay services and support to active duty military and civilian personnel across the Air Force, and travel pay services and support to reserve component military and civilian personnel through a centralized processing center and a full service contact center.

Detachment 226, Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Within the jurisdiction of the United States Air Force, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations is the single agency responsible for the investigation of major criminal, fraud and counter-intelligence matters. It identifies, investigates and neutralizes such crimes as espionage, terrorism, fraud, larceny, murder, assault, sex offenses and all other major criminal activities that threaten the people and resources of the Air Force and Department of Defense. AFOSI also serves a role similar to that of the U.S. Secret Service, providing personal protective services for high-ranking Air Force officials and other dignitaries.

Detachment 8, 372nd Training Squadron
Detachment 8 is one of 46 Air Education and Training Command training detachments throughout the world. They provide formal training for the B-1B and Aerospace Ground Equipment maintenance community, supporting Ellsworth, Dyess, Tinker, Wright-Patterson and Edwards Air Force Bases. The detachment currently employs 21 people at Ellsworth and trains more than 1,400 maintainers annually.

Defense Security Service
The Defense Security Service, formerly known as the Defense Investigative Service, plays a crucial role in safeguarding our nation's security. As a Department of Defense agency, DSS makes its contribution to the National Security Community by conducting personnel security investigations, providing industrial security products and services, and offering comprehensive security education and training to Department of Defense and other government entities. To complement its three primary missions — the Personnel Security Investigations Program, the Industrial Security Program, and the Security Education, Training and Awareness Program — DSS offers the unique advantage of integrating counterintelligence into its core security disciplines through our training programs, policy development and operational support to our field elements.

Northwest Area Audit Office, Air Force Audit Agency
The mission of the Air Force Audit Agency is to provide all levels of Air Force management with independent, objective and quality audit services that include reviewing and promoting economy, effectiveness and efficiency of operations; evaluating programs and activities and assisting management in achieving results; and assessing and improving stewardship and the accuracy of financial reporting. The AFAA operating location at Ellsworth is independent of the base and is a sub-office of the Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Audit Office, which reports directly to the Northwest Area Audit Office at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.

Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office
The Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service office is a satellite DRMO. Central DRMO is located at Fort Riley, Kan., and maintains administrative and operational responsibility for this site in South Dakota. The primary mission of the DRMO is the receipt of all excess, surplus and recyclable property from Department of Defense activities in South Dakota. Redistribution of this property to federal government agencies and authorized state and or local recipients is the number one objective of the DRMO.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross offers assistance in emergency communication, personal and family problems, information and referral to active-duty members and their families. The ARC has volunteers at the base clinic, legal office and library, in addition to others who volunteer their time in health and safety services — CPR, first aid, water safety and an active youth program.  read more...

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