Fort Detrick

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.

• 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.