Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Branch: U.S. Army (Joint Base; Marine Corps component also present)
Location: Arlington, Virginia (adjacent to the Pentagon)
Installation Type: Joint Base
Status: Active

Overview

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH) was created in 2005 through the BRAC process, combining Fort Myer (established 1863) and Henderson Hall (established 1941, Marine Corps Barracks Washington annex). Located in Arlington, Virginia, directly adjacent to the Pentagon, JBM-HH is one of the most historically significant military installations in the United States. Fort Myer is the home of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”), the Army’s official ceremonial unit, and is the site of Arlington National Cemetery’s military escort functions. Henderson Hall serves as the headquarters for the Marine Corps installation.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide ceremonial, honor guard, and escort support for state funerals, Pentagon leadership, and national ceremonies; support Army and Marine Corps headquarters elements in the National Capital Region.
Major Units (Army):
3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”) — Army’s official ceremonial unit; conducts funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The U.S. Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”)
Military District of Washington (MDW) — command element
Joint Force Headquarters – National Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR)
741st Military Intelligence Brigade (elements)
Major Units (Marine Corps — Henderson Hall):
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (portions)
Marine Barracks Washington (8th and I) administrative support elements
Marine Corps installations management elements
Tenant Units: Army Staff elements; Pentagon support offices; various defense agencies with personnel assigned to the National Capital Region

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Arlington, Virginia (installation is within Arlington); Washington, D.C. (approximately 2 miles from the Capitol)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), approximately 2 miles south; Dulles International Airport (IAD), approximately 25 miles west
Gate Access: Multiple controlled access points; Hatfield Gate and McNair Gate are primary entry points. Valid CAC, Uniformed Services ID, or visitor pass required. Visitor Control Center issues day passes; Real ID-compliant identification required. Given proximity to the Pentagon and national security sites, access control is stringent.

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,000–4,000 (Army and Marine Corps combined)
Family Members: Approximately 2,000–3,500
Civilian Employees: Approximately 1,000–2,000
Total Installation Population: Not publicly available (many personnel assigned to Pentagon and NCR offices not residing on post)

Key Facilities

Medical: DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic (located in the Pentagon) provides primary care; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda, Maryland, approximately 10 miles) provides inpatient and specialty care; Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (approximately 15 miles south) also serves the NCR military community.
Commissary: Yes — commissary located on Fort Myer; serves the NCR military community; compact but well-stocked.
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) on post; smaller exchange given the installation’s size and urban location. Pentagon City Mall and local retail are also heavily used.
Fitness & Recreation: Physical Fitness Centers on post; outdoor recreation areas; access to Powhatan Springs Recreation Area; swimming pool; Fort Myer Officers’ Club and NCO Club; golf access at nearby military courses (Fort Belvoir Golf Club, etc.).
Schools: No DoDEA schools on installation; served by Arlington County Public Schools (a highly rated public school system). Families may also access private schools throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on post; waitlists are common given the high demand in the National Capital Region; early enrollment contact upon receipt of orders is essential.
Veterinary Services: Veterinary clinic on Fort Myer providing routine preventive care, vaccinations, annual exams, and health certificates for military working animals and privately owned pets of eligible personnel.
Legal Assistance / JAG: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Military District of Washington, located on JBM-HH; provides legal assistance for active duty and dependents; appointments required; walk-in hours for certain services.

Housing

On-Post Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities (verify current management with housing office); on-post housing is extremely limited due to the installation’s small footprint in an urban area; primarily available for senior officers and NCOs. Many personnel live off-post.
Average Wait Time: On-post housing wait times are lengthy — often 1-2 years or more for most grades; most personnel will live off-post.
Off-Post Housing: Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Crystal City, Rosslyn, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities are popular. Average rent in Arlington/Alexandria ranges from approximately $2,200–$3,500/month for 2-3 bedroom apartments or homes — some of the highest rental costs in the nation. Many personnel commute from further suburbs (Fairfax County, Prince William County) where rents are lower ($1,800–$2,800/month).
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website. Washington, D.C. BAH rates are among the highest in the nation.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through the gaining unit S1 or sponsorship coordinator; Army Community Service (ACS) at JBM-HH provides newcomer orientation and Welcome Packets for Army personnel.
In-Processing: Report to the JBM-HH Installation In-Processing Center; Army and Marine Corps personnel follow separate service in-processing checklists; in-processing typically takes 2-4 business days; many PCS assignments are directly to staff positions at the Pentagon.
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): EFMP managed through Army Community Service at JBM-HH; medical screening and enrollment through DiLorenzo Clinic or Walter Reed; the National Capital Region has extensive special needs resources given its urban environment. Contact ACS at (703) 696-0218 (verify current number).

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical with four distinct seasons; hot, humid summers; cold winters with occasional snow and ice; mild springs and falls.
Cost of Living: Very High — the Northern Virginia / Washington, D.C. metro area is among the most expensive in the United States for housing, transportation, and childcare.
Nearby Attractions: Washington, D.C. monuments and free Smithsonian museums; Arlington National Cemetery (on post); Old Town Alexandria (approximately 4 miles); Mount Vernon Estate (approximately 15 miles); Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway (approximately 70 miles west).
Spouse Employment: Exceptional employment market for military spouses — the National Capital Region offers the highest concentration of federal government, defense contractor, non-profit, and private sector jobs in the country. Virginia has military spouse licensing reciprocity provisions.

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://home.army.mil/myer-henderson-hall
Main Installation Phone: (703) 696-3261
MWR Website: https://jbmhh.armymwr.com
ACS / Army Community Service: JBM-HH Army Community Service, Building 418, McNair Road; (703) 696-0218 (verify current number)

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: U.S. Army official installation page (home.army.mil/myer-henderson-hall); Military District of Washington; JBM-HH MWR; general knowledge of installation as of August 2025; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law