At Fort George G. Meade, we are dedicated to providing quality support to servicemen and women, DoD civilian employees and their families. Located almost midway between the cities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., near the communities of Odenton, Laurel, Columbia and Jessup, Fort Meade is virtually a city in itself. It consists of 5,400 acres with 65.5 miles of paved roads, 3.3 miles of secondary roads, and about 1,300 buildings. There is a modern exchange mall, bank, credit union, post office, chapels, seven schools and many other facilities on the installation. Whatever your interests – crafts, sports, movies, all are available here. Any information you need may be obtained by calling the main number at (301) 677-6261.

How Do I Get There?

From Washington D.C.

Go to MD-295 N towards BALTIMORE to US 175 EAST. Follow 175 EAST until it turns into Reece Road. Follow the signs on Reece Road to the Main Gate.

From Baltimore MD

Go to MD-295 S towards WASHINGTON to US 175 EAST. Follow 175 EAST until it turns into Reece Road. Follow the signs on Reece Road to the Main Gate.

How Do I Get Around?

Amtrak

Amtrak’s official web site has train information. The closest station to Fort Meade is the BWI Airport Rail Station. Visit www.amtrak.com.

MARC Train

Mass Transit – Visitors without a car can travel to and from Baltimore or Washington D.C. by using the MARC train, a local commuter system available Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., available from Fort Meade by going to the BWI Rail Station or the Odenton Station. Visit www.mtamaryland.com for individual station hours and MARC fare and schedule information.

Airlines

Baltimore⁄Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – Located in Anne Arundel County, visitors can arrange air travel to Fort Meade by way of BWI. There are currently 19 airlines arriving and departing from BWI. Other airports in the area include: Dulles International Airport – Dulles, Virginia and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport – Washington, DC.

Private Vehicle

Fort Meade is a ‘closed’ post. Everyone who lives and works on Fort George G. Meade is required to register their vehicle(s) at the Visitor Control Center.

The policy applies to all Department of Defense personnel, military and civilians, including those employed by nonappropriated fund activities, and contractors who work on Fort Meade. It also includes retirees, family members and or anyone who would require access to facilities during emergency conditions or periods of restricted access.

To register a vehicle you must show: an ID with government affiliation; a valid drivers license and valid registration as well as proof of insurance. If the vehicle is not owned by the registrant, the owner must authorize the registration with either a power of attorney or a notarized letter.

For those who have not yet registered their vehicles, the provost marshal encourages them to stop by the center during off-peak (non-rush hour) times. For more information, call (301) 677-1063.

To register your vehicle in the state of Maryland, visit the Motor Vehicle Information (state of Maryland) site at www.mva.state.md.us.

Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located at:

902 Reece Road

(301) 677-1064⁄1065

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Reece Road is the only visitor access gate. It is located adjacent to the Reece Road and Route 175 entrance to Fort Meade. All other gates are designated for DoD ID card holders only.

Issuance of Department of Defense Vehicle Registration Decals

Required documents:

Because DD Form 2220 is an accountable item, decals must be returned to the VCC before a replacement set of decals will be issued. This applies to the sale of a vehicle, windshield replacement, totaled vehicle, etc. If decals are not recoverable, a letter from the unit commander must be presented prior to a replacement decal being issued or clearing the VCC.

Eligibility:

One Day Pass

One-day passes can be obtained at the Reece Road gate from the security guards. It is not necessary to come inside the VCC for this service. To receive a one-day pass the driver will need to show a valid driver’s license; original and current vehicle registration. One-day passes will be issued for DoD ID card holders and guests to the installation. Contractors (or anyone providing a paid service) must be sponsored onto the installation and will need to come to the VCC to obtain access to the installation.

Temporary Vehicle Passes

Temporary passes are issued for those that are unable to permanently register the vehicle (i.e.- temporary registration, vehicle registration not in driver’s name, rental car).

Required documents:

Weapons Registered

All privately owned weapons must be registered for military personnel and family members who reside on Fort Meade. Soldiers in the grade E4 and below must maintain their weapon(s) in their respective unit arms room.Soldiers in the grade E5 and above may maintain privately owned weapons in their quarters in accordance with FGGM Reg 190-5.

Fingerprinting

This service is provided, at the request of the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC), to FGGM civilian employees requiring fingerprint cards as part of the employment background investigation and to FGGM volunteers at the request of the organization. Fingerprinting is by appointment from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Please call (301) 677-1064⁄ 1065 to schedule an appointment.

