FORT DETRICK
ARMY
Frederick, MD
United States
FORT DETRICK
ARMY
Frederick, MD
United States
Fort Detrick
Base Essentials
A specialized biomedical research and intelligence community posting in Frederick, MD — small and low-profile with exceptional access to the DC metro and some of Maryland's best schools.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
MEDCOM
Status
Active
Est.
1943
Acres
1,200
Active Duty
1,800
Civilian
3,000
Population
280,000
Economic Impact
—
Fort Detrick History
Named AfterMajor Frederick Louis Detrick
Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, was established in 1943 as the center of the United States biological weapons program. After the U.S. renounced biological weapons in 1969, the installation transitioned to biodefense and medical research. Today it is home to the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), the National Cancer Institute at Frederick, and other agencies focused on biodefense, infectious disease, and cancer research. Fort Detrick is a critical national asset for biosecurity and medical countermeasures development.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID)
—
—
National Cancer Institute at Frederick
—
—
Historic Timeline
1931
Detrick Field Established
1943
U.S. Biological Warfare Program Established
1956
Redesignated Fort Detrick
1969
Nixon Ends Offensive Biowarfare Program
1971
National Cancer Institute Established on Post
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1931
Detrick Field Established
The site began as Detrick Field in 1931, a Maryland National Guard airfield named for WWI Army flight surgeon Frederick Louis Detrick.
1943
U.S. Biological Warfare Program Established
Scientists converged at Camp Detrick in 1943 to stand up the U.S. Army's offensive biological warfare program, researching agents including anthrax. The program operated there until 1969.
1956
Redesignated Fort Detrick
Camp Detrick was elevated to Fort Detrick in 1956, reflecting its permanent status as a major Army research installation rather than a temporary wartime facility.
1969
Nixon Ends Offensive Biowarfare Program
President Nixon officially ended all U.S. offensive biological weapons programs on November 25, 1969, and Fort Detrick's mission pivoted from weapons development to biomedical defense research.
1971
National Cancer Institute Established on Post
The National Cancer Institute relocated research activities to Fort Detrick in 1971 as part of Nixon's pledge to redirect the former biowarfare facility to peaceful purposes. This began the post's evolution into a major federal biomedical research campus.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Detrick.
Fort Detrick Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Detrick.
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 Fort Detrick.
Information
What No One Is Saying About the Fort Detrick Groundwater Contamination
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20 of the Best Fort Detrick Restaurants
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Fort Detrick Housing: 4 On-Post Options
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20 Of the Best Things to Do Near Fort Detrick, MD
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Fort Detrick, MD: In-Depth Welcome Center
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Detrick.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Directorate of Human Resources (DHR) — Military Personnel Division
Phone
(301) 619-2037Hours
Mon–Fri, 0800–1630 (Finance: Mon–Wed, Fri; Thu afternoon only)
In-Processing
Incoming Soldiers report first to their unit of assignment, where their sponsor escorts them to the Military Personnel Division in the Community Support Center (Building 1520, Room 121). Soldiers must be in duty uniform and bring PCS orders and leave forms. The MPD issues the installation in-processing checklist and manages record updates, DEERS enrollment, and casualty documentation.
The DHR can be reached at (301) 619-2037 or usarmy.detrick.usag.mbx.dhr@army.mil. The Housing Services Office in the same building (Room 202) can be reached at (301) 619-3670 and is open Mon–Fri 0800–1530; all personnel must report to Housing before seeking off-post rentals. Personnel should register for the Installation Newcomers Orientation through ACS.
Fort Detrick is a small installation of nearly 1,300 acres northwest of Frederick, Maryland, conducting biomedical research and global telecommunications missions. Its compact size makes in-processing faster than at large Army posts; most stops can be completed within 2–3 days.
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Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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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 Fort Detrick.
Fort Detrick offers on-post family housing through its privatized residential communities program, managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post neighborhood is popular with families due to proximity to schools and post amenities, but inventory is limited given Fort Detrick's relatively small permanent-party military population. Fort Detrick is located in Frede…
Local Market
$2,300/mo
rent
/
$435,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Fort Detrick
110
10% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Detrick.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
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
Fort Detrick is embedded in the city of Frederick, Maryland, a rapidly growing mid-sized city an hour northwest of Washington, D.C. Frederick has a nationally recognized historic downtown, strong schools, and a booming craft food and beverage scene. The base attracts a mix of medical researchers, intelligence community civilians, and military personnel.
Frederick
Suburban
Frederick is the natural home for most Detrick families — the base gate literally opens into the city. The historic downtown Carroll Creek district anchors a vibrant walkable core with restaurants, breweries, and boutiques, while suburban developments ring the city with newer homes. Frederick County Public Schools are among the highest-rated in Maryland.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Frederick County Public Schools
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Single service members
Award-winning downtown, top Maryland school ratings, strong job market, easy MARC train to DC
Middletown
Small Town
A quiet valley town about 15 minutes west of Frederick on US-40 Alt, Middletown offers a classic small-town atmosphere with very well-regarded schools in the Middletown Cluster (Middletown High School consistently ranks highly). Homes are older but well-maintained, and the Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop adds significant quality-of-life appeal.
Commute: 18 min
Schools: Frederick County Public Schools (Middletown cluster)
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Highly rated Middletown schools, scenic Blue Ridge setting, quiet neighborhood feel, near Appalachian Trail
Thurmont
Small Town
North of Frederick on US-15, Thurmont is a small mountain-gateway town near Catoctin Mountain Park and Camp David. Housing costs are lower than Frederick proper, and families get a genuine rural-edge lifestyle with commutable access to the base. The town has a local grocery and a growing restaurant scene.
Commute: 25 min
Schools: Frederick County Public Schools
Outdoorsy types
Pet owners
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Near Catoctin Mountain Park, affordable housing, rural feel, small-town community character
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Detrick.
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 Fort Detrick
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Detrick.
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 Fort Detrick.
Commissary
1
Fort Detrick Commissary
Exchange
PX
Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sat–Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
Barquist Army Health Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Detrick.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Nallin Farm Gate 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 Fort Detrick.
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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 Fort Detrick.
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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.