This guide was prepared to give you more insight and acquaint you with the organizations. It will provide you information about our services, facilities, and area attractions to make your assignment memorable.

Fort Detrick is a U.S. Army Medical Command installation supporting a multi-governmental community that conducts biomedical research and development, medical materiel management, global telecommunications, and the study of foreign plant pathogens. Each branch of the U.S. military is represented among the approximately 7,900 military, federal, and contractor employees assigned here.

Fort Detrick serves five cabinet-level agencies: The Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Veterans Affairs.Fort Detrick’s Defense Department support also includes elements of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Beyond that, Fort Detrick supports several unified and major Army commands, U.S. Army Forces Command, U.S. Army Space Command, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, and U.S. Army Medical Command.

Finding Fort Detrick

The installation is located within the boundaries of the City of Frederick, which offers modern housing, schools, recreation areas, excellent utilities, and access to major metropolitan areas.

Fort Detrick is situated northwest of Baltimore, Md., (46 miles) and north of Washington, D.C., (45 miles), in Frederick County, Md., which adjoins Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The major highways that access the county are 1-70, I-270, U.S. 15, U.S. 40, U.S. 40A and U.S. 340. Frederick County is easily accessible by automobile, air, train, and motor coach. Reagan National, Dulles International and Baltimore⁄Washington International airports are less than an hour from Frederick, which is also served by Frederick Municipal Airport. A Greyhound Bus Service is also located in Frederick City. There is a MARC commuter rail station in downtown Frederick.

If you’re coming from Washington D.C., take I-270 North to Frederick, where it merges with U.S. Route 15 North. Take the 7th Street Exit, and follow the signs to Fort Detrick’s Veterans Gate visitor’s entrance.

If you’re coming from Baltimore, take I-70 West to Frederick, and follow signs to Route 15 North, Exit 53A. Take the 7th Street Exit, and follow the signs to Fort Detricks Veterians Gate.

All trucks and deliveries must use the Old Farm Gate off of Rosemont Avenue to gain access to the post (closed until September 2007).

Area Climate

Temperatures in the winter usually range between the upper 20s to low 40s with nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping into the low teens. Typically, summers are hot and humid with temperatures in the 80s to low 90s during the day and overnight lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. During inclement weather there may be changes to the installation’s operating hours. Call the Fort Detrick Weather Line at 301-619-7611 or 1-800-256-7621 for updates.

Courtesy to Colors

Military and civilian personnel must render courtesy to the colors during Reveille and Retreat. Reveille is sounded at 6 a.m., Monday through Friday. Retreat is sounded Monday through Sunday at 5 p.m. When Retreat is sounded, military, as well as civilians, should face the flag and stand at attention. Vehicles must stop and all passengers should get out and face the flag. If the flag is not within sight, persons should face toward the music. When "To the Colors" is sounded, appropriate salutes should be rendered.

Appearance

All military members assigned to any organization at Fort Detrick are expected to comply with service regulations and directives concerning personal dress and appearance.

Military bearing should always be a way of life for service members. The wearing of appropriate uniform is an important element of military life at Fort Detrick.

Utility uniforms, specifically the battle dress uniform, are authorized for wear off post during duty hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) for essential personal business that must be accomplished during duty hours when an establishment is not open on weekends or after the normal duty day. Examples include car repairs, licensing, dropping off or picking up children from daycare and for lunch at fast food establishments.

After normal duty hours, utility uniforms may be worn

during travel directly to and from work and emergency or essential stops. Under no circumstances will utility uniforms be worn to nightclubs, bars, or other entertainment facilities off post.

Business Development

Vision

The Fort Detrick Business Development Office is the primary portal and lead organization in establishing partnerships and business agreements between the business community and community organizations and the mission partners located at Fort Detrick. The office provides support for access to needed emerging technologies and assists in developing opportunities for business, business collaboration, and small business subcontracting prospects. This exchange of technology and business activities encourages the stimulation of economic growth on a local, state, and national basis.

The Fort Detrick Business Development Office solves the perceived complex puzzle of federal procurement for the aspiring government contractor. The office also serves as a bridge between Fort Detrick and private enterprise stimulating collaboration and important business activities. The office: