Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall & Bethesda: Your PCS Guide to Military Life Near Washington, D.C.

Understanding JBM-HH: Three Campuses, One Joint Base

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is not a single installation — it is three connected campuses managed together under Army command. Knowing which campus your unit is on directly affects your commute route, gate access, and housing strategy.

Campus	Location	Primary Tenants
Fort Myer	Arlington, VA (adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery)	3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard); U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”; U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW); White House Communications Agency; CID Washington District; National Guard Bureau
Henderson Hall	Arlington, VA (attached to Fort Myer)	Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps National Capital Region; Marine Corps tenant commands
Fort McNair	Washington, D.C. (confluence of Potomac and Anacostia rivers)	National Defense University; Joint Forces Headquarters National Capital Region; HQ U.S. Army Military District of Washington; U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command elements

The base is managed by the Army but serves Army, Navy, and Marine Corps personnel. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment — The Old Guard is the Army’s oldest active infantry unit and one of the most recognizable commands in the military, responsible for ceremonial duties at Arlington National Cemetery, the Twilight Tattoo, and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you are assigned here, you will experience military tradition at a level few duty stations can match.

Official website: home.army.mil/jbmhh

A Note on “Bethesda” Assignments

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland is a separate installation — it sits on Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSA Bethesda) — and is not part of JBM-HH. However, many PCS orders to the National Capital Region involve Walter Reed, either as the duty station for medical personnel or as the medical facility for families assigned elsewhere in the region. Personnel assigned to WRNMMC generally live in Maryland (Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Chevy Chase) or Northern Virginia depending on commute preference. They use the same Washington DC Metro Area BAH rates listed below. Walter Reed’s main line is (301) 295-4611 | Address: 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda MD 20889 | walterreed.tricare.mil.

2026 BAH Rates for JBM-HH

All JBM-HH campuses — Fort Myer, Henderson Hall, and Fort McNair — fall under Military Housing Area DC053 (Washington, DC Metro Area). The 2026 BAH rates increased 8% from 2025, one of the largest single-year increases in the country, reflecting the continued growth of the DC metro rental market. With dependents, service members receive approximately 18.7% more BAH than those without. Virginia has no state income tax for military members on active duty pay under current law.

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1 through E-4	$3,096/mo	$2,409/mo
E-5	$3,132/mo	$2,832/mo
E-6	$3,759/mo	$3,057/mo
E-7	$3,855/mo	$3,099/mo
E-8	$3,957/mo	$3,261/mo
E-9	$4,128/mo	$3,447/mo
W-1	$3,780/mo	$3,096/mo
W-3	$4,023/mo	$3,471/mo
W-5	$4,350/mo	$3,876/mo
O-1	$3,213/mo	$3,054/mo
O-3	$4,020/mo	$3,531/mo
O-4	$4,410/mo	$3,855/mo
O-5	$4,692/mo	$3,909/mo
O-6	$4,731/mo	$3,999/mo
O-7	$4,770/mo	$4,071/mo

Verify your exact rate at the DoD BAH Calculator using your specific ZIP code. See our 2026 BAH rates guide for how to make BAH work in a high-cost market.

Real talk on DC-area housing costs: Even with the highest BAH in the country for most ranks, the DC metro is genuinely challenging. The cost of living is approximately 55% above the national average. Average home values in Arlington hover around $800,000 — with virtually no detached single-family homes near JBM-HH available below that. Condos and townhomes in Arlington run $400,000–$800,000. Many families — especially junior enlisted and lower officer grades — find that living further out (Fairfax County, Prince William County, Maryland suburbs) delivers more space within budget, at the cost of a longer commute. Explore your buying power with a VA Home Loan snapshot before house-hunting season starts — this market rewards early preparation.

