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Fort Detrick

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Cost of Living

The cost of living in Frederick, Maryland is 113.7%. Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100 which means Frederick Maryland is 13.7% above the US average. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.  The median home price in Frederick is currently $452,800.  Frederick County, Maryland has a population of over 267,498 as of 2020. which is approximately 401 people per square mile.    Please visit the U.S. Census Bureau for more facts, information and statistics about Frederick County; https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/frederickcountymaryland

Installation Details

Special and Critical Installation Information

  • Maximum speed for the installation is 25 MPH, 15 MPH for housing areas, and 10 MPH when passing PT or troop formations.
  • The Fort Detrick traffic code prohibits drivers from using hand-held cell phones, Blackberries or similar items, such as personal data assistants, and also prohibits vehicle operators from viewing DVDs while driving on post. Drivers may use hands-free accessories that allow them to keep both hands free to control the vehicle. An earphone is authorized as long as it only covers one ear, leaving the other ear free to hear alarms and surrounding traffic. Similar prohibitions apply to the use of the "direct connect," or walkie-talkie feature available on some cell phones. Violations of this restriction are considered serious offenses.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, including back seat passengers.
  • Maryland's current law requires that children under eight years old to ride in an appropriate child restraint, unless the child is 4'9" or taller.  Every child from 8 to 16 years old who is not secured in a restraint must be secured in the vehicle's seat belt, in every sitting position in the vehicle.
  • The use of radar or laser speed detectors on-post, except by law-enforcement personnel is prohibited.
  • Individuals may not use headphones or earphones while jogging because they interfere with the ability to hear signals, alarms and traffic sounds. During periods of reduced visibility, joggers must wear appropriate bright-colored or fluorescent clothing or reflective personal protective equipment. Individual runners will run facing the flow of traffic.
  • Newly arriving personnel are required to report to the Vehicle Registration Office, to obtain a temporary pass for privately owned vehicles. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • As of 01 Oct 09 it is illegal to text and operate a motor vehicle in Maryland.

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.

In-Depth Overview

Mission

Fort Detrick is a U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC) installation supporting a multi-governmental community that conducts biomedical research and development, medical material management, worldwide communications, and the study of foreign plant pathogens.

The US Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, provides sustainable base operations support, quality of life programs, and environmental stewardship to facilitate the sustainment of vital national interests.

The US Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, supports five cabinet-level agencies: The Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services.

Within the DoD, Fort Detrick supports elements of all four military services.  Major Department of the Army mission partners include the US Army Medical Research and Development Command and the 21st Signal Brigade.

History

The first military presence at Fort Detrick was the 1930s encampment of the 104th Aero Squadron of the Maryland National Guard. It was named Camp Detrick to honor Squadron Surgeon Maj. Frederick L. Detrick who served in France during World War I.  The U.S. Biological Laboratories were established at Detrick Field in 1943, achieving pioneering efforts in decontamination, gaseous sterilization, and agent purification. In 1956, Fort Detrick continued its mission of biomedical research. The installation has matured as a center for advanced biomedical research and development, medical materiel management, and long-haul telecommunications for the White House, Department of Defense and other governmental agencies. For more information, go to the Fort Detrick homepage at https://home.army.mil/detrick/

Population

  • 1,189 active duty service members.
  • 10,412 civilians, contractors and others.
  • 11,601 grand total for Fort Detrick and Forest Glen Campus.

 Each branch of the U.S. military is represented at Fort Detrick totaling 11,601 military, federal employees, and contractors assigned here as of February 2024.

Location

Fort Detrick is located in Frederick, Maryland, in the heart of Frederick County, the third fastest growing county in Maryland.  Fort Detrick is the center of the biomedical technology growth that has occurred in the county. Frederick is situated to the West of Baltimore, MD, (46 miles) and Washington, DC, (45 miles). It adjoins Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The base operator's phone number is 301-619-8000 or DSN 312-343-8000.

Directions

If arriving to Ft. Detrick by air, you will land at one of three different airports:  Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) (55 miles); Washington Dulles International (IAD) (45 miles); Reagan National (DCA) (54 miles).

If traveling to Ft. Detrick by bus, shuttle or taxi: There are many civilian Airport Shuttle Services which offer 24 hour door-to-door transportation from BWI, National, and Dulles Airports to Frederick/Fort Detrick. Cost is ranges from $60 - $125 for 1 person and $10-$15 for each additional person. A 24 hour advance notice is recommended (although shuttles are available without 24 hour notice) at the following pick-up areas: outside the baggage claim area at BWI and DCA.  At IAD it is at 2F, outside in the parking lot. They accept cash and major credit cards.

Bus Service

Check your local Frederick Greyhound Bus Terminal for the latest bus schedules to and from local airports. 301-663-3311

Taxi Service

Civilian taxi service is available to a variety of local areas. Fares for trips from airports to Fort Detrick are expensive and can range from $100 and up.

USO Locations

USO Locations & Operation Hours: USO International Gateway Lounge, BWI Airport, lower level. Hours 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.  USO Ronald Reagan National Airport, Terminal A, upper level. Hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Rail Transportation

MARC train departs Airports to Union Station. Upon arrival at Union Station you can take the Brunswick Line to Frederick, Brunswick, Point of Rocks and Harpers Ferry.  There are 3 trains per day that leave Union Station towards Frederick. Go to www.mta.maryland.gov/marc-station-information for current rates and schedules.

Directions from Washington DC: Take 1-270 North to Frederick and it will merge with U.S. Route 15 North (270 North becomes 15 North). Take the Motter Avenue exit (exit 16) and follow the signs to Fort Detrick's Nallin Farm Gate. The gate is located on the left directly across the street from 7-eleven on Amber Drive.

Directions from Baltimore, Maryland: Take 1-70 West to Frederick and follow the signs to Route 15 North, exit 53A.  Take the Motter Avenue exit (exit 16) and follow the signs to Fort Detrick's Nallin Farm Gate. The gate is located on the left directly across the street from 7-eleven on Amber Drive.

Base Access

Fort Detrick is a closed post. If you do not have a CAC Card, you must enter through the Nallin Farm Gate off of Opposumtown Pike.  Please stop at the visitors center directly to the right as you enter the gates.  You must have your ID card, drivers license, POV registration and proof of POV insurance to obtain visitors pass and access entry to the installation.  Follow gate guard's instructions after entering the installation.

Base Transportation

 Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation.

Contact Information

Fort Detrick's main installation phone line call number is 301-619-8000/2197.