Event Access

Access requests for events taking place at a FGGM facility should be submitted directly to that facility. The facility will then forward the access request to the VCC for posting at the gates. Requests for access to private functions should be submitted directly to the VCC by the ID card holder hosting the event. Please submit no later than seven days prior to the event. The list will need to include type of event, date, time, location, POC name and phone number, total number of guests, and an alphabetized list of guests by last name.

For more information, call (301) 677-1064⁄1065

Is there Billeting on the installation?

For billeting information contact Abrams Hall at (301) 677-5660 or Army Lodging at (410) 674-7700.

Abrams Hall Guest House

The Abrams Hall Guest House provides temporary housing for active and retired military personnel, their families, and official guests for up to 30 days. Other eligible personnel are authorized for up to seven days. All categories may be extended on a space available basis. The facility consists of 54 rental units with a common use kitchen, laundry and vending machine room. Reservations are accepted and confirmed 30 days in advance of arrival. Abrams Hall operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For information, call (410) 674-7700 ext. 7278 or (301) 677-5660. We do not accept pets, but Fort Meade has a Pet Care Center, (301) 677-4059.

Transient Housing

Accommodations may be obtained at the Post Billeting Office, Brett Hall, Building 4707 on Ruffner Road. There are 191 visiting officer⁄visiting enlisted (VOQ⁄VEQ) units. The seven transient housing distinguished visitor quarters (DVQ) units each contain one or two bedrooms, living room, private bath, and kitchen or kitchenette.

Forty-four of the regular transient housing units contain a bedroom, living room and private bath. All the remaining transient housing units are single rooms with shared baths except six single rooms with private bath.

Permanent party Officer and Senior Enlisted Personnel arriving or departing the installation on military orders may also stay at visiting officer⁄visiting enlisted quarters on a reservation basis, though not to exceed 30 days in the absence of permanent party bachelor housing and guest housing.

Priority of assignment to bachelor and transient quarters is based primarily on category of personnel and date of application. Transient Housing operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, call (301) 677-6529⁄5884.

How Do I In-Process?

In ⁄Out Processing Main Number (301) 677-9580⁄9585

Start Right

The Fort Meade Start Right Program is a two-day process. All newly assigned servicemembers transitioning to Fort Meade will in-process through the Start Right Program. Day One is designated as a service day.

Army Day, for example, is conducted Tuesdays, when Soldiers will receive dental screening and in-process the Military Personnel Office (MILPO), Finance, and other Army-related programs. Army days begin at 8:00 a.m. in Building 2234, Huber Avenue.

Joint Service

Wednesdays are Joint Service days and are designated for all servicemembers and their families. Childcare is available during this time. Prior registration is required. Contact Outreach Services at (301) 677-1149⁄1156 for more information. The morning sessions begin at 7:45 a.m. in Bldg. 2481, Ernie Pyle Road. During this session, servicemembers receive a welcome from the Installation Commander, briefings on Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center (KACC), Tricare, and United Concordia.

During a working lunch, service members and their families who are Tricare Prime to Kimbrough receive a special briefing on healthy lifestyles and authorization to receive free over the counter medications. The afternoon session consists of briefings on programs applicable to all service members and their families, such as Child Development Services; Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR); Army Community Services (ACS); and the Residential Community Initiative (RCI) Program.

How Do I GetAn ID Card?

Identification Cards⁄Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)

Personnel Processing Branch is located at 2234 Huber Road, Fort Meade. Customers are asked to call (301) 677-9586 for current wait time to ensure service. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Directions to the I.D. cards facility

Proper identification and documentation are required for services to be provided.

Active Duty ID Card

Retiree

Retirement order or DD Form 214.

Spouse, Child Under 21 Years of Age

For renewal, the sponsor must be present to sign DD Form 1172 (ID Card Application) or the spouse must have the sponsor’s Power of Attorney to sign for the sponsor in his⁄her absence or the spouse must have a DD Form 1172 not more than 90 days old signed by the sponsor and his⁄her servicing Personnel Office. (Card can be renewed 90 days from expiration.)

Initial Issue

Certified copy of marriage certificate, birth certificate, Social Security Card, and DD Form 214, if prior military.

Reserve⁄National Guardsman

Initial issue of ID card requires a DD Form 1172 verified by the Reserve unit and a picture ID. A DD Form 214 can be used if it reflects the reserve obligation date.

100 Percent Disabled Veteran

A letter from the Veterans Administration stating he⁄she is 100 percent disabled service-connected. The letter must state whether the DAV is scheduled for future exams. A DD 214 and picture ID are also required.