On-Post Housing at JBM-HH

On-post family housing at JBM-HH is extremely limited — only 88 historic dwelling units across the Fort Myer and Fort McNair campuses. Most are designated for very senior officers and select flag/general officers. The historic homes on Fort Myer (including Quarters One, the residence of the Army Chief of Staff) are among the most recognizable on-post residences in the entire military. Practically speaking: most personnel assigned to JBM-HH will not live on post and will instead be referred to Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, or Joint Base Andrews for on-post housing options.

Marines assigned to Henderson Hall may apply for housing at NSA Washington (Anacostia).

Resource	Contact
Housing Division (Army)	Bldg 417 Basement, Sheridan Ave, Fort Myer VA 22211 | (703) 696-0319
Housing Division (Marine)	Bldg 416 1st Floor, Sheridan Ave, Fort Myer VA 22211 | (703) 696-3700
Housing Office — General / Off-Post Assistance	(703) 696-9611 or (703) 696-3559
Chief of Housing	(703) 696-1147
Army Housing Online (HOMES.mil)	housing.army.mil

The Housing Office’s Rental Partnership Program (RPP) helps families find off-post housing through vetted landlords who offer military-friendly lease terms and priority access. If you cannot live on post, this is a valuable first resource — call (703) 696-9611 to discuss RPP options before signing anything independently.

Off-Post Neighborhoods: Where JBM-HH Families Actually Live

Because on-post housing is nearly nonexistent for most ranks, your neighborhood decision is the most important planning choice you will make for this assignment. The DC metro area is enormous — your commute, schools, and quality of life vary dramatically based on where you land. The foundational truth of this market: the farther from DC you live, the more house you get for your money — and the more time you spend in the car.

Arlington County (Closest to Post)

Arlington is where most JBM-HH personnel ideally want to live — 5 minutes from the Hatfield Gate on a good day, Metro-accessible, walkable, and genuinely urban. The tradeoff is price: average home values around $800,000, with virtually no detached single-family homes available near post below that. Condos and townhomes run $400,000–$800,000. Families willing to manage apartment or condo living, or those at higher grades with BAH to match, do very well here. Arlington County Public Schools are among the strongest in Virginia. The Rosslyn-Ballston corridor offers easy Metro access (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) to the Pentagon and throughout DC.

Alexandria (City and Fairfax County Portions)

About 10–20 minutes from the post on non-rush-hour routes (longer during peak traffic). Alexandria proper — especially Old Town — has strong charm, walkability, and good schools in the city’s own school district. Fairfax County portions of Alexandria (Kingstowne, Springfield, West Alexandria) offer more space at lower prices. Townhomes and single-family homes in the $500,000–$750,000 range are findable here. Families who want a Metro option look at King Street or Van Dorn stations on the Blue Line.

Fairfax County

Fairfax is the most popular long-term military family destination in Northern Virginia for good reason: excellent schools (consistently top-ranked in Virginia), more space per dollar, and manageable commutes to JBM-HH of 20–40 minutes depending on route and time of day. Areas like Falls Church, Vienna, McLean, Herndon, Reston, Annandale, and Burke are popular with military families. Fairfax County public schools rank among the best in the nation. The challenge: traffic on I-395, I-66, and the Beltway can make that 25-mile drive feel like 60 minutes during peak hours.

Prince William County (Woodbridge / Manassas)

The most affordable Northern Virginia option — and the longest daily grind. Commute to JBM-HH from Woodbridge via I-95/395 can run 60–90 minutes during morning rush. However, single-family homes are available in the $400,000–$650,000 range, school systems are decent, and the community has a very large military presence. This is a legitimate option for families at lower grades who prioritize space and homeownership over commute time — but go in with eyes open about the I-95 reality.

Maryland Suburbs (Montgomery & Prince George’s Counties)

For families assigned to Walter Reed/NSA Bethesda or the Pentagon who want Maryland access: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, and Rockville (Montgomery County) offer Metro access and excellent schools. Bethesda home prices are extremely high — similar to Arlington. Silver Spring and Rockville are more moderate. Prince George’s County (College Park, Bowie, Hyattsville) offers the most affordable Maryland options with easy Metro access. For JBM-HH assignments on the Fort McNair campus in DC, Maryland proximity can actually shorten commutes.

