USAG Alaska, Greely

"Home of the Rugged Professional"

USAG Fort Greely's installation mission is Midcourse Missile Defense. Fort Greely is also host to the military mission of the Cold Regions Test Center. 

Fort Greely Garrison supported tenants include: Ground-Based Midcourse Defense, 49th Missile Defense Battalion, 59th Signal Battalion (NEC), Cold Regions Test Center, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Defense Commissary Agency, Logistics Readiness Center, and the U.S. Postal Service.

The installation and garrison commander at USAG Fort Greely reports to both Installation Management Command (IMCOM) through the Pacific Area Region Office and the senior mission commander through the Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC). 

The post’s history began in 1942 when an advance detail of 15 men arrived in the Big Delta Area to establish an Army Air Corps Base. These first Army units set up camp on June 30, 1942, at what was to become Station 17, Alaskan Wing, Air Transport Command. Throughout World War II, the post was a rest and refueling spot for American pilots ferrying aircraft to Ladd Army Airfield (now Fort Wainwright) for the Lend Lease Program.

USAG Fort Greely continued as an Army Air Corps Base until 1945 when it was put in an inactive status. In April 1947, the War Department designated the base as the site for post-war cold weather maneuvers, and “Exercise Yukon” was staged during the winter of 1947-1948.

The installation was reactivated May 1, 1948 and was officially transferred to the Department of the Army and redesignated as an Army post. Under this directive, the post was to be called United States Troops, Big Delta, Alaska. The post was named as the site for the Arctic Training Center in 1948.

The post was redesignated the Arctic Training Center on July 1, 1949 and later renamed the Army Arctic Center on September 1, 1952. Construction began on the permanent buildings located a mile from the airfield in 1953. These buildings are referred to as “main post” today, while the original temporary buildings near the airfield are called “old post”. A major construction program for permanent-type buildings was initiated in 1954.

The post was designated Fort Greely on August 6, 1955 in honor of Major General Adolphus Washington Greely, an arctic explorer and founder of the Alaska Communications System. Greely was responsible for the construction of thousands of miles of telegraph lines throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Alaska. More than 45,000 miles of telegraph lines were completed in Alaska alone.

In April of 1963, the Department of the Army redesignated the Cold Weather and Mountain School as the Northern Warfare Training Center (NWTC). NWTC was then given the mission of training units in the conduct of warfare in northern areas of operation.

Fort Greely became part of the 172nd Infantry Brigade in 1974, after the disestablishment of the United States Army, Alaska. The post was under the command of Forces Command at Fort McPherson, Georgia.

Fort Greely celebrated its 50th anniversary (in conjunction with the annual Midnight Sun Festival) with a three-day festival in June 1992. The 6th Infantry Division (Light) was deactivated in a formal ceremony on July 6, 1994, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The actual effective date for the deactivation occurred on July 26, 1994, becoming U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK).

In 1995, the installation underwent Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and was warm based in 1997. In 2001, it was partially removed from the BRAC list to support the national objective of missile defense. It was reduced to its current size of 7,200 acres, and the surrounding ranges and training lands were transferred to Fort Wainwright.

Today, USAG Fort Greely proudly serves as an integral part of the Nation’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) and is a National Security Asset.

USAG Fort Greely’s installation mission is mid-course missile defense (destroying threat missiles in their midcourse phase). Fort Greely is also host to the military mission of the Cold Regions Test Center.

USAG, Fort Greely's population is a mix of:

Full Time Military: 407 (346 Full Time Military and Transient Military 61), 

Total Civilians: 935 (Army Civilians 272, Contractors 428, Other Civilians 227, Transient Civilians 8),

Total Base Population: 1,342

Reserve Component Military: 325 

USAG, Fort Greely is considered a remote tour of duty as it is 100 miles away from Fairbanks. It is 350 miles north of Anchorage. When weather permits people often travel to Fairbanks or Anchorage for shopping and/or entertainment. USAG, Fort Greely is situated between two beautiful mountain ranges with breathtaking scenery. In mid-summer months the sun does not go below the horizon, in mid-winter the shortest day has about 4 hours of sunlight.

Delta Junction, known as the end of the Alaska Highway, is the nearest town about 5 miles north of USAG, Fort Greely. The name "Big Delta", as it is currently used, refers to the residential and farming community located near where the Delta River joins the Tanana River, about nine miles north of Delta Junction. Delta Junction, once called Buffalo Center, is the city itself. Its city limits encompass about an eight mile radius and a population of about a thousand people. For more information please visit the installation homepage @ https://home.army.mil/alaska/fort-greely

Driving

If you’re behind the wheel, steer north by northwest toward the top of the world. The highways through Canada and Alaska offer breathtaking scenery and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Most travelers choose the Alberta to Alaska Highway route or the British Columbia-Yukon route. Expect potholes and flying gravel. 

Regardless of your approach, you’ll be overwhelmed by all the natural beauty and wildlife, yet close to amenities necessary to make the trip comfortable and memorable. The highways are open year-round, but the best time to travel is from late spring to early fall. More facilities are open, the weather’s friendlier and the wildlife plentiful.

