Peterson SFB In-Processing Guide 2026: Space Force PCS Arrival

Updated January 2026 • 9 min read • Peterson SFB, PCS

PCS orders to Peterson Space Force Base or Schriever SFB bring you to the epicenter of U.S. space operations in Colorado Springs. In-processing at Peterson runs differently than an Army installation — smaller, more streamlined in some ways, with unique Space Force culture. Here's exactly what to expect your first week.

Before You Arrive: Pre-PCS Checklist

• Contact your gaining unit's orderly room or Admin for a sponsor assignment and in-processing schedule
• Research housing: Peterson neighborhoods guide — Stetson Hills, Briargate, Falcon, Powers Corridor
• Apply for on-post housing through Balfour Beatty if desired: (719) 574-0175
• Know your 2026 BAH rate — no on-post housing at Schriever, limited at Peterson
• Gather your in-processing packet: orders (10+ copies), military IDs, marriage/birth certificates, medical records, pet vaccination records
• Book temporary lodging: Springs Inn near Peterson or civilian hotels on the east side

Day 1: Report In

Report to your gaining unit on Day 1. Your sponsor or orderly room will provide your in-processing schedule — Peterson typically runs a more personalized in-processing sequence than the large Army in-processing centers. You'll likely be given a checklist of offices to visit over 3–5 days rather than one centralized location.

Dress in duty uniform. Bring your entire in-processing packet. Your first stop is typically your gaining unit's Admin/Orderly Room to sign in officially.

Military Personnel Flight (MPF) — Building 140

The MPF is your primary in-processing hub at Peterson SFB. Plan to spend 2–4 hours here on your first or second day. Services include:

• Official sign-in and orders processing
• Personnel records update
• Leave balance verification
• ID card updates and DEERS enrollment
• Finance coordination — verify BAH rate and direct deposit

Phone: (719) 556-4327. Hours: Monday–Friday 0730–1630. Arrive early — the MPF serves all Peterson and Schriever personnel and can get backed up mid-morning.

TRICARE Enrollment — Building 350

The TRICARE Service Center at Peterson is located in Building 350 alongside the Airman and Family Readiness Center (AFRC). Enroll your family here within the first 48 hours of arrival. Choose between Prime (on-post PCM at Peterson clinic, free) or Select (civilian network, cost shares apply). Phone: (719) 556-6765.

Peterson's on-post medical clinic handles routine primary care. For hospital-level care, complex OB/GYN, or specialized medicine, Peterson patients are typically referred to civilian network hospitals or, in some cases, Evans Army Hospital at Fort Carson. See our full TRICARE guide for details.

Housing: BAH and Off-Post Setup

Most Peterson and Schriever families live off-post. Your BAH is paid to you as cash — find housing at or below your rate and you keep the difference. Key east-side neighborhoods and typical commutes:

• Stetson Hills: 10–15 min to Peterson, 25–30 min to Schriever. D-20 schools. 3BR: $1,800–$2,200.
• Falcon: 20–25 min to Peterson, 5–15 min to Schriever. D-49 schools. 3BR: $1,600–$1,950.
• Powers Corridor: 10–15 min to Peterson. Urban apartment options, D-49 schools. 2BR: $1,200–$1,500.
• Briargate: 20–25 min to Peterson. Premium neighborhood, D-20 schools. 3BR: $1,900–$2,300.

See the full Colorado Springs neighborhoods guide for complete data on each area.

Vehicle Registration and Colorado Licensing

Colorado requires vehicle registration within 90 days of establishing residency. The Colorado Springs DMV is at 1675 Garden of the Gods Road. On-post Peterson does not have a DMV annex — plan for the civilian DMV. Bring your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and current out-of-state registration. Emissions testing is required for El Paso County vehicles over 10 model years old.

Airman & Family Readiness Center (AFRC) — Building 350

The AFRC at Peterson SFB is your family's support hub — similar to Army Community Service at Fort Carson. Services include:

• Newcomer orientation and area briefing (highly recommended first week)
• Spouse employment support and MSEP connections
• Financial counseling and deployment preparation
• School Liaison Officer contact for enrollment support
• Relocation assistance and lending closet

Phone: (719) 556-6141. Attend the newcomer orientation within your first two weeks — it's the fastest way to get all your Colorado Springs questions answered in one session. For spouse employment resources, see our spouse resources guide.

Schriever SFB-Specific Notes

If you're assigned to Schriever SFB, your in-processing runs through Peterson SFB's MPF — not at Schriever itself. Plan to spend your first several administrative days at Peterson before physically reporting to your unit at Schriever. All TRICARE enrollment, ID cards, and finance coordination happen at Peterson.

Schriever's high-security environment means your CAC is mandatory for unescorted access — don't leave home without it. If your clearance is pending, coordinate with your unit's security manager before arrival. See the full Schriever SFB guide for more detail.