Neighborhood Comparison

Area	Commute to JBM-HH	2026 Home Price Range	School District	Best For
Arlington County	5–20 min (traffic dependent)	$400K–$1M+ (condo/TH–SFH)	Arlington County Public Schools	Shortest commute; Metro; walkable; no car needed
Alexandria (Old Town / City)	15–30 min	$500K–$900K	Alexandria City Public Schools	Historic charm; Metro Blue Line; family neighborhoods
Fairfax County (inner)	20–40 min	$500K–$850K	Fairfax County Public Schools	Top-ranked schools; more space; suburban feel
Fairfax County (outer / Burke / Springfield)	30–50 min	$400K–$700K	Fairfax County Public Schools	Most space for budget; excellent schools; family-oriented
Prince William (Woodbridge / Manassas)	45–90 min (I-95)	$380K–$600K	Prince William County Schools	Most affordable; large homes; heavy military community
Maryland (Bethesda / Silver Spring)	20–40 min (McNair closer)	$450K–$1M+	Montgomery County Schools	WRNMMC assignments; Metro Red Line; excellent schools

VA Loan note: Virginia has no state income tax on military active duty pay. With BAH rates at this level and the VA’s zero-down benefit, buying is genuinely competitive with renting in this market — and many JBM-HH families see strong equity gains. The key is buying in a location you’d want to own investment property in if you PCS early. Get your numbers at pcspayitforward.com/va-home-loan.

Gate Access at JBM-HH

JBM-HH has active gates across the Fort Myer/Henderson Hall campus and the separate Fort McNair campus in DC. All non-DoD visitors must use designated visitor gates and complete a background check process — plan a minimum of 45 minutes for first-time visitor processing during peak hours.

Gate	Campus	Hours	Notes
Hatfield Gate (Main)	Fort Myer / Henderson Hall	24/7	Washington Blvd at S 2nd St, Arlington, VA 22211 — ONLY gate visitors (non-DoD) may use for Fort Myer and Henderson Hall; location of the Visitor Control Center (VCC)
Wright Gate	Fort Myer	Daily 0500–2300	Marshall Dr at Meade St, off Route 110 — DoD/federal ID card holders only; no visitor access
Gate 1 (Henderson Hall)	Henderson Hall	M–F 0500–1800; Weekends 0600–1800	S Orme St at Southgate Rd — DoD/federal ID card holders only
2nd Street Gate	Fort McNair	24/7	2nd St SW, Washington DC 20024 — only visitor gate for Fort McNair campus; location of VCC (Bldg 65)
Ceremonial Front Gate (McNair)	Fort McNair	M–F 0600–1800 (DoD only)	P Street SW — DoD ID holders only; pedestrian access for McNair residents 24/7
Henry Gate (Fort Myer)	Fort Myer	CLOSED	Route 50 at N Pershing Dr — permanently closed to vehicular traffic

Visitor Control Center — Hatfield Gate (Fort Myer): Bldg S-507, 29 Carpenter Road, Fort Myer VA 22211 | Hours: M–F 0600–2100; Saturday 0800–1600; Closed Sundays and federal holidays. Visitors can pre-register online at pass.aie.army.mil/jbmhh to shorten wait times. All visitors 18+ must present a REAL ID-compliant state ID, passport, or equivalent original government-issued photo ID.

Police Operations / Emergency: (703) 588-2800 / 2801

Schools Near JBM-HH

There are no DoDEA or on-post schools at JBM-HH. All military children attend schools in their county or city of residence. Your school zone depends entirely on your home address — and in the DC metro, school quality is one of the strongest drivers of neighborhood value and family decisions.