The drive is at least 2,000 miles from the Lower 48 so plan, plan and plan before you leave. First, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. If you’re pulling a heavy load, upgrade the shocks. Second, secure an atlas and road maps, and then sign up with a roadside service, such as AAA, that includes long-distance towing. Third, anticipate needs along the way. Bring extra oil, a couple of spare tires, extra belts, a first-aid kit, snacks, water and lots of gas money.

Remember that Canada dispenses gas in liters — 3.78 liters equals 1 U.S. gallon. Gas is also more expensive, especially in remote areas, and seldom conveniently located. When your gas gauge reads half a tank, it’s best to take a break from driving and fill up.

Crossing the Border

Travel through the Canadian-U.S. borders requires a valid passport. Canadian Customs officials can deny entry based on a criminal record, including a DUI conviction. They can also search vehicles and travelers at their discretion. For details, visit www.canadawelcomesyou.net.

Anyone younger than 16 years old may cross land and sea borders using a U.S. birth certificate, but minors not accompanied by both parents must carry a notarized letter from their legal guardian and/or the other parent granting permission to travel into Canada.

Dogs and cats with rabies vaccination and health certificates signed by a veterinarian may accompany their owners. Both certificates must clearly identify the animal(s) in your possession. Failure to present these certificates — if asked — could cause you to be prohibited from entering the country.

You must also show proof of sufficient funds. Canada accepts most major U.S. credit cards, plus you won’t have to worry about the conversion rate. Nevertheless, take a good stash of cash in case you end up somewhere that doesn’t accept credit cards. For the rate of exchange, go to www.bankofcanada.ca/rates/exchange/10-year-converter.

Canada also allows nonresidents to transport certain classes of firearms, but they must be declared, so be sure to check with the Canada Border Services Agency before you leave. Find Canada’s gun control laws and download required forms at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf. Or save yourself the hassle and ship your firearms instead.

The U.S. Department of State encourages all Americans traveling outside the country to register at https://step.state.gov/step.

Consulate General of the United States,
Calgary, Canada

615 Macleod Trail SE, 10th Floor
In the Calgary area: 403-266-8962
Elsewhere in Canada and in the U.S.: 703-249-4643

https://ca.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/calgary

The consular district includes Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, excluding Nunavut.

Consulate General of the United States,
Vancouver, Canada

1075 W. Pender St., Vancouver, BC, Canada 604-685-4311

https://ca.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/vancouver

The consular district includes British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.

Ferry

For a more leisurely mode, travelers can hook up with the Alaska Marine Highway’s oceangoing ferries at Bellingham, Washington, or Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The water route also affords the opportunity to take in the natural splendor of southeast Alaska’s many parks and communities off the road system.

The passage includes vehicles, people and cabins that sell out early, so make reservations as far in advance as possible. On overnight trips passengers frequently sleep in lounge chairs, on the floor inside lounges, or in their small tents on the solarium deck or the stern of the cabin deck. The shower stalls are public on most ferries, and a cafeteria serves food on all vessels.

Pets with a valid rabies certificate and a health certificate are permitted but must be confined to your vehicle, except for exercise on the vehicle deck during specified times or stops. Vehicle access is restricted for most of the trip.

Remember that ferries are not cruise ships. The scenery outside the windows is the same viewed by more than a million cruise ship passengers every summer, but the similarities end there. Bring coolers full of food and beverages, plus blankets, pillows, towels, entertainment and a camera. For reservations, schedules, fares and other information, visit www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs.

Air Travel

If a cross-country road trip and border crossing aren’t appealing, then fly into Fairbanks International Airport. Daily direct flights from Seattle typically take 3 ½ to 4 hours, and you can ship household goods and vehicles by road or barge.

Whether traveling by air, land or sea, you can expect an unforgettable journey through some of the most rugged and breathtaking scenery in North America.

Personal Property

For all personnel assigned to forts Wainwright and Greely, the government pays to ship personal property, household goods and one privately owned vehicle, plus travel to the state. If shipping a POV at government expense, a member may still be authorized to drive to the new duty station, because driving falls under a travel entitlement and shipping a POV falls under a shipping entitlement. The following information will help you prepare for the move.

On receipt of orders to Alaska, contact your local transportation office. Start planning your move well in advance. Shipping your personal property to Alaska normally takes 30 to 40 days, depending on how much you have and where you ship it from.

WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Your grade and whether you are serving an accompanied or unaccompanied tour determine the maximum HHG weight allowance. Exceeding your weight entitlement could cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars, so estimate the weight of your goods carefully before shipping. A good rule of thumb is 1,000 pounds per room, excluding bathrooms, but including basements and garages.

Alaska is also considered an administrative weight-restricted area for single unaccompanied Soldiers in grades staff sergeant and below, sergeant first class and above residing on post, and officers residing on post. Look up administrative weight limitations in the Overseas Consignment Guide or contact your local transportation office.

