One of the most challenging aspects of the 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. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

Located in Montgomery County, Maryland, Naval Support Activity Bethesda—home of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center—is centered in the National Capitol Region. It is the home of support for the hospital as well as all of its tenant commands in their pursuit of excellence in patient care, medical research, and education. Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) is responsible for providing installation support to 12,000 military and civilian employees and their families, as well as 40 tenant units. Bethesda is one of the most renowned communities in the Greater Washington D.C. area.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Naval Support Activity Bethesda is home to the following units:

• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
• Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
• Navy Medicine Professional Development Center
• National Capital Region Medical Directorate
• Naval Medical Research Center
• Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
• U.S. Army Military Personnel Division
• Naval Dosimetry Center
• Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command—Bethesda
• Medical Evaluation and Treatment Unit
• Navy Medical Support Command
• National Intrepid Center of Excellence
• Army Warrior Transition Brigade
• Army Troop Command

Surrounding Cities:

• Bethesda, MD (less than 1 mile)
• Silver Spring, MD (7 miles)
• Rockville, MD (8 miles)
• Gaithersburg, MD (11 miles)
• College Park, MD (13 miles)

Closest MAJOR City: Washington, D.C. (About 10 miles)

Names of Area Colleges:

• University of Maryland in College Park, MD
• Montgomery College in Rockville, MD
• George Mason University in Fairfax, VA
• Marymount University in Arlington, VA
• George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
• Corcoran School of the Arts and Design in Washington, D.C.
• American University in Washington, D.C.
• Howard University in Washington, D.C.
• Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
• University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C.

Weather: In Bethesda, the summers are warm and humid, the winters are very cold and windy, and it is partly cloudy year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature is rarely below 14°F or above 95°F. The hot season lasts for 3.5 months, from May to September, with an average daily high temperature above 78°F. The hottest day of the year is July 21, with an average high of 87°F and low of 69°F. The cold season lasts for 3.1 months, from December to March, with an average daily high temperature below 51°F. The coldest day of the year is January 30, with an average low of 27°F and high of 42°F. The snowy period of the year lasts for four months, from mid-November to the end of March.

Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone

SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION

To access the post website, click here.

Map of the area

Historical Facts/Landmarks: Our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., is full of incredible history and landmarks. For history specific to Walter Reed National Medical Center, click here.

HOUSING

On-post Housing is managed by Navy Housing. This housing is reserved for single sailors, command, and the wounded and ill service members that are receiving treatment at Walter Reed and their families.

Major realty/rental companies in the area:

• RE/MAX
• Long & Foster Bethesda Gateway
• Compass Real Estate

 SCHOOLS

School Liaison Officer

School Districts:

• Montgomery County Public Schools
• District of Columbia Public Schools
• Prince George’s County Public Schools

On-Post School: There are no on-post schools.

Off-Post Schools

• Elementary: Bethesda Elementary School (Kindergarten-Grade 5)
• Middle: Westland Middle School (Grades 6-8)
• High School: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (Grades 9-12)
• Private/Charter: DC Public Charter School Board (provides a search for charter schools in D.C.) and Bethesda Private School Guide (provides a list of private schools and search filters.)

ON-POST SERVICES

• Child and Youth Services
• Fleet and Family Support Center 
• NEX
• Commissary (located in Silver Spring)
• Darnall Medical Library
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
• MWR
• Chaplain & Religious Services/Organizations
• Regional Religious Ministries

OFF-POST INFORMATION

Health Care:

• Hospital: NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, and Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.
• Urgent Care: Bethesda Immediate Care—Family Medicine and Urgent Care
• General Practitioners: Dr. Jean-Pierre Faure Family Practice in Bethesda, MD
• Dentist: Bethesda Smiles
• OBGYN: Women’s Health Specialists in Rockville, MD

Best place for beauty services:

• The Shop Salon in Bethesda, MD
• Blue Bell Hair Salon & Spa in Bethesda, MD
• Nail Studio in Bethesda, MD

RESTAURANTS

Bethesda, MD:

• Olazzo
• George’s Chophouse
• Crust Neapolitan Pizzeria

Silver Spring, MD:

• All Set Restaurant & Bar
• BurgerFi

MUST DO

Bethesda, MD:

• Glen Echo Park
• Imagination Stage
• Bethesda Row

College Park, MD:

• College Park Aviation Museum
• National Archives at College Park
• Lake Artemesia

Silver Spring, MD:

• AFI Silver Theatre & Cultural Center
• Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station
• Montgomery Parks (Montgomery County)

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: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Military Spouse Groups:

• Walter Reed Military Families
• NSA Bethesda Military Spouses
• Naval Support Activity Bethesda
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:

• Washington D.C. Online Yard Sale—Buy, Sell, Trade
• Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia—Buy, Sell, Trade

Additional Spouse Comments & Testimonials

“While stationed at a different base in Maryland, I was referred to at least three specialists at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. I received wonderful care from each and found the services provided were beneficial to my health. The doctors were very knowledgeable, and it was well worth the approximate one hour drive to be seen by such highly qualified specialists. Overall, Bethesda seemed like a very nice area. It was very big and seemed to have plenty to do when driving through.” – Angie A.