Arlington County Public Schools

Families living in Arlington County attend Arlington County Public Schools (APS), one of the highest-rated urban school districts in the United States. APS serves approximately 27,000 students across 42 schools. The district consistently ranks in the top tier of Virginia school systems and features robust multilingual programs, multiple specialty and magnet programs, and strong AP and IB offerings at the high school level. Elementary schools in particular are highly regarded — Arlington Traditional and Arlington Science Focus Elementary both rank in the top schools in all of Virginia.

Arlington County Public Schools: 2110 Washington Blvd, Arlington VA 22204 | (703) 228-6000 | apsva.us

Use APS’s online boundary locator tool to confirm your school assignment for any specific address before committing to a lease or purchase.

Fairfax County Public Schools

Families in Fairfax County attend Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the largest school district in Virginia and one of the highest-performing large school districts in the nation. FCPS consistently ranks among the top districts in the U.S. on college readiness, graduation rates, and AP participation. The district includes nationally recognized high schools and multiple specialized programs including the prestigious Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (ranked among the best high schools in the country). Multiple FCPS elementary schools consistently rank in Virginia’s top 20.

Fairfax County Public Schools: (571) 423-1000 | fcps.edu

Other Districts

Families in Alexandria City attend Alexandria City Public Schools, a smaller but generally well-regarded urban district. Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland) is one of the strongest school systems in Maryland and consistently ranks in national top tiers — a strong draw for families assigned to WRNMMC or the Fort McNair campus. Prince William County Schools are a solid, military-community-heavy district that offers good programs at lower housing costs.

Contact the JBM-HH School Liaison Officer at (703) 696-8850 as soon as you have orders. The SLO can advise on school enrollment, zone navigation, and private/charter school options across the region.

Healthcare at JBM-HH

The primary military treatment facility at JBM-HH is Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic, which provides primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, family advocacy, dental, pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology services. Personnel requiring more advanced specialty care are referred into the TRICARE network, which has robust civilian providers throughout the DC metro area, or to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda (approximately 12 miles away) for complex specialty care.

JBM-HH falls under the TRICARE National Capital Region (NCR) — a unique integrated TRICARE region that is essentially TRICARE Prime with enhanced access to specialty care through the National Capital Region Medical Directorate network. Update your DEERS immediately upon arrival.

Facility	Address / Phone	Hours
Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic	401 Carpenter Road, Bldg 525, Fort Myer VA 22211 | (833) 853-1392	M–F 0730–1600 (closed first Wed of month 1200–1600)
Rader Clinic — Appointments	(855) 227-6331 (CAPMED-1)	Call for available appointments
Rader Dental Clinic	(703) 696-3460	Call for appointment availability
Behavioral Health	(703) 696-3468	Call for appointments
Fort McNair Clinic (Satellite)	Fort McNair campus | (703) 696-3468	Limited services; call for hours
Walter Reed NMMC (Bethesda — Major Referrals)	8901 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda MD 20889 | (301) 295-4611	24/7 emergency; clinic hours vary
TRICARE NCR Nurse Advice Line	(800) 874-2273, option 1	24/7
Clinic Website	rader.tricare.mil	—

Army Community Service (ACS)

The Army Community Service (ACS) center at JBM-HH is your hub for relocation assistance, employment readiness, financial counseling, EFMP support, Family Advocacy, and deployment readiness programs. ACS serves all active duty, reserve, retired, civilian, and family members.

ACS Address: 202 Custer Road, Bldg 201, Fort Myer VA 22211
Phone: (703) 696-3510 or (703) 696-2178
Hours: Monday–Friday 0730–1600

ACS’s Relocation Readiness Program is an especially important resource at JBM-HH — the DC metro is complex enough that using their counselors to navigate housing, schools, and commutes before you commit to a neighborhood can prevent expensive mistakes.

For your full PCS planning toolkit, see our PCS Toolkit. Don’t miss our guides on DITY/PPM moves, PCS tax write-offs, and military moving tips.

