Military Bases in the National Capital Region

The Nellis Group is Here to Serve You!

No matter what base you're transferring to, no matter where you're about to serve our county, we are here to serve you.

The National Capital Region is comprised of Southern Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia. The National Capital Region has 24 major bases and military installations

Northern Virginia

The Pentagon - Arlington, VA

The Pentagon, located in Arlington, Virginia, is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and one of the world's largest office buildings. Completed in 1943, it serves as the central hub for the U.S. military, housing senior leadership and supporting defense operations worldwide. The Pentagon is a symbol of U.S. military power and strategy, coordinating defense policy, intelligence, and military activities.


Fort Belvoir - Fort Belvoir, VA

Fort Belvoir, located in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a major U.S. Army installation that supports a wide range of military and civilian operations. It serves as the headquarters for several defense agencies, including the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command and the Defense Logistics Agency. The post also provides critical infrastructure and housing for military families, while supporting training, logistics, and research activities. With its proximity to Washington, D.C., Fort Belvoir plays a key role in U.S. defense and national security efforts.


Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall - Arlington, VA

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, located in Arlington, Virginia, is a U.S. military installation that serves as a key hub for both the Army and the Marine Corps. The base is home to the U.S. Army's Military District of Washington and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), responsible for ceremonial duties, including the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It also provides essential support to service members and their families, offering housing, recreation, and various services. Its proximity to the Pentagon and Washington, D.C. makes it an important center for military operations and ceremonies.


Marine Corps Base Quantico - Triangle, VA

Marine Corps Base Quantico is near Triangle, Virginia, spread across three different counties, and serves as a vital training base for the U.S. Marine Corps. It is home to the Marine Corps Combat Development Command and the Officer Candidates School, playing a key role in developing future leaders. The facility also supports various military operations and exercises, emphasizing readiness and strategic training. The base includes The Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, built in 1919. The squadron HMX-1 currently flies the President of the United States under the orders of the current commander William C. Pacatte III. The air facility’s nickname is Turner field, named after Veteran Colonel Thomas C. Turner.


Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) - Arlington, VA

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance national security. Founded in 1958, DARPA plays a crucial role in pioneering innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and advanced materials. By funding high-risk, high-reward projects, DARPA accelerates the development of breakthrough technologies that often have wide-ranging applications beyond defense, contributing to advancements in civilian industries as well. Its focus on transformative technologies has led to many significant inventions, including the early development of the internet.


Fort AP Hill Army Base in Bowling Green, VA

Fort A. P. Hill is located close to the town of Bowling Green, Virginia and is one of the largest and most important US military installments on the East Coast. As it describes itself, it is the place where the United States sharpens its forces in every domain. The base is about 76000 acres in size!


Warrenton Training Center Army Base - Warrenton, VA

The Warrenton Training Center is located in the northern tip of Virginia, 48 miles west of Washington DC. While not technically Northern Virginia, Warrenton lies just outside of its bounds and thus included in this guide. 


Naval Support Facility Arlington - Arlington, VA

Naval Support Facility (NSF), located in Arlington, Virginia, provides critical support services to U.S. Navy personnel and other Department of Defense entities. Situated near the Pentagon, NSF Arlington offers administrative, logistical, and operational support for military operations and personnel stationed in the Washington, D.C. area. The facility also plays a role in enhancing Navy readiness and ensuring effective coordination with other branches of the military, given its proximity to key defense institutions.


National Maritime Center Coast Guard in Arlington, VA

National Maritime Center is among the main institutions in the United States Coast Guard. The center provides credentials to all the mariners who are up to pursuing a prolific career in this armed force. The US Coast Guard has served the interests of the United States of America for around two centuries.


National Pollution Center Coast Guard in Arlington, VA

The National Pollution Funds Center is located in Arlington, Virginia and is controlled by the United States Coast Guard. The center was created to monitor and help with the transportation of oil across American waters. The National Pollution Funds Center has the capability to respond to spills with the need assets 24hrs a day anywhere in the U.S.


Navigation Center Coast Guard Base in Alexandria, VA

The Navigation Center operated by the United States Coast Guard doesn’t need too much introduction. The center provides the most advanced techniques and technologies when it comes to navigational systems. It supports all the missions conducted by the US Coast Guard and it is the most advanced center of its kind in all the military forces.


Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division - Dahlgren, VA

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWC Dahlgren), located in Dahlgren, Virginia, is a premier research, development, and testing facility for the U.S. Navy. It focuses on advanced technologies in areas such as surface warfare, missile defense, cybersecurity, and weapons systems. NSWC Dahlgren supports critical innovation and testing of naval weapons, sensors, and command systems, playing a vital role in ensuring the operational readiness and technological superiority of the U.S. Navy. The facility also collaborates with other military and defense agencies to enhance national security capabilities.

Washington D.C.

Fort McNair - Washington D.C.

Fort McNair, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the oldest U.S. military installations, established in 1791. Today, it serves as a hub for defense and military education, housing the National Defense University (NDU), which trains senior military and civilian leaders. The base also features historic buildings and offers a blend of military heritage and strategic importance along the Potomac River.


Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling - Washington D.C.

