USAG Benelux integrates and delivers quality base support to enable readiness for NATO, USAREUR, and deployed elements of a globally responsive Army, while continuously maintaining protection as our number one priority.

USAG Benelux - Brussels  (formerly known as NATO Support Activity and as U.S. Army Garrison Brussels) was originally activated in August 1967 when NATO Headquarters moved from Paris to Brussels and when SHAPE began to function in Belgium.

The U.S. Army was designated as the executive agency to support all U.S. government entities, including department of defense and non-DOD agencies, assigned to the Brussels area. USAG Benelux-Brussels is the means by which the U.S. Army exercises this responsibility.

Presently over 3,088 Service Members, Department of Defense and Department of State civilians and their family members living in and around Brussels Belgium receive some form of administrative support from USAG Benelux - Brussels. The support will differ depending on status.

For starters Which "Status" do you Fall Under?

Brussels is an anomaly among military communities overseas. Although the U.S. Army, through the U.S. Army Garrison, Brussels, is the DoD Executive Agent providing all, most, or some support to our Joint and Inter-agency community, the status of your sponsor determines who will provide you with which services.

As a rule of thumb, the official U.S. government-related population in Brussels falls under one or the other of the following two situations, or a third amalgam, each described below:

1. Status -- The majority [but not an overwhelming majority] of U.S. military and civil service personnel, including DoDEA Europe West District teachers, USAG Benelux - Brussels employees, U.S. civilian nationals attached to the NATO International Staff (IS), and U.S. service personnel assigned to the NATO International Military Staff (IMS) fall under “SHAPE” status. Their legal presence in Belgium derives from the NATO Status of Forces Agreement, which carefully delineates rights and privileges in Belgium. Administrative check-in is through the U.S. National Military Representative (NMR) and the Belgian Federal Police in Mons, and necessitates an actual trip to Mons. Sponsors and family members carry a distinct SHAPE ID card, and become enrolled on the books of the commune in which they reside. They eventually receive a “Commune Card,” which is a legal identification that must be carried on one’s person. POVs bear red & white-colored plates, obtained in Mons. Their housing is arranged through the USAG Brussels Housing Support Office. Dependent children are “required” to attend the DoDEA Brussels American School or a Belgian commune school if no-cost education is desired; attendance at Brussels-area international schools is optional, however, the cost must be borne by the sponsor. Required to obtain either a SHAPE or Belgian or International driver’s license. Medical and dental needs (in most cases; there are exceptions) handled via the branch SHAPE clinics located on the grounds of the Sterrebeek Annex to the USAG Benelux - Brussels

2. Diplomatic Status -- All U.S. State Department employees and representatives of certain USAG agencies attached to one of the Tri-Missions whose parent agency has negotiated an “ICASS” agreement with the Department of State. Resident in Belgium under bilateral diplomatic agreements, under internationally-accepted norms of diplomatic privilege and immunity. All check-in is accomplished in Brussels. Sponsors and family members carry a carnet [Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs ID card]. POVs bear “CD” plates. Housing arranged through Tri-Missions Joint Administrative Services. Dependent children eligible to attend Brussels-area international schools on a funded basis. Not required to obtain a Belgian or other driver’s license. Medical and dental needs handled via the Tri-Missions Health Unit.

3. In Between -- A number of U.S. military and DoD civil service personnel assigned to either the U.S. Mission to NATO or the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Military Committee [the “U.S. Del”] enjoy an intermediate status between the above two. These sponsors and their families reside in Belgium under diplomatic status, with attendant rights and privileges. All administrative check-in is physically accomplished in Brussels. Sponsors and family members carry a carnet [Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs ID card]; they do not get a “Commune Card.” POVs bear “CD” plates. Depending on the GS level of the DoD civilians determines if the sponsor will be placed in embassy housing or whether they will use the USAG Benelux-Brussels Housing Support Office. DoD civilians will be notified of their housing options when they receive their job offer and make contact with their office sponsor. These individuals, however, go to the USAG Benelux - Brussels Housing Support Office to arrange their housing and negotiate a lease. Their dependent children are “required” to attend the DoDDS Brussels American School or a Belgian commune school if no-cost education is desired; attendance at Brussels-area international schools is optional, however, the cost must be borne by the sponsor. As diplomats, these individuals are not required to obtain a Belgian or other driver’s license. Medical and dental needs handled via the branch SHAPE clinics located on the grounds of the Sterrebeek Annex to the USAG Benelux - Brussels.

