REDSTONE ARSENAL
ARMY
Huntsville, AL
United States
REDSTONE ARSENAL
ARMY
Huntsville, AL
United States
Redstone Arsenal
Arsenal of Freedom
Base Essentials
A joint Army-civilian-contractor hub for missile defense and acquisition in Huntsville, AL — known for technical career diversity, affordable COL, and a booming high-tech community tied to NASA and DoD programs.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
AMC
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
38,000
Active Duty
4,000
Civilian
12,000
Population
480,000
Economic Impact
$5 billion
Redstone Arsenal History
Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, was established in 1941 as a chemical munitions manufacturing and storage facility. After World War II, it became the center of the Army's rocket and missile programs — Wernher von Braun and his team developed the Saturn V rocket here. Today Redstone is home to Army Materiel Command, the Missile Defense Agency, the Space and Missile Defense Command, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and the FBI's Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center. It is the largest employer in northern Alabama and one of the most important technology and defense hubs in the country.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Army Materiel Command (HQ)
—
—
Missile Defense Agency
—
—
Space and Missile Defense Command
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Huntsville Arsenal and Redstone Ordnance Plant Established
1950
Von Braun Rocket Team Arrives
1960
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Established
1969
Saturn V Launches Apollo 11 to the Moon
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1941
Huntsville Arsenal and Redstone Ordnance Plant Established
The War Department established Huntsville Arsenal on July 3, 1941, as an inland chemical weapons manufacturing facility, with the adjacent Redstone Ordnance Plant following in October. During WWII the combined facilities produced more than 27 million items of chemical munitions.
1950
Von Braun Rocket Team Arrives
Dr. Wernher von Braun and approximately 120 German scientists transferred from Fort Bliss to Redstone Arsenal in April 1950 to begin ballistic missile research and development, starting with derivatives of the captured German V-2 rocket.
1960
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Established
On July 1, 1960, approximately 4,670 civilian employees and 1,840 acres of Redstone Arsenal land transferred to NASA's newly created George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, which went on to develop the Saturn V rocket for the Apollo program.
1969
Saturn V Launches Apollo 11 to the Moon
The Saturn V rocket developed at Redstone/Marshall powered the Apollo 11 mission that landed Neil Armstrong on the Moon on July 20, 1969 — the culmination of nearly two decades of rocket development that began with von Braun's team.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Redstone Arsenal.
Redstone Arsenal Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Redstone Arsenal.
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 Redstone Arsenal.
Information
Visit the Historic North Alabama Railroad Museum Near Redstone Arsenal
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Experience a New Type of Golf at Topgolf Huntsville
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Main Event Huntsville Is the Main Attraction for Fun
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Space and Rocket Center Huntsville: A Must-See Near Redstone Arsenal
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28 of the Best Restaurants Near Redstone Arsenal
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Redstone Arsenal.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Gen. John J. Pershing Community Welcome Center
Phone
(256) 842-6122Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1600
In-Processing
The Gen. John J. Pershing Community Welcome Center (Building 3443) is the primary arrival point for all transferring Soldiers, civilian employees, and families. The 22,000-square-foot facility houses Army Community Service, financial readiness, SHARP/Victim Advocacy, child and youth programs, and leisure travel. Personnel report here first for orientation and to begin the in-processing checklist.
Military personnel then proceed to the One Stop facility (Building 3494, Honest John Road), which uses a ticketing system for human resources services: Military Personnel Office (ID cards, in/out-processing, retirement), housing services at (256) 876-6666, and driver's licensing. The MPO is open Mon–Fri 0730–1630. All Soldiers must be in duty uniform with PCS orders and leave forms.
Army Community Service can be reached at (256) 876-5397 for relocation readiness support, newcomer orientation, and lending closet access. Redstone Arsenal is the home of Army Materiel Command (AMC) and hosts a large civilian and contractor workforce, so allow multiple days for all in-processing stops.
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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 Redstone Arsenal.
Redstone Arsenal family housing is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities under the Residential Communities Initiative. The on-post neighborhoods offer a variety of 2–5 bedroom homes convenient to the installation's gates and facilities. Demand for on-post housing is steady given Redstone's large permanent-party and civilian workforce. Redstone Arsenal is located wit…
Local Market
$1,450/mo
rent
/
$300,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Redstone Arsenal
85
15% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Redstone Arsenal.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
5
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
Redstone Arsenal is located in Huntsville, Alabama — one of America's fastest-growing tech cities and consistently ranked among the best places to live in the Southeast. The post is home to Army aviation, missile defense, and the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Families are spoiled for choice in a metro that offers excellent schools, low housing costs by national standards, and a high quality of life anchored by the aerospace and tech industry.
Madison
Suburban
Consistently ranked as one of Alabama's top cities to live and raise a family, Madison sits northwest of Huntsville and serves the post via I-565. Madison City Schools are independent of Madison County and routinely lead Alabama in academic performance. Newer subdivisions have exploded across the city, attracting defense contractors, military families, and tech workers alike. BAH covers very comfortable housing here.
Commute: 18 min
Schools: Madison City Schools
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Top-ranked Alabama schools, fastest growing suburb, defense contractor neighbor community, strong home value appreciation
Huntsville (South / Research Park)
Urban
For families who want city walkability and proximity to Huntsville's booming restaurant and arts scene, neighborhoods south of Redstone near Research Park — Monte Sano, Blossomwood, and Five Points — offer historic homes and urban character. Huntsville City Schools serve most of these zones. The commute on Research Park Boulevard to the arsenal gate is 10–15 minutes.
Commute: 13 min
Schools: Huntsville City Schools
Single service members
Dual military
Retirees
Families with kids
Vibrant city character, Huntsville food and arts scene, Botanical Garden proximity, established historic neighborhoods
Harvest / Meridianville
Suburban
The rural-to-suburban corridor north of Huntsville on US-231 and County Line Road offers the most affordable detached homes near Redstone, with larger lots and a slower pace. Madison County Schools serve the area. The commute via Research Park Boulevard or Wall Triana Highway runs 20–25 minutes. This corridor is attracting young military families who want land and space at prices well below Madison City.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: Madison County Schools
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Pet owners
Outdoorsy types
Most affordable near Redstone, larger lots available, rural feel with suburban growth, good Madison County schools
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Redstone Arsenal.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Alabama fully exempts all active duty military pay from state income tax for Alabama legal residents, including base pay…
Spouse Income Tax
Under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA), military spouses may maintain their legal domicile in another s…
Vehicle Registration
Alabama requires vehicle registration in the county of residence. Military members who are not Alabama legal residents m…
Property Tax
Alabama has some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Rates are set at the county level and are generally und…
Pet Policies at Redstone Arsenal
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Redstone Arsenal.
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 Redstone Arsenal.
Commissary
1
Redstone Arsenal Commissary
Exchange
PX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
Fox Army Health Center — Health Center
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Redstone Arsenal.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 9 (Rideout Road / Main 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 Redstone Arsenal.
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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 Redstone Arsenal.
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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.