Mission Statement
The US Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, delivers Army baseline
services to sustain vital national missions and Service Members."
History and General Information
Originally named Detrick Field in 1931, the airfield previously operated as an emergency airfield route and served as a Cadet Pilot Training Center. In 1943, the aviation operations were terminated and the facility was renamed Camp Detrick. The facility expanded between 1946 and 1952 with new land purchases and facility construction and was later renamed Fort Detrick in 1956.
Fort Detrick is home to the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (MDRC) located in Frederick, Maryland, and includes the 136-acre Forest Glen Annex in Silver Spring. Current work at MRDC includes biomedical research and development, medical material management, and pathogen studies aimed at ensuring the health and safety of our military forces as they are stationed and deployed around the world. The expertise in these areas provides the disease and injury treatment and mitigation capabilities that the Army needs for preparedness and success on the battlefield. MRDC is the only organization solely focused on the research and development needed to address the military's unique medical readiness requirements. Fort Detrick also hosts an array of health research, logistics, and communication services that support the safety and health of the nation, including major cancer and infectious disease research and development capabilities.
Since 1999, the Forest Glen Annex has been home to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, a direct reporting unit of MRDC, Naval Medical Logistics Command, and other smaller units. In accordance with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations, the Annex assumed authority over Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Forest Glen section and also became home to the National Museum of Health and Medicine. Originally the home to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the U.S. Army acquired the land during World War II. The Forest Glen Annex has been under the command of Fort Detrick since 2008.
Fort Detrick supports five cabinet-level agencies: The Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services. Within the DoD, Fort Detrick supports elements of all four military services. Major Department of Army mission partners include the US Army Medical Research and Development Command and the 21st Signal Brigade. The Fort is the largest employer in Frederick City and County.
Compatible Use Organization, Programs, and Resources
For more information on how Fort Detrick 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.
Economic Resources to Promote CompatibilityA 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.