Key Phone Numbers Quick Reference

Resource	Phone
JBM-HH Main Operator	(703) 696-3000
Visitor Control Center (Hatfield Gate)	(703) 588-2800
Police Operations / Security	(703) 588-2800 / 2801
Housing Office (General)	(703) 696-9611
Housing — Army Barracks	(703) 696-0319
Housing — Marine Barracks	(703) 696-3700
Andrew Rader Health Clinic	(833) 853-1392
Clinic Appointments (CAPMED)	(855) 227-6331
Rader Dental	(703) 696-3460
TRICARE NCR Nurse Advice (24/7)	(800) 874-2273, option 1
Walter Reed NMMC (Bethesda)	(301) 295-4611
Army Community Service (ACS)	(703) 696-3510
School Liaison Officer	(703) 696-8850
Child & Youth Services / Summer Camp	(703) 696-8850
Lodging (Wainwright Hall / Bldg 48)	(703) 528-4766
Bowling Center	(703) 528-4766

Living in the National Capital Region

Being stationed at JBM-HH is unlike any other assignment in the military. The history here is not background context — it is your daily environment. Arlington National Cemetery is next door. The Pentagon is two miles away. The Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian, the Capitol, and every major monument in American history are within 20 minutes of Hatfield Gate. Your family will do things in a single weekend here that people plan bucket-list trips to experience.

The Traffic Is Real — Plan Accordingly

The DC metro consistently ranks among the worst traffic markets in the United States. A trip from Woodbridge to Fort Myer can take 90 minutes on I-95/395 during morning rush. A trip from Arlington that takes 12 minutes at 0900 on a Saturday takes 45 minutes at 0730 on a Tuesday. Before you sign a lease or put in an offer, drive your commute route during actual morning rush hours — not Google Maps’s optimistic estimate.

The Washington Metro (WMATA) is a genuine commute alternative for many JBM-HH assignments. The Pentagon Metro station (Blue/Yellow/Silver lines) is a short walk or shuttle from multiple post locations. The Fort McNair campus is accessible from the Navy Yard station (Green Line), a short walk around Nationals Park. For families willing to live near a Metro corridor, the train can completely eliminate the traffic variable on non-ceremonial days.

Things to Do

Everything below is worth saying plainly: the free Smithsonian museums alone — all 19 of them — are worth the assignment. The National Mall, the monuments, Arlington National Cemetery, the Library of Congress, the National Zoo, the National Cathedral, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — these are not occasional tourist destinations when you live here. They become regular parts of your family’s life. Many families stationed in DC say it permanently reshapes what they want from their lives and careers.

Beyond DC: Shenandoah National Park is 1.5 hours west for hiking and camping. Annapolis is under an hour for sailing and seafood. The Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads area is about 3.5 hours south. New York City is 4.5 hours by Amtrak (quick weekend trip from Union Station). The mountains of West Virginia are 2.5 hours away. You are remarkably well-positioned for East Coast travel throughout your tour.

Spouse Employment

The National Capital Region is arguably the best spouse employment market in the military for most career fields. Federal government positions (GS civilian jobs, contractor roles, intelligence community work) are abundant. Tech, healthcare, law, education, consulting, nonprofit, and media are all strong. The presence of the federal government creates consistent demand that doesn’t move with the economy the way private sector markets do. ACS’s Employment Readiness Program at (703) 696-3510 has resources, job boards, and federal application coaching. The JBM-HH PCS Pay It Forward® group is also rich with spouse employment connections and recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions: JBM-HH PCS

What are the 2026 BAH rates for JBM-HH?

JBM-HH falls under the Washington, DC Metro Area MHA (DC053). The 2026 BAH rates increased 8% from 2025 — one of the largest increases in the country. Rates range from $3,096/month for E-1 through E-4 with dependents to $4,770/month for an O-7 with dependents. For an O-5 with dependents, the rate is $4,692/month. Service members with dependents receive approximately 18.7% more than those without. Verify your exact rate by rank, dependency status, and ZIP code at the DoD BAH Calculator.

