217 EIS - Engineering Branch This branch develops engineering packages providing instructions, materials, support requirements and drawings needed to install, remove, relocate or modify communications systems. Engineers are the first step of the installation process. They perform site surveys to gather information, validate communications requirements, and develop project packages. An EI unit has both degreed Electrical Engineers and Engineering Technicians. Most of our Engineering Technicians work in the telecommunications industry, this is a definite advantage of the ANG, especially in technical fields, and members from industry actually bring expertise into ANG career fields. The Systems Telecommunications Engineering Management (STEM) position resides in Engineering and serves as the focal point for all the ANG communications requirements. The bases in Wisconsin assigned to the STEM include Volk Field, Truax Air National Guard Base and Billy Mitchell Field. In Illinois, the bases assigned to the 217th include 182nd Air Wing, Peoria, 183rd Fighter Wing, Springfield and the 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base. In Missouri, base assigned for STEM responsibility is the 131st at Lambert Field. The responsibilities of the STEM Manager are to meet with all our counterparts and help determine and plan their communication needs. These requirements are called upward generated programs. They typically include installation of copper cable or fiber systems, radio or crypto relocations or installations and antenna work. This work also includes maintenance assist, cost analysis and quality assurance evaluations.