Fort Meade, MD

Branch: U.S. Army
Location: Fort Meade, Maryland (between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.)
Installation Type: Fort
Status: Active

Overview

Fort Meade was established in 1917 as an infantry training camp during World War I and is located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, midway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The installation encompasses approximately 5,000 acres and serves as home to the National Security Agency (NSA), U.S. Cyber Command, and numerous other intelligence and signals intelligence organizations. Fort Meade is one of the most strategically significant installations in the U.S. military, housing critical national security assets.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Host and support national-level intelligence, cyber, and signal intelligence organizations while providing installation support services to a diverse tenant population.
Major Units: U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER), 780th Military Intelligence Brigade, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Defense Media Activity
Tenant Units: National Security Agency (NSA), U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), Maryland Army National Guard elements, Defense Courier Service, numerous DoD agencies and contractors

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Baltimore, MD (approximately 20 miles north); Washington, D.C. (approximately 25 miles south)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) — approximately 8 miles; Reagan National Airport (DCA) — approximately 30 miles
Gate Access: Multiple gates with 24-hour access for authorized personnel; visitor control is strictly enforced due to sensitive mission; civilian visitors must have a sponsor escort and valid government-issued photo ID; vehicle inspections are common; appointments strongly recommended for uncleared visitors

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 12,000-15,000
Family Members: Approximately 25,000-30,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 40,000-50,000 (including NSA and contractor workforce)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 60,000+ (workforce; total population including family members higher)

Key Facilities

Medical: Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center — outpatient-only facility providing primary care, specialty clinics, and ancillary services; no inpatient capability; serious cases referred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda, approximately 20 miles)
Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary located on post
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Army & Air Force Exchange Service main store plus specialty shops and food court
Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers including the Ridgeway Fitness Center; indoor and outdoor pools; bowling alley; Appleby Golf Course; recreation center
Schools: Meade Senior High School (Anne Arundel County Public Schools, on-post); also served by Anne Arundel County Public Schools off-post; no DoDEA schools at this location
Childcare: Child Development Center on post; demand often exceeds capacity — families should apply for childcare immediately upon receipt of PCS orders; Family Child Care (FCC) homes also available
Veterinary Services: Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment Facility — offers wellness exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and microchipping for military-owned pets; appointment required
Legal Assistance / JAG: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate — legal assistance available by appointment; located on post; services include wills, powers of attorney, tax assistance, and notary services

Housing

On-Post Housing: Managed by Corvias; multiple neighborhoods including Reece Crossings; units range from 2-5 bedrooms; condition varies with ongoing renovation efforts
Average Wait Time: Varies by bedroom size; typically 2-6 months for larger units; check with Corvias housing office upon arrival
Off-Post Housing: Surrounding communities include Odenton, Laurel, Columbia, Hanover, and Jessup; rent for a 3-bedroom home averages approximately $1,800-$2,500/month given proximity to the D.C./Baltimore metro corridor
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through the gaining unit’s S1 shop upon receipt of orders; unit sponsorship programs vary by organization
In-Processing: Report to the Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) or your gaining unit; in-processing timeline is typically 3-5 business days
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Contact the Army Community Service EFMP office; enrollment is required for family members with special medical or educational needs prior to PCS; Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center coordinates medical enrollment

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical — mild to cool winters with occasional snow, hot and humid summers; pleasant spring and fall
Cost of Living: High — the Baltimore-Washington corridor is one of the more expensive areas in the continental U.S.; housing, transportation, and dining costs are above national average
Nearby Attractions: Washington, D.C. (museums, monuments, national landmarks); Annapolis, MD (historic downtown, sailing, Naval Academy); Baltimore Inner Harbor (aquarium, dining, entertainment)
Spouse Employment: Excellent — the D.C.-Baltimore metro region offers extensive opportunities in government, contracting, technology, healthcare, and federal agencies; a cleared spouse may find significant opportunities in the NSA/DoD contractor community

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://home.army.mil/meade/
Main Installation Phone: (301) 677-6261
MWR Website: https://meade.armymwr.com/
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Army Community Service (ACS) — located in Building 2611; contact (301) 677-6966 for relocation assistance, financial readiness, and family support programs

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: home.army.mil/meade, meade.armymwr.com, Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center public affairs, Anne Arundel County public records, DoD installation population estimates; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law