The 5th Bomb Wing Command team would like to congratulate the 5th Force Support Squadron on being selected as August Squadron of the Month.
When you think of the heartbeat of Minot Air Force Base, you are thinking of the 5th Force Support Squadron (5 FSS). Spanning 11 distinct flights, the 5 FSS touches nearly every aspect of life and mission readiness on the installation. Whether it’s hiring top-tier talent through the Civilian Personnel Office, fueling the fight at the base Dining Facility, providing safe spaces at the Youth Center, or rendering crisp, flawless military honors via the Base Honor Guard, the 5 FSS is dedicated to supporting the base’s most valuable asset: its people.
Yet, tucked away among these 11 vital support functions is a flight dedicated entirely to adventure, relaxation, and making the most of your time in North Dakota. Whether you are looking to explore the great outdoors, plan your next family vacation, or simply need some support during a PCS move, Outdoor Recreation (ODR) – a premier facility within the Community Services Flight, is your ultimate hub for adventure. Often considered one of the base’s best-kept secrets, ODR offers a massive variety of services designed to boost morale and support our Airmen and their families. You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the wilderness. ODR’s rental inventory has everything from fully-equipped campers to tents and sleeping bags. Looking for a staycation? Minot FamCamp offers a scenic, affordable RV site right on base, and if you already own a rig, ODR manages convenient RV storage lots.
For those wanting to venture further, ODR organizes guided camping and epic out-of-state adventure trips, taking the stress out of planning so you can just enjoy the ride.
Planning a different kind of getaway? The ITT office is your first stop for exclusive military discounts on theme parks, hotels, and cruises. If you prefer to explore the local flavor, you can even hop on one of ODR’s local foodie tours!
For everyday fun, grab your squad and head to the base paintball field, or hone your aim at the indoor and outdoor archery ranges. ODR also hosts monthly Airmen’s Night Out trips, offering exciting, low-cost ways to connect. When the summer heat rolls in, the outdoor pool is the place to be to soak up the sun, complete with an annual “Doggy Dive” to close out the season! Once the outdoor pool wraps up, the indoor pool opens its doors to keep you swimming through the colder months and offers lifeguard certification courses year-round.
Beyond the fun, ODR supports your everyday needs and PCS transitions. The Loan Closet offers free household essentials and appliances to keep your home running while your household goods are in transit, and you can buy or sell a used vehicle hassle-free at the base Lemon Lot.
Whether settling in, preparing to PCS, or looking for weekend fun, 5 FSS Outdoor Recreation has you covered. Stop by today to grab your rental gear, book discount tickets, and start exploring!