TRANSPORT

You can transport personal property in two ways: a government-contracted move or a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move. For a DITY move, the government pays military personnel 95 percent of the cost for a contracted move.

The origin transportation office must preapprove DITY moves or partial DITY moves. These moves are subject to federal and state taxes (28 percent) off the top.

The government also pays for a baggage shipment, but keep in mind that the weight of the baggage shipment counts against your maximum weight allowance. Some members, especially if they take leave en route, simply combine their property into a single shipment.

STORAGE

If you choose the single-shipment option, you may request at the originating transportation office that the government temporarily store most of your belongings and deliver only essential items until you receive quarters. At the time of pickup, be sure to designate the items for “partial delivery” and note authorization on your government bill of lading.

The government will also place any property you leave behind in nontemporary storage for the duration of your overseas tour. Ask your transportation office to discuss the Overseas Consignment Guide instructions for your new overseas duty station.

MOBILE HOMES

In lieu of household goods, you can ship your mobile home, but the process can be frustrating and expensive. The government reimburses shipping costs based on your authorized maximum HHG weight in accordance with JFTR, Vol. 1, Chapter 5.

Excess weight is extremely costly, and you may be required to modify your mobile home to enter the state. The base lacks mobile home lots, and space is scarce in nearby communities. Direct any questions about this difficult process to the transportation office or call the Alaska Department of Transportation, Weights and Measures Section at 907-341-3200.

SPONSORS AND TRAVEL

Apply for a sponsor and concurrent travel for family members before leaving your present duty station. In most cases, your sponsor will authorize travel if housing is available. At that time, also determine the status of any dependents since the government won’t pay for new or unauthorized dependents or their property.

For more information, contact your local transportation office.

Here are some suggestions to consider before shipping your household goods to Alaska:

• Normally, the departing duty station authorizes non-temporary storage.
• Large, oversized or overstuffed furniture or workbenches longer than 7 feet 6 inches may not fit in quarters.
• Unless in two parts, queen-size box springs may not fit up the stairways. Two-piece king-size beds will, but very large dressers won’t.
• Avoid freezers larger than 17 cubic feet.
• TV antennas generally aren’t needed.
• Government quarters include a washer and dryer, a stove and a refrigerator, but no drapes.
• Avoid such liquid items as canned foods and drinks from October through May because they will freeze and rupture if left in an unheated area.

Alaska Driving

ROAD RULES

Alaska’s motor vehicle laws and regulations are subject to change. Consult the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at www.doa.alaska.gov/dmv for current information or contact the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate legal assistance office if you have any questions.

DRIVER’S LICENSE

Every person who operates a motor vehicle on Alaska streets, highways or other public property must have a valid Alaska driver’s license or permit unless an exemption applies. All drivers are asked to keep their address information current with Alaska DMV. United States military personnel who have a valid driver’s license issued by another state and who maintain permanent residence in that state need not obtain an Alaska driver’s license; family members, however, are not exempt.

Military personnel, your Alaska noncommercial license is valid while you are active duty and you choose to maintain residency in another state.

U.S. government personnel operating a government vehicle on official business are exempt from the Alaska driver’s license requirement.

Civilians in Alaska longer than 90 days must obtain an Alaska driver’s license.

If you become a resident of Alaska, you are required to obtain an Alaska license within 30 days.

Family members of military personnel and civilian employees are subject to Alaska licensing and registration requirements. Visit the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles office or the DMV website, www.doa.alaska.gov/dmv, for updates and more information.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Every vehicle in Alaska must be registered unless specifically exempted by law. There is an exemption for vehicles registered to active-duty military members stationed in Alaska on military orders who remain a resident of another state. Those individuals are not required to register their vehicles in the state of Alaska. However, nonresident active-duty military members may choose to register their vehicles in Alaska. In such cases, the nonresident active-duty military member will not be required to pay the Alaska vehicle registration tax but will be required to provide a copy of the member’s leave and earning statement (LES) or a military affidavit indicating their state of legal residence. An affidavit form is available on the state’s DMV website.

Vehicles registered to nonmilitary members are required to be registered within 10 days of becoming employed in the state.

If you intend to establish residency, you must register your vehicle within 10 days of entering the state or taking a job within the state. Required documents include a valid title, proof of insurance and a completed application. A nonresident may operate a vehicle registered in another state for up to 60 days.

All auto owners must maintain liability insurance for the following minimum amounts: $50,000 for bodily injury or death of any one person, $100,000 for bodily injury or death for any accident and $25,000 for property damage.

Drivers must show proof of insurance when operating a vehicle. Failure to do so could result in impoundment of the vehicle. Some rural areas are exempt from registration and from mandatory insurance. For more information, visit the Alaska DMV website.

There is no base transportation or rental car companies available on or outside of USAG Fort Greely.  The nearest rental car comany is located in Fairbanks which is 100 miles away or a 1.5 - 2 hour drive. The post is small and most areas can be accessed within 10 minutes or less if walking. As of this entry there are also no private taxi's or Uber/Lift options.