Individual Ready Reserve

Enlistment contract, Assignment Commissioning Oath.

DoD Civilian Employee

Requires two forms of identification (State ID, Old Civilian ID card, etc.) and DD Form 1172-2 signed by CPOC, and an AKO account email address or work email address.

Civilian Contractor

Requires two forms of identification and an AKO account email address. All contractors require DD Form 1172-2 for card issuance.

Child, Age 21-23

Must be enrolled in college as a full-time student. Requires a letter on school letterhead from the school Registrar’s office certifying full-time enrollment and anticipated date of graduation.

Incapacitated Child Over Age 21, Parent⁄Parent-in-Law Dependency

Dependency determination can be done for a child 21 years of age who is incapacitated; parents, and parent-in-laws, provided the sponsor is supporting these dependents with at least 50% of their living expenses.

Former Spouse

Unremarried former spouses can continue to keep their Dependent ID Card privileges provided they meet the following criteria: The member served at least 20 years creditable service for retired pay, the marriage lasted at least 20 years, and the marriage and service overlapped by at least 15 years. The number of years overlap in marriage and service determines the extent of benefits authorized. Requires certified Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, sponsor’s retirement DD Form 214 or Statement of Service and former spouse’s picture ID.

Newborns

All newborns must be added to DEERS. A copy of their Birth Certificate or Certificate of Birth is required.

Baggage & Household Goods

Personnel arriving on post expecting baggage or household goods shipments, even if their shipment has arrived, should immediately call 1-800-762-7186, Joint Personal Property Shipping Office, Fort Belvoir, Va., to complete all arrangements.

Be prepared to furnish a delivery address and telephone number (s) where you can be reached during and after duty hours. The Fort Meade Personal Property Office, located in Building 2234 at the intersection of Huber and Pepper Roads, will assist with any questions and issue pagers to anyone whose shipment has not arrived. Pagers are only available for issue from May through September. The hours of operation are 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information call (800) 762-7186 for inbound shipments, for outbound shipments, (301) 677-9639.

Recreational Vehicles

A storage lot is available for personnel residing in government quarters through the Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation on a space-available basis. For more information, call (301) 677-3810⁄3029.

Regulations

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking on the Fort Meade reservation is prohibited. Pedestrians desiring a courtesy ride may use the authorized pedestrian pickup points designated for this program. Pedestrians are required to walk facing traffic at all times.

Littering

Strewing of debris of any sort on Fort Meade is prohibited and may be punishable by a minimum of a $50 fine, not to exceed $500, by Maryland state law. Help keep Fort Meade beautiful!

Off-limits

Some installation buildings are posted off-limits. Military Police strictly enforce this posting. Sponsors must ensure that children do not enter these posted areas. Units and directorates have updated copies of all off-limits areas.

Claims

Claims for damage to household goods or vehicles under a government sponsored shipment should be filed in the Claims Division, Garrison Staff Judge Advocate Office, located in Wing C, Snowden Hall, Building 2257. A DD Form 1840 indicating the loss or damage incurred must be brought to the Claims Office within 70 days of receipt of shipment. No appointment is necessary. Claims personnel will assist in processing your claim upon arrival. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Claims personnel are also available at other times by appointment. For more information or an appointment, call (301) 677-9960⁄ 9898.

Uniform Regulations

Proper military bearing and appearance is an important element of military life at Fort Meade.

All military personnel assigned to any unit, organization, agency or activity on Fort Meade, including partner units are expected to comply with appropriate uniform regulations and directives.

Military personnel are expected to use common sense in selecting either the Army green or short sleeved uniforms for wear according to the weather. Commanders determine the uniform to be worn for ceremonies, formations, and particular job functions.

The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and food service uniforms are authorized for wear in off-post fast food establishments, quick stop shopping stores, and other retail outlets immediately adjacent to Fort Meade between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Personnel must present the proper standards of cleanliness, neatness, and military appearance when wearing these uniforms in such establishments.

Post Office

The Main Post Office is in Building 2789, located off Reece Road in the Post Exchange Mall.

Mail delivery service is provided to family housing residents only. There is no mail delivery service to bachelor officer quarters. Such mail should be addressed to the individual’s military organization.

Lock boxes are available and applications for these boxes may be made at stamp windows in the Post Office lobby. Special Delivery service is provided to quarters residents only.

The Post Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The Post Office box lobby and stamp vending machines are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information call (301) 677-4660 or (410) 551-0848.