What is it like being stationed at Fort Detrick as a 42A (living options, work life, and overall experiences)?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 20:01:32 -0400

Has anyone ever been stationed at Fort Detrick as a 42A or know anyone that has? I would like to get some insight on living options, work life, and overall experiences at this location.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2023 11:42 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 23:42:31 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Do searches on "Fort Detrick" and "42A" to find all the posts with these topics.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Apr 21 at 2023 1:09 AM

SPC James Neidig — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 01:09:26 -0400

I Have Never Been Stationed There But I Live Not Far Away , Ft . Derrick Is Not That Far From Frederick MD , It’s A Pretty Nice Area , Crime Rate Is Not Bad , Housing Is Reasonable, It’s Less Than An Hour Drive To DC , Baltimore And Gettysburg If You Are Interested In History And Culture, I Would NOT And Say Again NOT Be In DC Or Baltimore After Dark !!!! The Crime Is Off The Charts BAD .
I Live Near Chambersburg PA And One My Neighbors Works There, It’s About An Hour Drive.
I Would Be Happy To Answer Any Questions You May Have About The Area

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 21 at 2023 7:45 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:45:39 -0400

I am on the base three times a week, never stationed there but know many who have been. It is a quiet little base with decent quarters and housing. Where you live is determined by marital status and availability.

While I am not fond of the city itself, there are many who are. There is good shopping, good food and decent entertainment. You are short drives to the mountains and many state and national forests. You are also a stones throw from the best hospital in the military, as well as the many wonderful things to do in and around DC.

You are also within a three hour drive to the beach and what they offer.

As for work there are very different dynamics based on your unit of assignment. All are sensitive and rewarding, that will be what you make of it.

You should enjoy your personal life and your career there.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Apr 22 at 2023 11:47 PM

COL Dan Ruder — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 23:47:08 -0400

I was stationed at Fort Detrick. It is actually IN Frederick and I really enjoyed living off post and the entire town of Frederick. TA-50...you will have very little. Job assignments are mainly in Medical and Signal units unless you're assigned to the MP unit or a garrison HQ. There is one Signal unit that if assigned to could mean being stationed at Fort Detrick but the workplace is actually a ~35+ min drive up into the mountains area. If that's your unit then ask ahead what area is the best to live in as far as the commute. For me, I did the drive every day from Frederick and would do it all over again.

Response by C/LtCol Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2023 5:36 AM

C/LtCol Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 05:36:27 -0400

I will also be stationed at Fort Detrick in the near future, but I find out people say it is quite dangerous here.

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Response by SFC Terry Stinnett made Apr 25 at 2023 12:11 PM

SFC Terry Stinnett — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 12:11:22 -0400

My 1st duty station about 100 years ago...just kidding. But we had to travel pretty far for commissary, medical care, back in the day. It's all been improved quite significantly based on my recent visits. Roads in the area are pretty 'rural' IIRC with limited street lighting and very limited winter resources in case of ice/snow precipitation. Having a commute of 30 miles each way, back in the day, car & tires were high priority for safety. If you're not comfortable driving in ice or snow I'd recommend a class. As others have said, lots of recreational opportunities. Also Hood College offered educational opportunities (pursued graduate courses there) and I presume still does so. There's a community college as I recall, as well. It's an "interesting" place from the science side (I was at USAMRIID x4 yrs).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2023 11:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 23:35:34 -0400

Thank you to everyone that gave me some insight!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2023 4:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 May 2023 16:35:04 -0400

It's been a few years, but the base is great. Background, I was a 68W at USAMRIID, but it seemed pretty similar across the board for 42A's working there as well. Here's what I have to say.

