Branch: U.S. Army
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Installation Type: Fort
Status: Active

Overview

Fort Hamilton is the only active U.S. Army installation in New York City, situated at the southwestern tip of Brooklyn at the base of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The installation has a history dating to the early 19th century, with formal establishment as a military fort in 1825. Today Fort Hamilton serves primarily as a garrison installation supporting Army Reserve and National Guard operations in the northeastern United States, as well as providing support to military personnel and families in the greater New York City region.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Provide installation support, administrative services, and quality-of-life support for active duty, Reserve, National Guard, retirees, and their families in the New York City metropolitan area.
• Major Units: U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton; Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) New York; U.S. Army Reserve units
• Tenant Units: New York City Recruiting Battalion; U.S. Military Academy Liaison Office; Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA); Army Corps of Engineers — North Atlantic Division

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Brooklyn/New York City — installation is within New York City
• Nearest Commercial Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) — approximately 12 miles east; LaGuardia Airport (LGA) — approximately 15 miles northeast; Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — approximately 15 miles southwest
• Gate Access: Fort Hamilton maintains controlled entry with 24-hour access control. Valid CAC, military ID (retirees and dependents), or visitor pass required. Visitors are required to obtain a visitor pass at the designated Visitor Control Center and must be sponsored by an authorized individual. All vehicles are subject to inspection. Real ID or valid passport required for civilian access.

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 1,000-2,000
• Family Members: Approximately 1,500-3,000
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 1,500-2,500
• Total Installation Population: Approximately 5,000-7,000 (plus large retiree community served)

Key Facilities

• Medical: McDonald Army Health Center — provides primary care, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services; inpatient and specialty care referred to local civilian network in New York City
• Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on post, one of the most heavily utilized per capita given the high cost of living in New York City
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) store on post; smaller than large CONUS post exchanges but well-stocked
• Fitness & Recreation: Fitness center; indoor pool; outdoor recreation areas; the installation’s small footprint limits some recreational facilities relative to larger installations
• Schools: No DoDEA school on post; New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) public schools serve military children; extensive private and parochial school options in Brooklyn and the surrounding boroughs
• Childcare: Child Development Center on post; waitlists are extremely common due to the high demand in the New York City area; early enrollment strongly advised upon receipt of orders
• Veterinary Services: Fort Hamilton Veterinary Treatment Facility — provides preventive care, vaccinations, and wellness services for privately owned pets of eligible beneficiaries; appointments required
• Legal Assistance / JAG: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Fort Hamilton — legal assistance services available by appointment; handles wills, powers of attorney, tax assistance, and general legal advice

Housing

• On-Post Housing: Very limited on-post family housing due to the installation’s small urban footprint; managed by Balfour Beatty Communities; units are in high demand and short supply
• Average Wait Time: Wait times can be lengthy — months to over a year for some grades and bedroom requirements; many families go directly to off-post housing
• Off-Post Housing: New York City and surrounding areas (Brooklyn, Staten Island, New Jersey suburbs) offer extensive but very expensive rental markets. Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn ranges from approximately $2,800-$4,500+/month. New Jersey and Staten Island offer moderately lower costs with longer commutes.
• BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

• Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining unit’s S1 upon receipt of orders for sponsor assignment; Army Community Service can assist newcomers with area orientation.
• In-Processing: Report to the Soldier Support Center on the first available duty day. The New York City location makes in-processing logistics unique — coordination with housing and schools should begin well before arrival.
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Army Community Service EFMP office at Fort Hamilton; New York City provides exceptional medical and educational resources for special needs family members; enrollment and coordination should begin early due to the complexity of navigating NYC services.

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold with some snow; summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are generally pleasant.
• Cost of Living: High — among the highest of any U.S. military installation. New York City’s cost of living substantially exceeds national averages for housing, food, transportation, and childcare. BAH rates reflect the local market but the city remains expensive.
• Nearby Attractions: New York City offers world-class museums, theater, restaurants, sports, and cultural events; Coney Island (nearby in Brooklyn); Prospect Park; easy access to Long Island beaches; New Jersey shore communities.
• Spouse Employment: Excellent employment market. New York City offers opportunities in finance, healthcare, education, media, technology, and countless other sectors. Military spouses with professional credentials will find strong opportunities, though licensing reciprocity should be researched in advance.

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://home.army.mil/hamilton/
• Main Installation Phone: (718) 630-4101
• MWR Website: https://forthamilton.armymwr.com/
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Army Community Service (ACS), Fort Hamilton — (718) 630-4752; located on post

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: U.S. Army Installation Management Command (home.army.mil/hamilton), Fort Hamilton Public Affairs, Army Community Service Fort Hamilton, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law