Redstone Arsenal  In-depth Overview

The U.S. Army Garrison - Redstone Arsenal supports all organizations on the Arsenal. It oversees the entire Arsenal, providing quality, cost effective base operations support to its customers, tenants, and DoD and federal activities in the vicinity of the installation. These 18 tenant organizations include: Headquarters, U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, U.S. Army Contracting Command, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center, Logistic Data Analysis Center; U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Defense Intelligence Agency/Missile and Space Intelligence Center,  U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, 2nd Recruiting Command, Redstone Test Center, U.S. Army Audit Agency,  Fox Army Health Center, U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, Program Executive Office Aviation, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Terrorist Explosive Devices Analytical Center, ATF- National Center for Explosives Training and Research, FBI Hazardous Devices School and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Several contracting organizations support the tenant organizations.

The original arsenal combined two adjoining arsenals into one post in 1941 to make conventional ammunition and toxic chemicals during World War II. Redstone was the first designated the home of Army missiles in 1948, Redstone dropped from a peak WW II employment of more than 19,000 to a little-used post of a few hundred workers. Because of the large available space, empty buildings, and ease of access to rail, highway, and water traffic, the Army chose Redstone as the place to consolidate its newly formed rocket program. Redstone Arsenal has served for more than 50 years as the Army's center for missile and rocket programs. Numerous federal organizations have found Redstone Arsenal to be a place to build for the future.  For more information, go to the Redstone Arsenal homepage.

The area is rich in history from prehistoric beginnings to modern times and every town has its own unique story.  For more information, contact the city's chamber of commerce or the Alabama Tourism Department. 

The current population within a 40-mile radius includes 850 Active Duty  35,500 plus Department of Defense Civilians and contractors, 15,000 Retirees and Family Members.

Huntsville is located in the counties of Madison and Limestone and serves as the Madison County seat.  With a population of 194,585, Huntsville is Alabama's third largest city.  The city of Madison borders the northern part of Redstone Arsenal and has a population of 48,861 making it the 10th largest city in Alabama. Several smaller cities within easy access  provide a welcome home for all Redstone Arsenal employees.

The current population of Redstone Arsenal  includes 850 Active Duty, 15,000 Retirees and their family members, and 35,500  Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors.

Redstone Arsenal's 38,248 acres are bordered by Huntsville, Alabama, on the north and east with the Tennessee River forming Redstone's southern boundary. The arsenal is ten miles from north to south and three miles from west to east.  Huntsville is located in the northwest area of Alabama in Madison County.  Madison County population is estimated at 361,046 people.   Redstone Arsenal is the largest employer in the area employing about 35,500 people.  Access to recreation opportunities and services is easy and convenient near Redstone Arsenal.. Local attractions will keep your family busy while you can also enjoy the ease of traveling to other metropolitan areas such as Birmingham, Alabama (100 miles), Atlanta, Georgia (246 miles), Chattanooga, Tennessee (103 miles), Nashville, Tennessee (125 miles), and Memphis, Tennessee (216 miles). The base operator's phone number is 256-876-2151 or DSN 312-746-2151.

Directions to Installation

Airport
Huntsville International Airport located five miles from Redstone Arsenal at 1000 Glenn Heard Road. Several major airlines arrive and depart daily. Public transportation includes taxies, shuttle services and rental cars. Driving directions from the airport are go straight on Glenn Heard Road to the intersection of I-565. Turn right toward Huntsville and look for exit sign for Gate 9.

Driving Directions
Directions from Birmingham is travel north on I-65 for 80 milies. Turn right on I-565 and go 10 miles east toward Gate 9, Rideout Road. Turn right toward the installation gate.
Directions from Nashville, TN are travel 81 miles south on I-65. Take Exit 1, US 31/TN 7 toward Huntsville, Ardmore.
Left on US31/TN7. TN 7 becomes TN 53. Travel 18 miles to Research Park Boulevard NW/AL 255 S. Turn right on Research Park Boulevard NW and travel 6 miles to Gate 9.
Directions from Chatanooga, TN are take I-24 toward Nashville/Birmingham for 27 miles. Turn right on the exit for Pittsburg, TN on US 64-US 72 and go under the highway towards Pittsburg. Stay on US 72 for 70 milies until it turns
into I-565. Go seven miles to Gate 9 exit.

Have current vehicle tags, driver's license, military or Department of Defense issued identification (military, retired military or Department of Defense employee or contractor) , proof of insurance to show the gate security to obtain access to post. Department of Defense vehicle stickers are currently not required to access post. Stop by Gate 9 Visitor Centers for more information. You can reach the Gate 1 visitor center by calling 256-876-7738.

Gate Hours of Operation subject to change.

Gate 1 - Martin Road (East)

5:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Mon-Fri

Closed Weekends & Holidays

Gate 2 - Buxton Road - closed

Gate 3 - Redstone Road

 Open - 5:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Mon-Fri

Closed Weekends and Holidays

Gate 4 - Patton Road - closed

Gate 7 - Martin Road (West)

6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Mon-Fri

Closed Weekends & Holidays

Gate 8 - Goss Road (East)

6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily

Gate 9 - Rideout Road

Open 24 hours daily 5:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. right in-bound lane is for vehicles with 3 or more occupants.

Gate 10 - Patton Road

5:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Mon-Fri

5:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Weekends & Holidays

Gate hours are subject to change. Contact 256-876-4195 or 256-876-2222 for more information .

Redstone Arsenal does not provide taxi or shuttle services on post. When requesting an off post taxi or shuttle, they will have to be able to access post.  Be sure to ask them if they have base access before relying on their services

The base operator can be reached at 256-876-2151, DSN 312-746-2151.  This is an automated system so patience is advised to listen to all options available.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the Gate 9 Visitors Center at (256) 876-7738.