FORT MEADE
ARMY
Fort Meade, MD
United States
FORT MEADE
ARMY
Fort Meade, MD
United States
Fort Meade
Base Essentials
A major intelligence and cyber hub between Baltimore and Washington, Fort Meade hosts NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, and DISA — demanding commutes offset by unmatched career diversity in specialized fields.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
IMCOM
Status
Active
Est.
1917
Acres
5,100
Active Duty
11,000
Civilian
11,000
Population
2,900,000
Economic Impact
$3.5 billion
Fort Meade History
Named AfterMajor General George Gordon Meade
Fort George G. Meade in Maryland was established in 1917 between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. It has served various Army missions over the decades but is best known today as the headquarters of the National Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command, and the Defense Information Systems Agency. The installation is central to the nation's intelligence and cybersecurity operations. Fort Meade's strategic importance has grown enormously in the digital age, and ongoing construction continues to expand its capacity for the intelligence and cyber workforce.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
National Security Agency (NSA)
—
—
U.S. Cyber Command
—
—
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1917
Camp Meade Established for WWI Training
1929
Redesignated Fort George G. Meade
1957
National Security Agency Relocates to Fort Meade
2009
U.S. Cyber Command Established
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1917
Camp Meade Established for WWI Training
Camp Meade was established near Laurel, Maryland, as a major training installation for World War I soldiers. Named after Civil War Gen. George Gordon Meade, victor of the Battle of Gettysburg, the camp processed over 100,000 troops for the American Expeditionary Forces in France.
1929
Redesignated Fort George G. Meade
Camp Meade was permanently redesignated Fort George G. Meade, recognizing its enduring importance as a major military installation in the strategic Washington D.C.–Baltimore corridor and its role as a hub for Army communications and intelligence activities.
1957
National Security Agency Relocates to Fort Meade
The National Security Agency (NSA), established in 1952, relocated its headquarters to Fort Meade when its new headquarters building opened in 1957. NSA's presence transformed the installation into one of the most significant intelligence centers in the world, a mission that continues to expand.
2009
U.S. Cyber Command Established
U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) was established at Fort Meade in 2009 under the dual-hatted leadership of the NSA Director, making Fort Meade the nexus of America's signals intelligence and offensive and defensive cyber warfare capabilities in a single unified command structure.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Meade.
Fort Meade Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Meade.
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 Meade.
Information
Meet Yolanda Gore, Fort Meade's First Female Army Garrison Commander
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Information
Fort Meade Housing: 6 On-Post Options
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Information
24 of the Best Things to Do Near Fort Meade
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Information
25 of the Best Restaurants Near Fort Meade
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Information
The Best Fort Meade Schools: Daycare - High School
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Meade.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Army Community Service (ACS) — Relocation Readiness Program
Phone
(301) 677-5590Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (closed federal holidays)
In-Processing
All incoming military personnel report to their individual command/unit and sponsor upon arrival. Army personnel assigned to USAG Fort Meade must attend a mandatory in-processing briefing held every Tuesday at 0800 at Smallwood Hall, 4650 Williams Road. Arrive no later than 0745 for accountability. Bring copies of assignment orders, CAC, and supporting documentation. Duty uniform is required.
Army personnel undergo a mandatory 5-day in-processing sequence beginning the day they sign into their unit or the next duty day. The week covers Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Training, Master Resiliency Training (16 hours), sponsorship and finance briefings, TRICARE enrollment, medical and dental readiness, and a Newcomer's Orientation with the Installation Commander. DA Form 7415 (EFMP Querying Sheet) is mandatory for all Soldiers.
Army Community Service (ACS) at 830 Chisholm Avenue ((301) 677-5590) offers a Lending Closet with pots, pans, dishes, irons, ironing boards, toasters, coffee makers, folding tables, and chairs for PCS families while household goods are in transit. ACS also conducts Newcomer's Orientation (virtual via Microsoft Teams) and provides relocation counseling, overseas transfer classes, financial readiness workshops, and immigration/visa assistance. Contact (301) 677-4107 for orientation schedules.
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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 Meade.
On-post housing at Fort Meade is managed by Corvias Military Living, which operates family communities across the installation in suburban Maryland between Baltimore and Washington D.C. with 2- to 4-bedroom homes organized by rank and family size. Corvias provides 24/7 maintenance services, community centers, playgrounds, and an online portal for applications and wo…
Local Market
$2,600/mo
rent
/
$490,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Fort Meade
120
20% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Meade.
School Liaison Officer
Fort Meade School Liaison Officer
2
Elementary Schools
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1
Middle Schools
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2
High Schools
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5
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Fort Meade sits in Anne Arundel County between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. — one of the most strategically positioned military installations in the country. The NSA is headquartered here, and the post attracts a mix of military and intelligence community families. Housing demand is high and prices reflect the competitive DC-Baltimore corridor. The MARC train line at Odenton provides car-free commuting options.
Odenton
Suburban
Odenton is the most popular community for Fort Meade families and one of the best-positioned military communities on the East Coast. It sits directly adjacent to the base in Anne Arundel County with MARC commuter rail access to both Baltimore and Washington DC, excellent schools, good retail, and a range of housing options. Odenton has grown substantially in recent years and is genuinely one of the best assignments in the military from a quality-of-life standpoint.
Commute: 5–15 min
Gate: Main Gate (Reece Road)
Schools: Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Single service members
MARC Penn Line gives car-free access to DC and Baltimore. Fort Meade is home to NSA and Cyber Command, making it a major hub for cleared personnel. Quiet Waters Park and Severn River recreation are close.
Laurel
Suburban
Laurel straddles the Prince George's and Howard County lines and offers a more affordable alternative to Odenton with good access to Fort Meade. It's a mid-size suburban city with a diverse community, solid amenities, and a strategic location between DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis. Military families choosing Laurel typically get more space for their BAH while staying within a manageable commute.
Commute: 20–30 min
Gate: Main Gate (Reece Road)
Schools: Howard County / Prince George's County Schools
Budget-friendly
Single service members
Dual military
Families with kids
Strategic location between DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis gives excellent access to all three. Patuxent Research Refuge and Greenbelt Park offer nearby outdoor recreation. Howard County schools are excellent if you land on that side of the line.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Meade.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Maryland taxes active duty pay of Maryland residents at graduated rates up to 5.75% state, plus a local income tax (typi…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in Maryland are exempt from Maryland income tax on…
Vehicle Registration
Nonresident service members stationed in Maryland are not required to register their vehicles in Maryland if currently r…
Property Tax
100% totally and permanently disabled veterans (or those with unemployable rating) receive a complete exemption from rea…
Pet Policies at Fort Meade
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Meade.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(301) 677-1300Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
13
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
1
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Fort Meade.
Commissary
1
Fort Meade Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
PX
Medical
1
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Meade.
01
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Fort Meade Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Daily 9am–9pm.
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02
Is there a PX on base?
Yes, Fort Meade has a PX (Post Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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03
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center is the primary military treatment clinic serving Fort Meade. Call (301) 677-8800 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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04
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Fort Meade has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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05
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Fort Meade has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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06
What school district serves the base?
Anne Arundel County Public Schools (rated B (Niche)) serves most military families at Fort Meade. Visit aacps.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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07
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Fort Meade restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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08
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, Family Pet Care Center Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at Fort Meade.
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09
Is there on-base pet boarding?
Yes, Family Pet Care Center offers on-base boarding and daycare for military families at Fort Meade. Call (301) 677-4059 to check availability and reserve.
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10
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Fort Meade has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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11
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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12
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 Meade.
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13
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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14
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 Meade.
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Question
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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.