Fort Greely
Fort Greely PCS Guide
Base History & Name
Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief, National Guard Bureau, visits the 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Alaska National Guard, on Fort Greely, Alaska, April 28, 2025. Soldiers of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion operate and secure the ground-based midcourse defense system and are an integral...
Fort Greely was established in 1942 as Big Delta Army Air Field, supporting the Alaska Highway construction and serving as a logistics hub during World War II.
Its remote location in Alaska made it ideal for cold-weather testing and training, which became its primary mission after the war.
In 1948, the installation was renamed Fort Greely in honor of Adolphus W. Greely.
During the Cold War, the base became a center for arctic warfare training and the testing of military equipment in extreme conditions.
The U.S. Army Arctic Test Board, later the Cold Regions Test Center, conducted vital research at Fort Greely, ensuring American forces could operate in harsh climates.
Fort Greely’s mission shifted in the early 2000s with the construction of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) missile site, making the base a key part of the U.S. homeland missile defense system.
Today, Fort Greely supports missile defense operations and continues to serve as a training and testing site for cold-weather and arctic operations.
Its presence is vital to both national security and the local economy, providing jobs and supporting nearby communities.
No significant name changes have occurred since its renaming in 1948; it has been known as Fort Greely ever since.
Namesake
Major Units & Training Programs
Staff Sgt. Yamil Ramirez-Lopez, a weapons operator with the 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Alaska Army National Guard, works in the Fire Direction Center at Fort Greely, Alaska. Soldiers from the 49th Missile Defense Battalion participated in Global Lightning 21, March 8-12, 2021. Team members...
Major Units
49th Missile Defense Battalion (GMD)
Responsible for operating and maintaining the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system to protect the United States from intercontinental ballistic missile threats. Provides 24/7 missile defense operations and security at Fort Greely.
Alaska National Guard, Detachment 1, B Company, 49th Missile Defense Battalion
Supports the 49th Missile Defense Battalion with additional security forces and operations personnel, ensuring the integrity of missile defense activities at Fort Greely.
Training Schools
Missile Defense Crew Training
Overview
Prepares soldiers to operate the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, focusing on missile detection, tracking, engagement, and system maintenance.
Course Length
Several weeks (varies based on position)
Who Attends
Missile defense operators and security personnel assigned to the 49th Missile Defense Battalion
Arrival & In-Processing
Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 25 close the tail-gate of a 7-ton truck at Fort Greely, Alaska, before a convoy during Exercise Arctic Edge 18, March 13, 2018. Arctic Edge 18 is a biennial, large-scale, joint-training exercise that prepares and tests the U.S. military’s ability to...
Welcome to Fort Greely! Arriving at a new duty station is an exciting step, and being prepared ensures a smooth transition for you and your family. Review these key steps before you arrive to help streamline your check-in and base access process. For more details, visit the official Fort Greely website.
Fort Greely's main gate serves as the primary entry point for all personnel and visitors. The Main Gate is open 24/7, providing round-the-clock access. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, Common Access Card (CAC), or approved visitor pass. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act; non-compliant IDs will not be accepted for unescorted entry. Expect 100% ID checks at all times. Security forces may conduct random vehicle inspections to maintain the base's high security posture. To obtain a visitor or family member pass, stop at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) located just outside the Main Gate. All visitors must be sponsored by a DoD ID cardholder and present valid identification.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if arranged in advance)
Fort Greely offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit or the Fort Greely Welcome Center as soon as you receive your orders. Your sponsor will provide guidance on in-processing, housing, and local resources.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, Building 101, located near the main entrance of Fort Greely. The Welcome Center operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During in-processing, you will visit key offices including Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days, depending on your specific requirements and documentation.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate at Fort Greely. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Services include issuing visitor passes, registering vehicles in DBIDS, and processing guest sponsorship requests. All guests must be sponsored by a DoD ID cardholder and present valid identification for access.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
A moving crew packs up a family's belongings as they prepare to move from Fort Leavenworth. (U.S. Army photo by Jeff Hollaway)
Fort Greely welcomes incoming service members and families with a streamlined PCS process. Start by reviewing your orders and contacting your current installation’s transportation office. Decide between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, coordinated by the government, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), where you move yourself and may be reimbursed. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at Move.mil to schedule and track your move; this platform is essential for managing all PCS logistics and paperwork. Entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) help offset costs. TLE covers hotel stays while you secure housing, and DLA provides a one-time payment to help with moving expenses. Fort Greely’s remote Alaska location means planning ahead is crucial—prepare for unique travel and shipping challenges, especially in winter. Contact the Fort Greely Transportation Office early to coordinate delivery times and understand local procedures. Check for updates on base-specific guidance, as some services and schedules may vary due to weather or seasonal demand.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early for local guidance.
- Contact the Fort Greely Transportation Office as soon as you receive orders.
- Keep important documents (orders, IDs, medical records) with you during travel.
- Prepare for extreme weather—ship winter gear separately if moving in cold months.
- Label boxes with your name and new address for easier delivery.
- Book temporary lodging well in advance, especially during peak PCS season.
- Plan ahead for pet travel and quarantine requirements if applicable.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move online.
Find current rates for TLE, DLA, and other PCS entitlements.
Get checklists, planning tools, and relocation support.
Read about local resources, arrival info, and support services.
Schools & Childcare
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