About Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir, located in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a major U.S. Army base that serves as the headquarters for various Army commands and provides a range of support services to military personnel and their families. The base is strategically positioned to offer support to various military units and government agencies, including the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Fort Belvoir features a comprehensive range of facilities, including housing, medical services, recreational options, and educational resources, making it a well-equipped base for both training and daily living.
In this Article
Fort Belvoir Local Veterans Guide
If you’re stationed at Fort Belvoir or planning a move here, our comprehensive guide has everything you need. From housing options both on and off base, to the best things to do in the area, financial resources, and local businesses offering military discounts, this guide is your one-stop resource for everything.
Fort Belvoir Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (703) 805-5001
- Housing Office: +1 (703) 805-3019
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (703) 805-0510
- Family Support Office: +1 (703) 805-1113
- Legal Office: +1 (703) 805-4375
- Address: 9820 Flagler Rd, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, United States
Mission
Fort Belvoir is a vital hub for defense logistics, military intelligence, and specialized training. It houses over 140 mission partners, including the Defense Logistics Agency, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Its mission includes supporting global operations, fostering interagency collaboration, and ensuring the readiness of personnel and resources.
History
- Established: 1917 as Camp Humphreys
- Renamed Fort Belvoir in 1935 after Col. William Fairfax Belvoir, an early advocate of engineering excellence in the Army.
- Initially focused on engineering and construction training.
- Expanded during World War II to support logistics and intelligence.
- Today, Fort Belvoir is a center for cutting-edge military technology and operational readiness.
Key milestones include:
- Transitioning from a training facility to a multi-functional installation during the Cold War.
- Establishment of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency headquarters in 2011.
Location
- Address: 9820 Flagler Rd, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
- Coordinates: 38.7185° N, 77.1511° W
- Website: Fort Belvoir Official Website
Hours of Operation
- Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Main Gate: Open 24/7
Base Location and Directions
- Driving Directions:
- From Washington D.C.: Take I-395 S to I-95 S. Exit onto VA-286 S and follow signs to Fort Belvoir (approx. 40 minutes).
- From Dulles International Airport: Drive east on VA-267, merge onto I-495 S, and follow VA-286 S to the base (approx. 1 hour).
- From Richmond, VA: Take I-95 N and exit onto VA-286 S to Fort Belvoir (approx. 2 hours).
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 8,000
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 16,000
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 14,000
- Total Population Served: Over 38,000
Housing Options
Fort Belvoir offers a variety of on-base housing options managed by the Army. Housing types include single-family homes and townhomes designed to accommodate families of different sizes. For detailed information and to apply for housing, visit the Fort Belvoir Housing Office or contact them directly at Call +1 (703) 805-3030. The housing office is located at 9470 Dyer Road, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Amenities and Services
Commissary and Exchange: Fort Belvoir features a commissary and Exchange for grocery shopping and retail needs. The commissary is located at 9700 Belvoir Road, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. It is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and closed on Sundays. The Exchange, located at the same address, operates Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays.
Medical Facilities: Fort Belvoir includes the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, providing comprehensive healthcare services such as primary care, dental care, and specialty services for active-duty members, retirees, and their families. The hospital is located at 9300 DeWitt Loop, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. For appointments, call Call +1 (571) 231-3000.
Recreational Facilities: The base offers a fitness center, swimming pool, and various outdoor areas for sports and fitness activities. The fitness center is located at 5960 5th Street, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. It is open Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The swimming pool is open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Education
On-Base Schools: Fort Belvoir operates on-base schools including Fort Belvoir Elementary and Fort Belvoir Middle School.
Off-Base Schools: Military families living off base can enroll their children in public schools within the Fairfax County Public Schools district. For information on school enrollment and resources, contact the Fairfax County Public Schools at Call +1 (703) 246-6000.
Things to Do
Outdoor Activities: Nearby attractions include the George Washington Memorial Parkway, offering hiking and scenic views. Fort Belvoir also provides access to various parks and recreational opportunities.
Shopping and Dining: The city of Alexandria and nearby areas offer a range of shopping and dining options. For shopping, visit the Potomac Mills Mall, and for dining, explore local favorites like The Wharf and Red Rocks.
Cultural Attractions: Fort Belvoir is close to Washington, D.C., offering numerous cultural attractions such as museums, monuments, and historic sites.
Local Support and Resources
Military and Family Support Center: The Army Community Service (ACS) offers financial counseling, deployment support, and family advocacy services. It is located at 9300 Dewitt Loop, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. For more information, call Call +1 (703) 805-0590.
Legal Services: The base legal office provides legal assistance, including wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning. Contact the legal office at Call +1 (703) 805-2856. It is located at 9800 Belvoir Road, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060.
Veteran Services: Fort Belvoir is close to several VA facilities offering benefits assistance, healthcare, and veteran resources. Visit the VA Northern Virginia Health Care System for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Fort Belvoir’s mission? | The base supports global defense logistics, intelligence operations, and specialized military training for over 140 mission partners. |
| What are the major units located at Fort Belvoir? | Units include the Defense Logistics Agency, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. |
| Does Fort Belvoir offer on-base housing? | Yes, housing is available for active-duty personnel, with various family-friendly neighborhoods. |
| What medical services are available at the base? | Fort Belvoir Community Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services to military personnel and their families. |
| Are there schools on Fort Belvoir? | Yes, the base offers primary and secondary schools operated by the Fairfax County Public School System. |
| Can civilians visit Fort Belvoir? | Yes, civilians can visit with proper identification and prior approval through the Visitor Control Center. |
| What recreational facilities are on the base? | Facilities include golf courses, fitness centers, hiking trails, and fishing areas. |
| What is the history of Fort Belvoir? | Established in 1917, it evolved from a training site into a hub for logistics, intelligence, and technology operations. |
| What environmental programs are in place? | Fort Belvoir prioritizes conservation and sustainability, including wildlife management and energy-efficient initiatives. |
| How does Fort Belvoir support military families? | The base offers family support services, including financial counseling, childcare, and relocation assistance. |
All Military Bases in Virginia
Army Bases
- Fort A.P. Hill – Advanced Training and Maneuver Center
- Fort Belvoir – Key U.S. Army Installation for Defense Agencies
- Fort Lee – Critical Logistics Training Hub
Navy Bases
- Naval Station Norfolk – Largest Naval Base Supporting Atlantic Fleet
- Naval Air Station Oceana – East Coast Master Jet Base
- Naval Weapons Station Yorktown – Ordnance Support and Training Facility
