Cheyenne Mountain SFS Visitor Center and DEERS/RAPIDS CAC processing location - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Cheyenne Mountain SFS Visitor Center and DEERS/RAPIDS CAC processing location

The Cheyenne Mountain Survival Facility (SFS) stands as a critical component of the North American defense infrastructure, representing one of the most secure underground installations in the world. Located in the rugged terrain near Colorado Springs, this facility is part of the broader NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) network. Serving as a key strategic asset for the United States and Canada, the Cheyenne Mountain SFS is primarily utilized for continuity of operations centers, housing essential command, control, and communications (C3) capabilities designed to function effectively even during large-scale attacks.

Location and Facility Overview

The official Visitor Center and crucially, the DEERS (Defense Enrollment Enhancement Reporting System) and RAPIDS (RAPidity Expansion for Integrated Dependent Schoolhouse) Combined Access Card (CAC) processing location, are situated at a specific, secure address. This facility is located at 1 Building 15, 80914 Norad Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, United States. The building serves as the primary gateway for individuals needing to access the highly classified Cheyenne Mountain Complex. Its proximity to the main installation allows for controlled and monitored entry into this vital national security site.

Individuals seeking information or access to the Cheyenne Mountain SFS typically interact with this center. It is designed not only to process official visitor documentation and security clearance verification but also to handle the essential CAC card services. The DEERS system manages military personnel benefits enrollment and reporting, while RAPIDS facilitates the processing of CAC credentials, which are the standard identification cards for accessing secure U.S. government networks and facilities nationwide.

Services Provided

As the designated Visitor Center, its core function revolves around facilitating legitimate access to the Cheyenne Mountain SFS and related NORAD installations. Key services include:

• Visitor Registration and Security Processing: Individuals entering the Cheyenne Mountain Complex must complete formal registration procedures. This involves verifying identity, purpose of visit, and often includes a security screening process.
• Combined Access Card (CAC) Services: This location uniquely offers processing for CAC cards. This includes new card issuance, renewal, replacement, and activation for active and reserve military personnel, civilian employees, and Department of Defense contractors who require access to the installation.
• Defense Enrollment Enhancement Reporting System (DEERS) Transactions: DEERS is the automated system for managing military personnel's family members' educational benefits and health insurance enrollment. The center likely supports DEERS enrollment inquiries, updates, and potentially some transaction processing for eligible personnel.

It's important to note that access to the Cheyenne Mountain SFS itself is highly restricted and granted only to authorized personnel. The center acts as a stringent checkpoint ensuring that only those with proper authorization and completed security checks can proceed deeper into the installation. The level of security observed at this facility reflects its critical role in national defense operations.

Practical Information and Recommendations

For individuals needing to visit the Cheyenne Mountain SFS or process CAC/DEERS related matters, preparation is key. The center is staffed primarily for operational efficiency related to security and access control. Therefore, it is highly recommended to arrive with all necessary documentation readily available. This typically includes:

• Valid government-issued identification (e.g., Common Access Card, Driver's License, Military ID).
• Current orders or official travel documents outlining the purpose and authorization for the visit.
• Proof of identity and affiliation as required for CAC processing or DEERS enrollment.

Prospective visitors should anticipate a professional and potentially time-sensitive interaction. Staff members are trained to handle security protocols efficiently and are knowledgeable about procedures. As noted in visitor feedback, personnel at the center are often described as knowledgeable about the surrounding trails and the significance of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex itself, providing a level of courtesy expected given the facility's importance.

Regarding the physical facility itself, practical considerations include:

• Accessibility: The center is equipped with wheelchair-accessible features, including a wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that the facility provides basic amenities like restroom access to visitors with mobility needs. This reflects standard operational considerations for public-facing (or visitor-facing) areas of sensitive installations.
• Location Context: Situated along NORAD Road, the facility is positioned within the larger Cheyenne Mountain State Park area. This provides a unique juxtaposition of high-security operations against a backdrop of natural beauty. Nearby trail access might be relevant for individuals planning a visit, although security restrictions would likely apply directly to the mountain itself.

When planning a visit, it's advisable to inquire about operating hours and any specific appointment requirements, as schedules are often tightly managed due to the nature of the operations conducted at this critical installation. While primarily a functional facility focused on security and access control, the presence of amenities like a restroom underscores its role as the primary point of contact for authorized personnel entering the Cheyenne Mountain Complex.

Historical and Operational Significance

The Cheyenne Mountain SFS itself has a storied history, originally built during the Cold War as a civil defense installation. Its strategic location in Colorado Springs, situated within the highest mountain in the Front Range, provides exceptional protection against aerial attacks. NORAD's operations center, located within the facility, has monitored and defended North America's airspace for decades, a role that remains vital today with evolving global security landscapes.

The DEERS and RAPIDS CAC processing functions at this specific location highlight the ongoing need for robust identity management and access control systems within the U.S. defense sector. The CAC card system itself has become the standard for secure access and authentication across DoD networks and facilities, including the Cheyenne Mountain SFS. The integration of these services at the visitor center streamlines the process for authorized personnel needing to enter the secure installation.

In essence, the Cheyenne Mountain SFS Visitor Center and its associated CAC/DEERS processing services represent a crucial operational node. They manage the controlled flow of authorized personnel into one of North America's most vital defense installations, ensuring that stringent security protocols are maintained while facilitating necessary access for mission-critical operations and personnel management functions.

Visitor Experience and Feedback

Feedback from those who have interacted with the center indicates a generally positive experience focused on professionalism and efficiency. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable and friendly demeanor of the staff, who are often well-versed in the complexities of accessing the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. The facility is noted for its minimal staffing, which is understandable given the high level of operational necessity and security focus inherent in its purpose. This efficiency is balanced by the provision of basic amenities like clean, well-heated restrooms, demonstrating that visitor comfort is considered even within a highly secure environment.

For those specifically seeking entry to the Cheyenne Mountain SFS without established access, the advice from reviewers is clear: meticulous preparation with all required paperwork is essential. The center operates as a professional hub where procedures are taken seriously, reflecting the gravity of the access being granted to a top-secret military installation.

👍 Reviews of Cheyenne Mountain SFS Visitor Center and DEERS/RAPIDS CAC processing location

Nickey G.

5/5

The woman who helped us at the front desk was knowledgeable about the trails and about the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. She was polite and friendly!

Sven J.

5/5

Highly recommended when wanting to get into Cheyenne Mt SFS, if you don’t have access established. Make sure you have your paperwork in order. Staff is professional as you might expect.

tony V.

5/5

Is visitor center here is minimally staffed as they usually do biometrics to get people on the base. Stopped in there just use the restroom but it was clean and well heated.

Jesse M.

3/5

Cheyenne mountain is Federal property for government official use only. The visitor center is strictly for government business which requires prior vetting. This is not a tourist location nor is the road open to public use.

Franco Z.

4/5

Interesting location, great views, not what I thought but everyone was nice non the less

Niels D.

5/5

Unless your military you can't enter! Welcome to Norad and the base of the Us Space Force !

Michael B. C.

5/5

Active military base limited access no photos allowed

Ryan F.

4/5

Please note this not so much a Visitor Center and more of an access control center