History and General Information
Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) was established in 1917 on the shores of Chesapeake Bay in Harford County, Maryland, to provide the nation a site where Army materiel could be tested. At the same time, the Edgewood Arsenal was established nearby to provide a site for the development, production, and testing of chemical warfare materiel. The two installations were officially joined as Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1971. The base covers 72,500 acres and includes 200 buildings, the Phillips Army Airfield, and the Weide Army Aviation Support Facility. APG is also host to the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve operations and training. The installation hosts 11 major commands and has more than 90 tenant organizations.1
As a "Home of Innovation," more than 21,000 military, civilian, and contractual employees at APG are responsible for numerous technical achievements in military intelligence, medical research, engineering, communications, and computer technology. APG is an economic driver and technology resource for the region. APG provides facilities to perform research, development, testing, and evaluation of Army materiel. The installation also supports a wide variety of training, including health promotion and preventive medicine, chemical and biological defense, chemical casualty care, and chemical demilitarization.2
APG is a Department of Defense Center of Excellence for
C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance); Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE), Research and Development; Test and Evaluation; Public Health; and Personnel Security Investigation.
The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission action created a shift in tenants. Among the changes was a consolidation of C5ISR from other installations and relocation to APG.
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U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command (CECOM)
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20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Command (CBRNE)
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD)
- 203rd Military Intelligence Battalion
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U.S. Army Combat Capabilties Development Command (DEVCOM)
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U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG)
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Army Public Health Center
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U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA)
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U.S. Army Civilian Human Resource Agency, Northeast Region Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG)
- Maryland National Guard Freestate Challenge Academy
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (MRICD)
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Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO-ACWA)
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Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications Tactical (PEO C3T)
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Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S)
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U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC)
Compatible Use Organizations, Programs, and Resources
For more information on how Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) works with surrounding communities to build strong and mutually beneficial relationships, you can explore compatible use organizations, programs, and resources.
Community Resources to Promote Compatibility
Military installations and their host communities have strong and mutually beneficial relationships. They rely on and support one another in terms of jobs, housing, schools, recreation, infrastructure, and social services. Communication, coordination, and partnerships that support compatible community development can create mutually beneficial results to ensure support for warfighters and their families, military operations, and continued community growth and economic development.
A Compatible Use Study, formerly referred to as a Joint Land Use Study, represents a community-driven, cooperative, and
strategic planning process to protect and preserve military readiness and defense capabilities while supporting continued
community growth and economic development. The study is based upon technical information the military service provides
to describe current military operations. The compatibility analysis results in a series of recommended actions included
in an implementation strategy.
The
Aberdeen Proving Ground Joint Land Use Study (APG JLUS) was prepared under contract with the Chesapeake Science
and Security Corridor, a part of Harford County Office of Economic Development, with financial support from the Office
of Local Defense Community Cooperation (formerly known as Office of Economic Adjustment), Department of Defense. The
APG JLUS, completed in November 2015, details the study efforts and implementation recommendations. It was a collaborative
effort among APG and the adjacent communities of Harford, Cecil, and Kent Counties, as well as the cities of Aberdeen
and Havre de Grace.
The APG JLUS
includes recommended strategies to address topics such as communication and coordination, frequency spectrum impedance/interference,
housing availability, land use, roadway capacity, safety, marine environments/climate adaptation, noise, safety, vertical
obstructions, and water quality/quantity. Explanations of compatibility factors can be found
here. The recommended strategies were the result of a collaborative planning process representing a coordinated
approach to compatibility planning developed with the support of stakeholders involved throughout the process. The
Joint Land Use Study Playbook includes JLUS background materials and an
Executive Summary Brochure.
The APG Noise Management Plan includes impacts of mission operations on local communities and was a key data set and point
of reference that helped form the compatibility assessments including in the APG JLUS. As part of the Noise Management
Plan, APG published
A Citizens's Guide to Noise Management to summarize APG's Installation Compatible Use Zone Study.
Upon completion of the APG JLUS several
Implementation Studies were developed to support the findings and recommendations included in the JLUS.
The
Edgewood Small Area Study was an implementation study completed for the Edgewood area to provide more detailed planning
guidance for a specific geographic area adjacent to the installation to promote compatible community development and
support the installation.
Prepared for Harford County and the APG-CSSC Joint Land use Study Committee,
Planning for Coastal Resiliency in the Northern Chesapeake Bay serves as a foundation for a regional strategy to
address sea level rise and shoreline stabilization in the area. The study identifies associated risks of sea level rise
and provides guidance for incorporation of resilience measures into infrastructure planning activities that will help
APG and surrounding communities build a greater margin of safety as it pertains to sea level rise.
Counties and municipalities develop comprehensive plans to provide a long-term vision for future growth and development
of the area. Comprehensive plans typically include maps showing proposed future land use and anticipated transportation
and community facilities, and emphasize sustainability as well as protection of environmental features, historical, and
cultural resources.