1. Be ready. Depending on what you're doing (USAMRIID, Signal, Etc.) will depend on the folks you interact with. I was at USAMRIID, and there are incredibly bright folks there, Enlisted, Commissioned, and Civilian/Contractor.
2. You hear a LOT from folks there who've been to the 82nd or other FORSCOM units... "This isn't the real Army" or "There's so many slackers here". Take it from a guy who had USAMRIID as a first duty assignment, it's different, but it's not all that bad. You'll do PT and you'll have work that comes through, but don't let those folks make you feel bad for being assigned there. The Army chose that as your spot to be, and it's up to YOU to make the most of it. Pass your PT test, stay within height and weight, follow 670-1, and pursue career opportunities/ways to help yourself, but spread that love to others. It's a small community there, but a little love goes a long way.
3. The area is spectacular for the outdoors. Take the opportunity to learn about the history of Frederick County, Washington D.C., go to battlegrounds and learn about Colonial/Civil War history. If you have kids, take them to the Smithsonian Museums or the International Spy Museum. Take your spouse out to The National Harbour or the Wharf. Downtown Frederick is a gem and one of the best places I've been in my life.
4. It's a safe community, but be cautious. There are narrow roads in places and crime DOES exist, but compared to somewhere like Fayetteville, it's heaven (no offense to residents of Fayetteville! Currently stationed at Bragg now). Driving is TOUGH here and there is a LOT of traffic. If you're commuting, be warned that you can expect 60 mins+ to and from the area from Highways 270, 15, and 70. They all converge in Frederick.
5. I lived both on and off post. I lived in the Golden Mile for almost 2 years, and then moved on base in the two story homes with my family until PCSing in 2020 (yep during COVID). Both are just fine, but I'd recommend on post. The community is tight, the base is quiet, work is a 5 minute drive (everywhere is 25mph MAX on base, so you've been warned!). and you have access to the perimeter trail (about 10k in length). It's GREAT! Maintenance is top notch, and the staff for housing are transparent and kind. The homes are beautiful and the neighbourhoods are quaint. Living off post, you'll have folks from PA, WV, VA, and even DE coming to the Frederick region... So mingle and enjoy the community.
6. The nature around the place is beautiful. You have the Catoctins from Gambrill to Thurmont, but you also have the ever famous Appalachian Trail, famous for it's continuous, single trail from Georgia to Maine. You have gorgeous spots like Greenbrier State Park, Annapolis Rocks, Black Rock, Raven Rock, Weverton Cliffs, Harpers Ferry, Maryland Heights, PenMar State line, and many many more. There are about 44 miles that cut through Maryland itself for the AT, and plenty of other spots such as Patapsco outside Baltimore and Assateauge State Park (home of the wild horses! Yes you can go see wild horses!). There's the Maryland Renaissance festival in Crownsville, MD from Late August to October every year, the Chesapeake Hot Air Balloon Festival in August, and tons of Breweries and Wineries which host family-friendly events on farms and other rural spots.
7. Education. Detrick is located just next to a community college which I graduated from myself in 2017. They're excellent and I'd take advantage of them. Give them your active duty orders, and you and your spouse can enjoy the in-county tuition rate. Once graduated, you can move on to a Maryland 4-year school and qualify for the Maryland Completion Scholarship. That's good at UMGC, U Maryland Baltimore or College park, or any other state college in Maryland. I completed both my associates and Bachelor's while stationed there and still had a great time with my career and family.

For a small state, it packs quite a bunch, and you've been lucky enough to get stationed at the hidden gem of the Army. Learn from those around you and take in all you can. I recommend staying away from those who say there's nothing to do.. There's plenty to do but you have to be willing to find it. Look online, engage with the community, and appreciate the mingling of cultures and people there.

Best of luck at Fort Detrick and cherish every minute! I know I sure did.

SGT Pecia.

Response by SFC Edward Sneed made May 26 at 2023 10:30 AM

SFC Edward Sneed — Fri, 26 May 2023 10:30:13 -0400

I spent my last 5 years at Fort Detrick as a 75Z Personel Senior NCO. I lived off post for 2 years, then moved into on housing for the last 3, before retiring. I liked it so much that I married a Fredericktonian. Still married 30 years later. The past is great and so is the town of Frederick. With the commissary and PX, there was no real reason to leave the post. I also did all of my car repairs at their garage. I think you'll like it if you keep an open mind and carry out your military duties.

SFC E Sneed
Retired

Response by SFC Edward Sneed made Jun 11 at 2023 10:11 AM

SFC Edward Sneed — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:11:28 -0400

I was stationed at Fort Detrick for my last 5 years before retiring. It's a quaint post that has been upgraded over the years since 1992, when I retired. I worked as the PSNCO for what use to be, the 1110th Signal Battalion. I had lived on on-post housing for 3 years. I loved it. My job as a 75Z was great, as I worked for a LTC, CSM, and Company 1SG. My expertise as a PSNCO was lauded by the unit itself. A small medical facility is available for you, if needed.
You have easy access to the city of Frederick and surrounding areas, with DC about an hour away, and Baltimore about 50 minutes away. If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at your leisure, as my spouse is from Frederick and we currently live in Martinsburg, WV, which is a 40 minute drive from Fort Detrick/Frederick.
SFC Edward Sneed, Retired