Editor’s note: This post was updated in January 2021.

One of the most challenging aspects of military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be almost overwhelming.

We here at Army Wife Network want to take the some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Post With the Most series. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to Fort Greely, Alaska.

Located at the official end of the Alcan Highway, which connects the contiguous United States to Alaska, in the very small community of Delta Junction, Fort Greely is situated between the White Mountains and the Alaska Range. It is home to the nation’s arsenal of ground-based interceptor missiles. The post also hosts the Army’s Cold Regions Test Center and supports rotational units who train in the Donnelly Training Area, also known as the DTA. Fort Greely is also the only installation to close under BRAC and reopen.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Fort Greely is home to the following units:

• 49th Missile Defense Battalion, 100th Missile Defense Brigade
• 59th Signal Battalion (NEC)
• Cold Regions Test Center
• Ground Based Midcourse Defense Operations Support Division—Alaska

Surrounding Cities:

• Delta Junction (5 miles away)
• Fairbanks (100 miles away)

Closest MAJOR City: Anchorage (229 miles away)

Names of Area Colleges:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
• University of Alaska Anchorage

Weather: Fort Greely is one of coldest and windiest places in Alaska. The lowest recorded temperature is -55 in 2008. It was -69 when factoring the wind chill. The area spent 15 days at -40. Wind gusts of 50-80 miles per hour are common. The days, while cold in winter, are usually clear or overcast. You are likely to see the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, in the sky during winter. That can be a nice distraction when there is little sun from November to January. The area is drier than some other areas in Alaska. Summer is a respite, as it’s mostly sunny—and most of the time. From May to July, there is no night; instead, the area experiences “twilight” during the usual nighttime hours.

Time Zone: Alaskan Time Zone (8 hours ahead of the east cost)

SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION

 To access the post website, click here.

Map of the area (Scroll toward the end of the welcome guide.)

Historical Facts/Landmarks: Here are a few interesting facts about Fort Greely.

• The nearby village of Delta Junction is the official end of Alcan Highway.
• Fort Greely was the first American military installation to receive a “compact, nuclear power reactor” for heat and electricity. It was installed between 1960 and 1962. The reactor was shut down in 1972.
• The Fort Greely Chapel has an R. Byard Fritts pipe organ that was originally installed in 1966 and, as of 2019, is being renovated and upgraded. You can watch a video of the pipe organ here.

Important Information for Newcomers: Fort Greely has created a page just for newcomers, which includes driving information from the Lower 48 to Alaska, as well as lodging information and winter driving tips. You can view it here. You can also download and print their in-depth Welcome Guide here, full of information important to Fort Greely.

HOUSING

On-post Housing is managed by North Haven Communities.

 Major realty/rental companies in the area:

• Debbie Joslin Realty

SCHOOLS

School Liaison Officer 

School Districts: Delta/Greely School District

On-Post Schools: There are no on-post schools at this installation.

Off-Post Schools

• Elementary: Delta Junction Elementary, (PreK-5th)
• Middle School: Delta Junior High School (6th-8th)
• High School: Delta High School (9th-12th)
• Private/Charter: Raven Homeschool and Gerstle River School (PreK-12th)

ON-POST SERVICES  

• Child and Youth Services
• Army Community Service
• PX
• Commissary
• Fort Greely Army Medical Home 
• MWR
• Chaplain & Religious Services/Organizations

OFF-POST INFORMATION

Health Care:

• General Practitioners: Interior Alaska Medical Clinic
• Dentist: The Delta Dentist and Timbercrest Dental, both in Delta Junction
• General Practice: Family Medical Center in Delta Junction
• OB/GYN: Family Medical Center in Delta Junction

Best place for beauty services: Frances Salon

RESTAURANTS

Delta Junction:

• The Cave Wine Bar and Grille
• The Alaskan Steakhouse
• Clearwater Lodge

Fairbanks:

• The Cookie Jar
• The Chowder House

MUST DO

Delta Junction:

• Sullivan Roadhouse
• Donnelly Dome

Fairbanks:

• Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center 
• Denali National Park & Preserve

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

Army Wife Network does not promote or endorse these groups; however, we know they can be helpful in learning about various duty stations, so they are provided for your convenience. 

Installation Facebook page: Fort Greely

Additional Spouse Comments & Testimonials

“If you like to watch moose in your backyard, go hunting, fishing, snow-machining, hiking, or watching Northern Lights, then Fort Greely is the place for you.” —Karen F.