Can I live on post at JBM-HH?

Almost certainly not, unless you are a senior officer. JBM-HH has only 88 on-post housing units — primarily historic homes reserved for flag/general officers and select senior leadership. Most personnel (including the majority of officers and all enlisted below flag rank) are referred to other installations for on-post housing. If you need on-post housing, contact the Housing Office at (703) 696-9611 immediately upon receiving orders. Army personnel are typically referred to Fort Belvoir. Marines may apply at NSA Washington (Anacostia). You can also ask the Housing Office about the Rental Partnership Program for vetted off-post landlords with military-friendly terms.

What is the difference between JBM-HH and Walter Reed/Bethesda?

They are separate installations. Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall comprises three campuses: Fort Myer and Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA, and Fort McNair in Washington, DC. It is managed by the Army. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) is a separate installation located on Naval Support Activity Bethesda in Bethesda, Maryland. It is the nation’s largest military medical center, serving personnel from across the National Capital Region. Personnel assigned to WRNMMC are stationed at NSA Bethesda, not JBM-HH, though both draw from the same Washington DC Metro Area BAH table. WRNMMC main line: (301) 295-4611 | walterreed.tricare.mil.

Where should I live near JBM-HH?

The right answer depends on your grade, priorities, and tolerance for commuting. Arlington County is the closest, most convenient option — but home prices average $800,000 and condos/townhomes are typical for most budgets. Fairfax County (especially Falls Church, Vienna, Burke, and Springfield areas) offers excellent schools and more space at $500,000–$850,000, at the cost of a 20–40 minute commute. Prince William County (Woodbridge, Manassas) is the most affordable at $380,000–$600,000 but carries a 60–90 minute I-95 commute during rush. Maryland suburbs work well for McNair or WRNMMC assignments. Use the Metro to your advantage if possible — proximity to Blue/Yellow/Orange/Silver lines from Arlington or Green Line from DC dramatically reduces the traffic variable. Call the ACS Relocation Readiness office at (703) 696-3510 for a personalized consult before you commit.

What school district is best for JBM-HH families?

For families who can afford Arlington County housing, Arlington County Public Schools are outstanding — a highly rated urban district with strong programs at every level. Fairfax County Public Schools is one of the strongest large districts in the entire country, with nationally ranked high schools including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Both are excellent choices. Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland is similarly elite and is the relevant district for families near WRNMMC or Fort McNair. There are no on-post schools at JBM-HH. Contact the School Liaison Officer at (703) 696-8850 before finalizing your neighborhood. For boundary lookups: Arlington uses apsva.us; Fairfax uses fcps.edu.

What is the healthcare situation at JBM-HH?

Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic at 401 Carpenter Road, Fort Myer provides primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and ancillary services: (833) 853-1392. Hours: Monday–Friday 0730–1600 (closed first Wednesday afternoon each month). JBM-HH falls under the TRICARE National Capital Region (NCR), which uses a network of military and civilian providers across the DC metro area. Major specialty care is available at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda: (301) 295-4611. Appointments through the centralized CAPMED system: (855) 227-6331. Update DEERS immediately on arrival. 24/7 TRICARE Nurse Advice Line: (800) 874-2273, option 1.

Is the Metro system useful for commuting to JBM-HH?

Yes — especially for the Pentagon and Fort McNair campuses. The Pentagon Metro station (Blue, Yellow, and Silver lines) is within walking distance of the Fort Myer/Henderson Hall campus and is frequently used by JBM-HH-assigned personnel commuting from Arlington, Alexandria, or Fairfax. For Fort McNair in Washington DC, the Navy Yard station on the Green Line is the closest, requiring a short walk. WMATA Metro maps and schedules: wmata.com. Using the Metro eliminates the I-395 variable entirely and is strongly recommended for non-ceremonial-duty days when the operational flexibility exists.