ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND
ARMY
Aberdeen, MD
United States
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND
ARMY
Aberdeen, MD
United States
Aberdeen Proving Ground
Base Essentials
A research and test hub for Army weapons systems on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland — technical career field opportunities, a civilian-heavy workforce, and easy proximity to Baltimore and the DC metro.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
AMC
Status
Active
Est.
1917
Acres
72,500
Active Duty
5,000
Civilian
8,000
Population
200,000
Economic Impact
$3.2 billion
Aberdeen Proving Ground History
Aberdeen Proving Ground was established in 1917 along the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland to provide a safe location for testing military ordnance, replacing the overcrowded Sandy Hook Proving Ground in New Jersey. For over a century it has served as the Army's premier research, development, and testing facility. During World War II it became a massive training and testing center, and it later housed the Army's chemical and biological defense programs. Today APG is home to Army Test and Evaluation Command, the Communications-Electronics Command, the Chemical Biological Center, and numerous other tenant organizations. The 2005 BRAC round significantly expanded the installation by relocating thousands of positions from other closing facilities. APG remains central to the Army's modernization efforts in areas including cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and next-generation weapons testing.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC)
—
—
Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM)
—
—
Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1917
Established for WWI Munitions Testing
1941
Ballistic Research Laboratory Established
1986
Chemical Demilitarization Program Activated
2005
BRAC 2005 Designates APG as C4ISR Hub
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1917
Established for WWI Munitions Testing
President Wilson authorized Aberdeen Proving Ground on October 20, 1917, after the Army urgently needed a permanent site to test weapons following U.S. entry into WWI. The government acquired approximately 35,000 acres along the Maryland shore of Chesapeake Bay.
1941
Ballistic Research Laboratory Established
A new Ballistic Research Laboratory opened at APG in 1941, marking the installation's transition from wartime proving to long-term Army research and development. By WWII's peak, more than 27,000 military and civilian personnel were working on the installation.
1986
Chemical Demilitarization Program Activated
The Army's chemical demilitarization program was activated at APG in 1986, beginning the long-term effort to safely destroy the chemical weapons stockpile stored on the installation.
2005
BRAC 2005 Designates APG as C4ISR Hub
The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure decision designated APG as the Army's primary C4ISR hub, triggering relocation of organizations from Fort Monmouth, NJ and other installations. The consolidation was completed by September 2011.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Aberdeen Proving Ground Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Information
18 Of the Best Things to Do Around Aberdeen Proving Ground
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Aberdeen Proving Ground Housing: 3 On-Post Options
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Aberdeen Proving Ground: In-Depth Welcome Center
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20 of the Best Aberdeen Proving Ground Restaurants
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Military News
Malmstrom AFB PCB Levels Raise Cancer Risk for Missileers
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Janet M. Barr Soldier Support Center — Military Personnel Division
Phone
(410) 306-2323Hours
Mon–Fri, 0800–1630
In-Processing
All incoming Soldiers must sign in at their unit of assignment first, then report to the Military Personnel Division at the Janet M. Barr Soldier Support Center (Building 4305) in duty uniform with PCS orders and approved leave form. The MPD handles officer and enlisted record updates, DEERS/RAPIDS enrollment, and issues the installation in-processing checklist.
After MPD, Soldiers proceed through a series of stops covering medical, dental, housing, transportation, finance, and Army Community Service. The Housing Services Office is in the same building (Room 202) and can be reached at (410) 306-2002. APG hosts over 21,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel across 92 mission partner organizations, so allow several days for all in-processing stops.
Personnel with questions prior to arrival can contact Installation Operations at usarmy.apg.imcom.mbx.apg-installation-operations@army.mil. Newcomers Orientation is conducted periodically through Army Community Service and covers available programs and community resources.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Aberdeen Proving Ground.
On-post family housing at Aberdeen Proving Ground is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities under the Residential Communities Initiative. The communities offer 2–4 bedroom homes across several neighborhoods on the installation. On-post neighborhoods are convenient to schools and post facilities, and are popular with families. Aberdeen Proving Ground sits in Harford C…
Local Market
$1,900/mo
rent
/
$360,000
avg. home
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Aberdeen Proving Ground.
School Liaison Officer
APG School Liaison
3
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Aberdeen Proving Ground sits in Harford County, Maryland, with easy access to the I-95 corridor. Most families choose communities along the US-40 and I-95 corridors, balancing commute times with school quality and housing costs. The area offers a mix of historic waterfront towns, established suburbs, and newer developments.
Bel Air
Suburban
The Harford County seat and the most popular choice for APG families seeking top-rated schools and suburban amenities. Bel Air offers tree-lined neighborhoods, a walkable downtown, and excellent Harford County Public Schools. The commute via US-40 or I-95 runs about 20–25 minutes outside peak hours.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: Harford County Public Schools
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Strong school ratings, vibrant Main Street, short drive to Baltimore and Philadelphia
Havre de Grace
Small Town
A charming waterfront town at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, just 10 minutes from the main APG gate. Historic brick rowhouses and newer developments attract military families who want a tight-knit community feel with an easy commute. The waterfront promenade, marinas, and local restaurants give it a vacation-town atmosphere year-round.
Commute: 12 min
Schools: Harford County Public Schools
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Waterfront walking trail, boating access, historic downtown, strong community vibe
Edgewood
Small Town
The closest off-post community to APG's main entrance, Edgewood is a budget-friendly option for junior enlisted and single service members. Rental prices are among the lowest in Harford County, and the 5-minute commute is hard to beat. Access to the on-post commissary and PX makes daily logistics simple.
Commute: 7 min
Schools: Harford County Public Schools
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Lowest rents near APG, quick gate access, no highway commute required
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Maryland provides a deduction for active duty military pay for Maryland legal residents: up to $15,000 for members under…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Maryland for Maryland income tax purposes — incl…
Vehicle Registration
Maryland charges a 6% excise tax on vehicle purchases (titling tax). Military members who are not Maryland legal residen…
Property Tax
Maryland property taxes include a state rate plus county rates. Anne Arundel County (Fort Meade), Harford County (Aberde…
Pet Policies at Aberdeen Proving Ground
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Commissary
1
Aberdeen Proving Ground Commissary
Exchange
PX
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Aberdeen Proving Ground.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Maryland Boulevard Gate (MD 715) — APG North is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Aberdeen Proving Ground.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Aberdeen Proving Ground.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.