Grissom ARB
Grissom ARB PCS Guide
Base History & Name
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman William McAleenan, 49th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation specialist, takes off his mask after operating a 10K All-Terrain forklift during exercise Hoosier Dawn at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, April 26, 2025. As part of the exercise, Airmen donned Mission...
Grissom Air Reserve Base began as Bunker Hill Naval Air Station in 1942, training Navy pilots during World War II. The base closed after the war, then reopened in 1954 as Bunker Hill Air Force Base to meet the U.S. Air Force’s Cold War needs.
Major construction in the 1950s and 1960s modernized the airfield. Crews added long runways and new hangars to support jet bombers and refueling aircraft, preparing the base for advanced missions.
Strategic Air Command units, such as B-58 Hustler bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers, were stationed at the base. This made Grissom a key part of America’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War.
During the Vietnam War and Cold War, the base played a vital role in air refueling and strategic operations. In 1968, officials renamed it Grissom Air Force Base to honor astronaut and Indiana native Lt. Col. Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom.
After the Cold War, the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process changed the base’s mission. In 1994, it transitioned from an active-duty installation to an Air Force Reserve base and was officially renamed Grissom Air Reserve Base.
Today, Grissom ARB houses the 434th Air Refueling Wing and supports reserve and joint operations. It remains a major employer in north-central Indiana and a hub for air refueling missions worldwide.
Namesake
Major Units & Training Programs
Personnel from the 434th Air Refueling Wing greet returning Airmen as they exit a KC-135R Stratotanker at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., Aug. 14, 2020 following a deployment to Southwest Asia. The group of returning Airmen included members of the 434th Maintenance Group, 434th Maintenance...
Major Units
434th Air Refueling Wing
The 434th Air Refueling Wing is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Its primary mission is to provide aerial refueling support to U.S. and allied aircraft, enhancing global reach and operational flexibility.
Grissom Air Reserve Base Fire Department
This unit provides fire protection, emergency response, and rescue services for the base's aircraft, facilities, and personnel, supporting both peacetime and contingency operations.
Arrival & In-Processing
Col. Paul Gates, 434 Air Refueling Wing vice commander, speaks to his audience about the concept of wingmanship during Wingman Day at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., October 15, 2017. Wingman Day is a Reserve-wide event held each year to bring Airmen together in a relaxed environment and...
Welcome to Grissom Air Reserve Base! Arriving at a new installation can be overwhelming, but being prepared ensures a smooth transition. Review all procedures before your arrival to minimize delays and start your assignment confidently. For the latest updates and resources, visit the official Grissom ARB website.
The main entrance to Grissom ARB is the Main Gate, located off US Highway 31. This gate operates 24/7 to accommodate all arrivals. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or other approved identification at entry. Ensure your state driver’s license complies with the REAL ID Act; non-compliant licenses require a secondary form of ID. Security Forces conduct 100% ID checks and may perform random vehicle inspections to maintain a secure environment. If you need to sponsor a visitor or family member, stop at the Visitor Control Center outside the Main Gate to request a temporary pass. Be ready to provide valid identification and your sponsor’s contact information.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Immunization Records
Grissom ARB offers a sponsor program to help incoming personnel and families settle in quickly. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit directly or reach out to the Military Personnel Flight for assistance. Your sponsor will provide essential information and support before and after arrival.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, located near the Main Gate. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 0800–1600. Key offices include Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your unit orderly room. Plan to spend 2–3 days completing all required steps. Early arrival and having all documents ready will speed up the process.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is just outside the Main Gate. It is open Monday through Friday, 0700–1700. The VCC issues visitor passes, handles DBIDS registration, and assists with guest sponsorship. Bring a valid photo ID and be ready to provide sponsor details for all guests.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Georgia – Personal Property manager Staff Sgt. Brent Rochette, noncommissioned officer in charge, 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Traffic Management Office inspects the condition of shipped items at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Dec. 15, 2021.
When you receive PCS orders to Grissom ARB, your first steps are to review your orders and contact the base Transportation Office. Decide if you’ll ship your Household Goods (HHG) through the government or do a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY). Each move type has different processes and paperwork, so start early to avoid delays. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule, track, and manage your move. DPS is required for most moves and lets you upload documents, schedule pickups, and check shipment status. You’ll need to register and log in with your CAC or DS Logon.
You may be eligible for key entitlements. Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) helps cover lodging and meals as you settle in, while Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps offset relocation costs. Be sure to keep all receipts and submit claims promptly. Contact the Grissom ARB Traffic Management Office with questions about entitlements or move options. Advance planning and using official resources will help your move go smoothly.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you get orders to Grissom ARB.
- Keep all PCS documents and receipts in a dedicated folder.
- Check local lodging availability early, especially during summer PCS season.
- Review weight allowances to avoid excess charges.
- Take photos of high-value items before your movers arrive.
- Label boxes with your name and destination address.
- Contact the Traffic Management Office for any special shipment needs or questions.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Find official rates for TLE, DLA, and other entitlements.
Guides and tools for every step of your PCS.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance.
Base news, contacts, and newcomer information.
Space-A Travel & Passenger Terminal
Terminal Contact Information
Terminal Location
Grissom ARB, IN Passenger Terminal.
Please verify the exact building number, operating hours, and directions upon arrival or by contacting the terminal directly using the information provided.
Space-A Eligibility & Signup
For detailed Space-Available (Space-A) travel eligibility requirements and the most current sign-up procedures for flights from Grissom ARB, IN, please refer to the official Air Mobility Command (AMC) website or contact the passenger terminal directly.
Information can typically be found regarding travel categories (DoD Categories I-VI), necessary documentation (e.g., CAC, leave forms, dependent IDs), and any specific local policies.
It's always recommended to confirm details well in advance of your intended travel dates.