Your sponsor and your agency will explain which of the above “status” situations you fall under.

USAG Benelux - Brussels is located on the Northeastern side of Brussels, about 10 minutes drive from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization headquarter, one hour drive from USAG Benelux SHAPE/Chievres (Belgium) and one hour and twenty minutes drive from USAG Benelux-Brunssum (Netherlands). The city of Brussels is known as the "Capital of Europe." Not only does it host NATO Headquarters, but many of the principal entities of the European Union as well.

If you have questions or desire information on grave sites and memorials within Europe, visit the American Battle Monuments Commission. For general information on U.S. Army Garrison Benelux visit the following website.

Airport

Most people arrive at the Brussels International Airport. After deplaning, follow the crowd to the Border Control where you must show your official passport and a copy of your orders. Family members also will need to present their passports. Unless otherwise ordered, service members should travel in civilian clothing. After you pass through Border Control, you will enter the baggage claim area. Money exchange windows are available in the baggage claim area and there are ATMs located in the terminal. Once you have claimed all luggage pieces, you will have to pass through the Customs area. You may be asked to open your suitcases for inspection at this time. After completing Customs, exit to the waiting area.

Your sponsor will schedule your pick up from the airport. You should determine prior to your arrival where your unit sponsor will meet you. If you are meeting your sponsor at the airport, it is important to note that they will be meeting you in the waiting area (out-side) as no one is allowed to pass through the international gateway without an airline ticket and passport.

Should your sponsor not be there for an unforeseen reason there are plenty of taxies in front of the arrival hall. The fare from the airport to the city center of Brussels is normally around 50 Euros, the fare to USAG Benelux - Brussels is around 40 Euros. The prices are constantly revised therefore make sure you ask the driver an estimated price before you decide to take a taxi. Also make sure ahead of time (ask your sponsor) that you have the local address of the place where you go upon arrival.

Driving Directions

From the airport take the only way out direction ‘ring'. Follow direction Namur, Liege. Once on the ring take exit Brussel/Bruxelles, Luik/Liege, Leuven/Louvain. Keep to the right direction to Brussels. Take the first exit to Kraainem. At the "T" section, take left. Drive all the way to the top to the traffic light. USAG Benelux-Brussels is across the intersection. The entrance of the garrison is located on the back road (on Europalaan Street): At the traffic lights go across (actually it curves a bit to the right). On the next intersection take a left. The garrison is on the left-hand side. If you wish to enter with your vehicle, continue the road to the point where you can do a U-turn and come back around. The entrance/gate is the second one on your right.

A shuttle bus travels between the US Embassy, NATO and USAG Benelux - Brussels. For more information call 02/811-4000 and ask for the Embassy Motor Pool dispatcher.

Also, a free shuttle bus runs between SHAPE and NATO for SHAPE ID-card holders. This Shuttle bus Service does not operate on weekends and SHAPE Holidays. For more information on the weekday's timetable contact the Transportation Operations Dispatcher Center at 065-44-4736.

The city of Brussels and surrounding communities have efficient public transportation systems. The subway, tram, and bus lines are linked throughout most of the city and surrounding area. NATO, USAG Benelux - Brussels, the Embassy, and the Brussels American school can be reached by public transportation, although transfers are needed. Army Community Service can explain you upon your request how to navigate and use public transportation means or by attending our public transportation class that is offered by montly (City Madness).

Dozens of local taxi companies and UBER services are available, as well.

Brussels American School provides bus transportation for K-12. Children may have a short walk to the designated bus stop. There are also activity buses for students remaining after school for sports and other school programs.

Brussels can be contacted through the Army Europe Operator: the phone number is 011-49-711-680-113 or DSN: 314-430-1110.