While comprehensive plans in Maryland do not require a military element, many plans for jurisdictions around APG include
references to the installation and consider potential influences on the community. APG is referenced in the following
comprehensive plans:
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City of Aberdeen (2011)
- The effects of BRAC and APG are referenced throughout the Comprehensive Plan. As noted in the document, the Plan will
provide the basis for growth for [our] future population as it relates to BRAC and will address the existing needs
of our citizens and businesses.
- APG is cited as a key economic driver for the Aberdeen area and its impact is described throughout the Municipal Growth
Element
Planning Area #16 (Aberdeen).
- APG is designated as its own
Planning Area (#17) within the Municipal Growth Element. The Comprehensive Plan recognizes that this particular
Planning Area is not necessarily adapted for immediate growth but is in close enough proximity to be considered in
the Plan, especially considering the impact APG has on the community.
- The
Transportation Element considers the infrastructure needs and impacts of APG and considers future growth of the
installation in its traffic analyses and recommendations.
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HarfordNEXT (2016)
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City of Havre de Grace (2004)
- APG is recognized in the
Municipal Growth Element as a consideration for future growth in respect to the influence of BRAC and the expansion
of facilities and personnel at APG and on the housing demand in Havre de Grace.
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Cecil County (2010)
The following is an additional comprehensive plan for an area immediately surrounding APG:
Economic Resources to Promote Compatibility
A jurisdiction's economic development office and support organizations offer a variety of resources that help the community seek out economic growth opportunities and strengthen existing businesses. These resources are particularly valuable for defense communities who are continually looking for ways to attract new business, retain a skilled workforce, and provide resources and opportunities for military families relocating to the area.
APG generates more than 23,698 direct, indirect, and induced jobs as a result of its operations in Aberdeen and the surrounding region.3 This includes the military, civilian, and contractor employees responsible for carrying out the installation's mission and the employment opportunities generated by local spending on goods and services by the workforce. For a breakdown of employment type by installation, refer to the installation's
economic impact analysis sheet.
According to the
FY 2021 Economic Impact Analysis of Maryland's Military Installations, prepared by the Maryland Department of Commerce, the annual economic output for
APG (the sum of direct, indirect, and induced impacts) is $4.01M, with a total employee compensation of $2.3B. APG is
Harford County's largest employer and among the largest in the state of Maryland
The
Army Alliance, Inc. was founded in 1999 as a non-profit organization. The objective of the organization is to support
the programs and organizations of APG, including enhancing and maintaining the region's economic vitality. The Army Alliance
overview includes an organization description, purpose, significant past achievements, and current initiatives.
The Army Alliance, in partnership with the Chesapeake Science & Security Corridor (CSSC), created a resource booklet
on how to do business with APG, its six Centers of Excellence, and 90+ tenant organizations.
Alphabet Suit contains explanations of military and government acronyms, organizational names, terminology, and
general guidance on visiting APG.
A YouTube video series called
The ABC's of APG - Intro to APG is in progress. The Alliance is developing the informational video series to explain
the missions and programs of APG, while also providing history and other background information.
Harford County's Economic Development Office works to strengthen business development throughout the county and
offers a variety of programs and services to foster business retention, growth, and new investment for businesses of
all sizes. The office partners with many organizations to foster economic stability and growth, including APG, the Harford
Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland Department of Commerce, Small Business Development Center-Northern Region, and the
APG Tech Transfer Office.
The
Office of Small Business Programs Aberdeen Proving Ground is an industry resource for companies seeking to do business
with mission partners from the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
(C5ISR) and other APG tenant activities. The office has an Industry eKiosk that allows registered users to easily search
for companies and provides additional resources for working and partnering with the Army.
Susquehanna Workforce Network is a private nonprofit corporation that represents an affiliation of more than 50 local
businesses, organizations, and agencies that collaboratively execute a system of education, training, employment, and
outreach programs in Cecil and Harford Counties. The Network contributes to advancing and expanding the competitiveness
of the region, in addition to creating jobs and growth in the local economy. This includes supporting the APG workforce.
Operations and programming are funded through federal, state, local, and private resources.
The
Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization responsible for coordinating
planning activities and investment decisions related to surface transportation assets (roads, bridges, transit assets,
pedestrian facilities, and bicycle facilities). Roadway congestion, construction, and transportation planning are regional
concerns that impact local communities and access to APG, potentially affecting employees, service members, and the mission.
Communication between the military installation and the BMC is necessary to ensure an adequate regional transportation
infrastructure that supports continued military operations.
1 Maryland Defense Agency Directory. Maryland Department of Defense.
Maryland Defense Agency Directory.
2 Ibid.
3 FY 2021 Economic Impact of Maryland's Military Installations and the Associated Defense Ecosystem. Maryland Department of Commerce.
FY 2021 Economic Impact of Maryland's Military Installations and the Associated Defense Ecosystem.
