Fort Meade
Fort Meade PCS and Base Guide
Base History & Name
Justin Pyle, a U.S. Air Force Veteran and instructor at the Defense Information School, teaches Mass Communication Foundations course students studio fundamentals on Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, April 23, 2025. MCF students learn and apply basic photography fundamentals, including optics,...
Fort Meade was established in 1917 as a training camp for troops during World War I. Its original mission focused on preparing infantry and cavalry units for overseas deployment.
The base was named for Major General George G. Meade, a Union Army leader in the Civil War. During World War II, Fort Meade expanded rapidly, serving as a major training and staging area for U.S. Army personnel.
The installation also housed a prisoner-of-war camp and processed thousands of returning soldiers after the war. Throughout the Cold War, Fort Meade adapted to new missions, hosting intelligence and communications units.
The National Security Agency (NSA) established its headquarters at Fort Meade in 1957, marking a shift toward intelligence and cyber operations. Today, Fort Meade is a critical hub for cyber defense, intelligence, and information operations.
It is home to U.S. Cyber Command, the NSA, and other key defense agencies. The base remains a major employer in Maryland and plays a vital role in national security.
Fort Meade has retained its original name since its establishment, with no significant official name changes recorded.
Namesake
Major Units & Training Programs
GAMBRILS, Md. – Soldiers from the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber) engaged students from Arundel High School to encourage their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and to tell them about the life-changing opportunities of Army service, May 17....
Major Units
780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber)
Responsible for conducting cyberspace operations to support Army and joint missions, focusing on offensive and defensive cyber operations.
U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM)
Provides intelligence, security, and information operations support to Army commanders and national decision makers.
U.S. Army Field Band
Serves as the premier musical organization of the U.S. Army, performing globally to support troop morale and public outreach.
Training Schools
U.S. Army Cyber Training and Integration Center (CTIC)
Overview
Provides advanced training and integration for Army cyber operations, preparing soldiers for cyber defense and offensive missions.
Course Length
Varies (typically several weeks to months, depending on course)
Who Attends
Cyber operations personnel and select intelligence soldiers
Arrival & In-Processing
Fort George G. Meade Garrison Commander Col. Yolanda Gore greets Sen. Angela Alsobrooks. On Mar. 18, 2025, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) visited Fort George G. Meade since she took office in 2024. During her visit, Alsobrooks met with the Garrison Command team, community partners and the 2d...
Welcome to Fort Meade! Arriving prepared helps ensure a smooth transition for you and your family. Understanding gate access, required documents, and in-processing steps will make your check-in efficient and stress-free. For more details, visit the official Fort Meade website.
Fort Meade's main entrance is the Reece Road Gate, which serves as the primary access point for most arrivals. The Reece Road Gate operates 24/7, providing convenient entry at any hour. All personnel and visitors must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or approved state driver’s license that meets REAL ID Act standards. Be ready for 100% ID checks at all gates and occasional random vehicle inspections as part of the base’s robust security posture. If you have family members or guests, they must obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) before entry. Ensure everyone in your vehicle has proper identification to avoid delays.
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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 (rental agreement or on-post assignment)
Fort Meade offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit directly or use the sponsorship request form available through your unit’s administrative office. Your sponsor will provide guidance on housing, in-processing, and local resources.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, located near the Reece Road Gate. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Key steps include checking in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical offices. Plan to complete initial in-processing within 2-3 business days, depending on your unique situation and required appointments.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is conveniently located just outside the Reece Road Gate. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorship requests. Arrive early to avoid peak wait times.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Before packing personal property for a permanent change of station move overseas, there are three critical steps Soldiers must complete to successfully make a smooth OCONUS transition, said Connie Silk, supervisor of the Relocation Readiness Program, Army Community Service. For more information, call 270-798-6313 or 270-798-0513.
Arriving at Fort Meade starts with receiving your PCS orders. Act quickly—contact the Fort Meade Transportation Office and your gaining unit as soon as you have orders. Most service members choose a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, but you can also do a Personally Procured Move (PPM), sometimes called a DITY move. Decide early which move type fits your situation.
Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule and track your move. DPS is required for all official moves. You are entitled to a Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimbursement for up to 10 days while searching for permanent housing. You’ll also receive a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to help with relocation costs. Be sure to keep receipts and important documents handy throughout the process. Fort Meade’s proximity to the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas means housing can be competitive—start your search early and ask your sponsor for area insights.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Contact the Fort Meade Transportation Office early to schedule your move.
- Keep all important documents and receipts in a safe, accessible place.
- Start your housing search early—local demand is high.
- Take photos or videos of your belongings before packing.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess fees.
- If moving with pets, review Maryland pet regulations and book kennels early.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Official allowances, per diem, and travel rates.
Guidance and checklists for every step of your PCS.
Installation-specific arrival information and resources.
Schools & Childcare
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Childcare Options
Fort Meade Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The program is NAEYC accredited and provides age-appropriate activities.
School Age Center (SAC)
The SAC provides before- and after-school care, holiday and summer camps, and enrichment activities for school-age children. Accredited by COA.
Family Child Care (FCC) Program
FCC offers home-based care on Fort Meade, with flexible hours and small group settings. Providers are certified and monitored for safety and quality.
Local Schools
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Anne Arundel County Public Schools is the main district for on- and off-base housing. The district is known for strong STEM programs, magnet schools, and solid graduation rates. GreatSchools.org ratings for area schools often range from 5 to 8.
Howard County Public School System
Howard County Public Schools are highly rated, with many schools scoring 8 or above on GreatSchools.org. The district is known for high academic standards, diverse programs, and strong college prep offerings.
Meade Senior High School
Meade Senior High serves many Fort Meade teens. The school offers International Baccalaureate (IB) and STEM programs. It has a diverse student body and access to advanced coursework.