Fort Meade was established as a basic training post in 1917 to prepare soldiers for deployment during World War I.
However, its evolution has been dramatic. Today, the garrison’s primary mission is to provide a wide range of services to 95 partner organizations from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard to federal agencies like the National Security Agency (NSA) and a Veteran’s Administration medical facility, and facilities for the Architect of the Capitol.
All told, the diversity of the organizations that call Fort Meade home make the installation one of the most unique in the country.
Major tenant partners like the NSA, the Defense Information Systems Agency and U.S. Cyber Command make Fort Meade recognized as the nation’s preeminent center for information, intelligence and cybersecurity.
However, there’s much more to Fort Meade than these well-known agencies.
The First Army Division East provides training, readiness oversight and mobilization operations for an area of responsibility spanning 27 states and territories east of the Mississippi River. The division is organized into eight brigades with 52 battalions. This multi-component division is a team of nearly 6,000 active duty, reserve and National Guard soldiers and civilians — all working to man, equip, train and deploy U.S. Army and sister service forces.
The U.S. Army Field Band has thrilled audiences for more than half a century. As the premier touring musical representative for the Army, this internationally-acclaimed organization travels thousands of miles each year presenting a variety of music to enthusiastic audiences throughout the nation and abroad. Through these concerts, the Army Field Band supports diplomatic efforts around the world.
The Library of Congress Book Storage Facility is designed to house paper-based materials, such as books and bound periodicals, which are stored in specially designed boxes at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 30% relative humidity on 30-foot-high industrial shelving. The facility accommodates approximately 1.2 million items.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Science Center provides office and laboratory space in support of the EPA’s Field Inspection Program, the Analytical Chemistry Branch, Microbiological Branch and many other divisions. EPA scientists conduct tests on soil, air and water samples to determine the presence of pollutants and other contaminants. EPA microbiologists test drinking water and chemists carry out projects to provide information about pesticide residues in food.
Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory is one of six Department of Defense (DoD) drug testing laboratories supporting military readiness through a scientifically rigorous drug detection and deterrence program. The laboratory primarily supports the European theater, Army Reserves and installations east of the Mississippi, and is the only DoD military laboratory certified by the Department of Health and Human Services to test DoD civilian specimens for drugs of abuse.
The 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera) has provided support in every major military offensive since World War II, earning the Army Superior Unit and Joint Meritorious Unit awards. The 55th Signal Company is the Army’s only active duty unit which provides combat pictorial documentation. The unit rapidly deploys worldwide to capture, edit and transmit high definition still and video imagery in support of tactical operations and strategic objectives. At any given time, one-third of the unit is deployed in support of missions around the world.
These are just a fraction of the diverse units which make up the community of Fort Meade. For a look at more of its 95 partner organizations, visit www.ftmeade.army.mil.
