Mission
As the nation's combat logistics support agency, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the global supply chain - from raw materials to end user to disposition - for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, 11 combatant commands, other federal agencies, and partner and allied nations. Headquartered at Fort Belvoir, VA, the agency is the primary source for nearly every consumable item, whether for combat readiness, emergency preparedness or day-to-day operations inside DOD.
DLA supplies almost every consumable item America's military services need to operate from groceries to jet fuel and helps dispose of material and equipment that is no longer needed. DLA has supported every major war and contingency operation of the past four decades, from the Vietnam War to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and operates in most states and 28 countries. For more information on DLA Headquarters, see our homepage and check out the videos about the DLA mission and people. You may also visit our facebook page.
History
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is part of the Department of Defense. The origins of DLA date back to World War II when America's huge military buildup required the rapid procurement of vast amounts of munitions and supplies. In the mid-1950s, commodity manager agencies (called "single managers") were established to buy, store and issue supplies, manage inventories, and forecast requirements. The single manager concept, though successful, did not provide the uniform procedures recommended by the Hoover Commission. In 1961, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara ordered that the single-manager agencies be consolidated into one agency, and the Defense Supply Agency (DSA) was established on October 1, 1961, and began operations on January 1, 1962. In recognition of 16 years of growth and expanded responsibilities, on January 1, 1977, officials changed the name of the Defense Supply Agency to the Defense Logistics Agency. In 2001, the new DLA headquarters building was renamed and dedicated the McNamara Headquarters Complex in honor of DLA's first director, U.S. Army LTG (Ret) Andrew T. McNamara. For the complete DLA history, see our homepage.
Population
Department of Defense civilians, military, and contractors are located at the DLA McNamara HQC. Military members represent the Air force, Army, Marines, and Navy. Also located within the complex are DLA Energy, the Defense Technical Information Center, Defense Contract Audit Agency, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
The Washington Metropolitan Area, also referred to as the National Capital Region, has an estimated population of over 8.55 million. The 2023 population of Fairfax County, which includes Fort Belvoir, was approximately 1.15 million.
Location
Defense Logistics Agency McNamara HQC is located in Northern Virginia at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County. The National Capital Region is the home of many military installations and offers diverse cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The number for contacting DLA is 571-767-4012 or DSN 392-767-4012. For phone numbers for other military installations located in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area call 703-545-6700 or DSN 312-227-0101.
Directions
FROM REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT: Take the left toward the George Washington (GW) Parkway and merge onto Interstate 395 South toward Richmond. Interstate 395 turns into Interstate 95. Continue on I-95 S and take Exit 166-A Fort Belvoir/Newington. Continue on Fairfax County Parkway (SR 286). Turn left onto John J Kingman Road and take the second right into the main gate of the McNamara Complex.
FROM DULLES AIRPORT: Take the Dulles Access Road to southbound Interstate 495 towards Richmond/Baltimore. In Springfield, exit onto Interstate 95 south. Continue on Interstate 95 South to Exit 166A, Ft. Belvoir/Newington (approximately 2 miles south of Springfield). The off-ramp will put you on the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 289) heading south. Continue for approximately two miles and turn left onto John J. Kingman Road. Visitors should use the Main Gate (Gate 1), which is the second gate into the McNamara Complex
From Washington, D.C.
Take Interstate 395 South. The road becomes Interstate 95 after the exits for Interstate 495. Follow Interstate 95 South to Exit 166A, Ft. Belvoir/Newington. The off-ramp will put you on the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) heading south. Continue approximately two miles and turn left onto John J. Kingman Road. Visitors should use the Main Gate (Gate 1), which is the second gate into the HQC, and check-in and the Visitor Control Center.
From Richmond, Virginia and Points South
Take Interstate 95 north toward Washington, DC. Take Exit 166A, Ft. Belvoir/Newington. The off-ramp will put you on the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) heading south. Continue for approximately two miles and turn left onto John J. Kingman Road. Visitors should use the Main Gate (Gate 1), which is the second gate into the HQC, and check-in and the Visitor Control Center.
From Baltimore, Maryland and Points North
Take Interstate 95 south toward Washington, DC. Take 495 south toward Richmond. In Springfield exit onto Interstate 95 south. Continue on Interstate 95 South to Exit 166A, Ft. Belvoir/Newington (approximately 2 miles south of Springfield). The off-ramp will put you on the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) heading south. Continue for approximately two miles and turn left at John J. Kingman Road. Visitors should use the Main Gate (Gate 1), which is the second gate into the HQC, and check-in and the Visitor Control Center.
Local Area
Take the Jefferson Davis Highway (also called U.S. Route 1/Richmond Highway) south through Alexandria toward Ft. Belvoir. Continue south, past Pence Gate (the main Belvoir gate), until Jefferson Davis Highway intersects with the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) and turn right onto the parkway. At the first traffic light turn right onto John J. Kingman Road. Visitors should use the Main Gate (Gate 1), which is the second gate into the HQC, and check-in and the Visitor Control Center.
or
Take the George Washington Memorial Parkway south through Alexandria. In Alexandria, the name changes to Washington Street and as it approaches Mt. Vernon it is also called the Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway. After the circle at Mt. Vernon, avoid the sharp right and continue west on the Mt. Vernon Highway until you intersect with Jefferson Davis Highway (also called U.S. Route 1/Richmond Highway) where you will turn left/south toward Ft. Belvoir. Continue south, past Pence and Tulley Gates, until the Jefferson Davis Highway intersects with Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) and turn right. At the first traffic light turn right onto John J. Kingman Road. Visitors should use the Main Gate (Gate 1), which is the second gate into the HQC, and check-in and the Visitor Control Center.
Getting to DLA by car may be convenient, but parking on the HQ Complex is limited; and using car/vanpools and Mass Transportation is encouraged.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority provides Metrorail and Metro Bus transit services in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia communities. Metro Bus route numbers 335, 333, 334 and 171 make stops at DLA and Fort Belvoir. Visit the website or call 202-637-7000 for additional information and departure locations and schedules.
Virginia Railway Express provides commuter rail service from the Northern Virginia suburbs to Woodbridge, Lorton, Alexandria, Crystal City and downtown Washington, DC, along the I-66 and I-95 corridors. For trip schedules and a trip map, visit their website or call 703-684-1001.
The Fairfax Connector provides bus throughout Fairfax County and connects to Metrobus and Metrorail services. For trip maps and schedules call 703-339-7200 or 703-339-1608 or visit their website.
Base Transportation
Public transportation services to the DLA Andrew T. McNamara Headquarters Complex are limited; however, public bus transportation is available through the Fairfax County Connector (FCC) and Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO). Currently, Metro Bus route numbers 171, 334, and 335 stop at DLA. For schedules, information, and route maps, call 703-339-7200. There is no transportation strictly within the complex.
Contact Information
For contact information for military installations throughout the Metropolitan Washington DC area, call 703-545-6700 or DSN 312-227-0101.