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) is a U.S. military installation located in Washington, D.C., on the banks of the Potomac River. It is the result of the merger between two former bases, Anacostia Naval Station and Bolling Air Force Base. JBAB serves as a critical hub for military operations, housing a variety of units and agencies from both the U.S. Air Force and Navy, as well as supporting other federal entities. The base provides essential services and facilities for military personnel, while also playing a significant role in national defense and security.


Washington Navy Yard - Washington D.C.

The Washington Navy Yard, located along the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., is one of the U.S. Navy's oldest and most historically significant military installations. Established in 1799, it has played a key role in naval operations, shipbuilding, and research. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Navy’s Naval District Washington and hosts various Navy commands and offices. The yard is also home to the Naval History and Heritage Command and the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, offering a glimpse into the Navy's rich history while continuing to support modern military operations and defense efforts.


Marine Barracks Washington - Washington D.C.

Marine Barracks Washington, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., is one of the oldest and most prestigious military installations in the United States Marine Corps. Founded in 1801, it serves as the home of the Marine Corps' elite ceremonial units, including the "President's Own" Marine Band and the Silent Drill Platoon. The barracks also supports the Marine Corps' public affairs and ceremonial functions, hosting major events such as the Evening Parade. As a symbol of Marine pride and tradition, Marine Barracks Washington plays a vital role in representing the Corps to the nation and the world.


U.S. Naval Research Laboratory - Washington D.C.

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington, D.C., is the Navy's premier research and development center, focused on advancing science and technology to support naval operations. Established in 1923, NRL conducts cutting-edge research in areas such as electronics, materials science, oceanography, and space science, among others. Its innovations have significantly contributed to the Navy's technological capabilities, from developing advanced communications systems to improving energy efficiency and combat systems. As a vital part of the Department of the Navy, NRL continues to lead efforts in creating next-generation solutions to address emerging challenges in defense and national security.


U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters - Washington D.C.

The U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, located in Washington, D.C., serves as the central command and administrative hub for the United States Coast Guard. Situated near the Navy Yard, the headquarters coordinates the service's missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and national defense. It also plays a key role in strategic planning, policy development, and interagency collaboration to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters and ports. As the heart of the Coast Guard's operations, the headquarters is crucial in overseeing both domestic and international missions that protect the nation's maritime interests.

Southern Maryland

Joint Base Andrews - Prince George's County, MD

Joint Base Andrews, located in Prince George's County, Maryland, is a vital U.S. military installation known for supporting the President and senior officials with airlift services. Home to the 89th Airlift Wing, it plays a key role in U.S. Air Force operations and national security. The base also hosts Air Force One and supports various military branches with aviation and logistical operations.


Fort Detrick - Frederick, MD

Fort Detrick, located in Frederick, Maryland, is a major U.S. military facility known for its role in biological research and defense. Originally established in 1943 as a site for chemical weapons development during World War II, it later transitioned to focus on biological warfare research. Today, Fort Detrick is home to the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), which conducts vital research on infectious diseases and biodefense. The base also supports various other scientific and medical research efforts, contributing to national security and public health.


Fort Meade - Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Located in Maryland, Fort Meade serves as a key U.S. military installation. It is home to several critical organizations, including the National Security Agency (NSA) and the United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). Fort Meade plays a vital role in national security, supporting intelligence gathering, cybersecurity, and defense operations. The base is strategically positioned between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, making it a hub for military, intelligence, and cybersecurity operations. It also houses a variety of tenant organizations and offers a range of services to military personnel and their families.


Aberdeen Proving Ground - Hartford County, MD

Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) is a major U.S. Army facility located in northeastern Maryland, established in 1917. It serves as a testing and research center for military weapons, equipment, and technology. APG plays a crucial role in developing and evaluating new defense systems, ensuring that the U.S. military is equipped with the latest innovations. The installation hosts a variety of Army commands, including those focused on communications, electronics, and combat systems. It also serves as a hub for collaboration with defense contractors and researchers, contributing significantly to national defense and military readiness.


Naval Surface Warfare Center - Bethesda, MD

The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) is a key research, development, and testing facility for the U.S. Navy, located primarily at the Carderock Division in Bethesda. It specializes in the design, testing, and evaluation of surface warfare technologies, including ship systems, weapons, and advanced combat systems. NSWC plays a critical role in ensuring that the Navy remains at the forefront of maritime warfare capabilities, supporting a wide range of engineering, scientific, and technical efforts. Its work contributes to the development of next-generation naval platforms and enhances the Navy's ability to operate effectively in complex and evolving global security environments.


Naval Air Station Patuxent River - Lexington Park, MD

Naval Air Station Patuxent River, located in Lexington Park, Maryland, is a key facility for the U.S. Navy's aviation research, testing, and development. It serves as the primary site for testing and evaluating new aircraft, systems, and technologies. The base is home to the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and plays a critical role in advancing naval aviation capabilities. It supports both military and civilian personnel, contributing to innovations that enhance the readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. Navy's air operations.


Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - Bethesda, MD

The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is one of the U.S. military’s premier healthcare facilities, providing advanced medical care to service members, veterans, and their families. Known for its expertise in trauma care, rehabilitation, and military medicine, it also plays a key role in medical research and education, driving innovations that benefit both military personnel and the public.

Explore The Area