Redstone Arsenal is a U.S. Army installation located in Alabama, close to Huntsville and located in a wetland area serviced by the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Redstone Arsenal is listed as a census-designated place in Madison County, Alabama and is also named as a part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. Redstone Arsenal serves as the host for a variety of tenant commands and also the Marshall Space Flight Center operated by NASA.
Find information about Redstone Arsenal, Alabama including the main commercial and DSN numbers for the base, information on basic services, base transportation, lodging for TDY and PSCing personnel, and in-processing.
Mission & Units
Redstone Arsenal’s mission includes supporting a variety of tenants (approximately 14 in all) including the Marshall Space Center which is operated by NASA. Vital space and missile research on the installation is conducted by a variety of agencies-NASA’s work on the international space station may fall under “exploration” and “research” but the ordnance and missile missions are definitely tied to defense.
Important Redstone Arsenal units and missions include US Army Materiel Command, Army Aviation and Missile Command, the Defense Department’s Missile Defense Agency, plus the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Originally, Redstone Arsenal was created to build chemical weapons; since those days the installation is known for Army rocket and space projects. Important units at Redstone Arsenal include;
- 902nd Military Intelligence Group
- 832d Ord BN, HQ & A Company
- 832d Ordnance Battalion
- 832d Ordnance Battalion, D Company
- Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center
- HHC, U.S. Army Garrison – Redstone Arsenal
- HHC AMCOM
- Logistics Support Activity (LOGSA)
- Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA)
- Redstone Technical Test Center
- U.S. Army Contracting Command (ACC)
- U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville
- U.S. Army Expeditionary Contracting Command
- U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC)
- U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) Band
- U.S. Army Medical Department Activity
- U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, Dental Command
- U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, Troop Detachment
- U.S. Army Ordnance Munitions and Electronics Maintenance School, 832d Ordnance Battalion
- U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC)
- U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command U.S. Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command
- U.S. Marine Corps Detachment
- U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
- 2nd Medical Recruiting Battalion
- 308th Military Intelligence Battalion
History
Redstone Arsenal began its’ life as part of a World War Two-era ordnance production and storage operation that included three arsenals that were eventually combined to create Redstone Arsenal in the aftermath of the war.
Redstone Arsenal was named in 1948 as a center of research and development for rockets and related activities; R&D was transferred from elsewhere to the Arsenal including the group working under Wernher Von Braun as part of or an offshoot of Operation Paperclip which imported German rocket experts after the war to continue work on American rocketry.
Von Braun would be an important figure in the earliest days of Redstone Arsenal; In 1956, the creation of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) brought von Braun in as the director of the Development Operations Division.
One result of the work done at this time was the PGM-19 Jupiter, a medium-range guided missile which say its initial launch from Cape Canaveral in 1957. Eventually the Jupiter-C would be used in flights to launch satellites.
In 1958, the U.S. Army Ordnance Missile Command (AOMC), was established at Redstone Arsenal. But it wasn’t long after that President Dwight D. Eisenhower introduced the notion of a civilian-run space agency ; the National Aeronautics and Space Act would be signed into law to create NASA. Over time, the government would transfer the Army’s space-directed missions over to NASA.
That would sound like a blow to Redstone Arsenal, especially with the transfer of roughly $100 million worth of gear, facilities,, and real estate transferred from the Army to the NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center.
The Marshall center was dedicated by President Eisenhower in 1959. The Marshall Space Flight Center has been an important part of Redstone operations ever since. The work done there includes missions related to the International Space Station, the Hubble Telescope, and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.
Today, Redstone Arsenal continues to be a center for Army missile programs as well as a host for operations and missions for U.S. Army Materiel Command, Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command, the Tactical UAV Project Office, Redstone Test Center, the Missile Defense Agency, and more.
Contacts
Main Address and Phone Numbers
Redstone Arsenal
Aerobee Road
Bldg 3443
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898
- 256-876-5397
- DSN 312-746-5397
Important Redstone Arsenal Contact Numbers
- Emergency – 911
- Commandant – (256) 876-3349
- Welcome Center – (256) 876-5397
- Redstone Arsenal Information – (256) 876-5397
- Hospital – (256) 955-8888
- Legal Services/JAG – (256) 876-9005
- Defense Military Pay Office – (256) 876-8510
- HHC, U.S. Army Garrison – Redstone Arsenal – (256) 876-3934
- HHC AMCOM – (256) 842-7090
- Child and Youth Service Programs – 256-876-3704
- Defense Military Pay Office – (256) 876-8510
- HHC, U.S. Army Garrison – Redstone Arsenal – (256) 876-3934
- HHC AMCOM – (256) 842-7090
- Logistics Support Activity (LOGSA) – (256) 955-0501
- Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA) – (256) 544-2121
Surrounding Area
Redstone Arsenal’s location near Huntsville (the fourth largest city in Alabama) makes it ideal for exploring outdoor adventure type pursuits as well as a good selection of museums and similar local attractions. One popular destination is Burritt on the Mountain, which features a historic mansion, a performance area, and historic park areas featuring structures from as far back as the 1800s.
The Alabama Constitution Village is full of history complete with guides in historic dress offering slices of history, trivia, and information on what it was like to live in this area during its’ heyday. Many use this as a Christmas destination when the attraction is quite popular. Anticipate high demand for parking when visiting this site at peak tourist or holiday season.
Harmony Park Safari is an outdoor attraction that features wild animals in their natural habitat-some of which may approach vehicles touring the area and animal feed buckets are sold for a nominal fee. Visitors should be advised to bring cash as ATMs and credit card reader devices may not be available at this attraction.
The Huntsville area features boating and water-based activities; those PCSing to Redstone Arsenal who are boat enthusiasts should note that all boats operating in Alabama waterways must be licensed or registered with the State of Alabama.
Inprocessing and Check-In
No matter if you are arriving on PCS or TDY orders, you will need to check in with your gaining unit, schoolhouse, etc. to learn what current sign-in and inprocessing proceedures are. All new arrivals are directed to pick up inprocessing paperwork and instructions at HHC AMCOM, Bldg 3494, Honest John Road or call 256-842-7091. New arrivals who are single or unaccompanied should be advised that there is no on-post housing for unaccompanied service members.
Services
Healthcare
Fox Army Health Clinic serves Redstone Arsenal with primary care, occupational healthcare, and outpatient specialty care. No emergency room services are available on-post. The Huntsville area features three major hospitals and specialty clinics listed as TRICARE providers.
Clinics,services, and specialties at the Fox Army Health Clinic include:
- Audiology / Speech Pathology
- Clinical Psychology
- Community Health
- Dental
- Dietetics
- Family Advocacy
- Family Health
- Family Medicine
- Health Promotion
- Immunizations
- Internal Medicine
- Mental Health
- Occupational Health
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Pediatrics
- Physical Therapy
- Population Health (wellness)
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Substance Abuse
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Schedule appointments at (256) 955-8888, or toll free at 1-800-223-9531.
Child Care
Child care at Redstone is provided by two Child Development Centers. There may be waiting lists for care based on demand, age of the children requiring care, and other variables. Full day and hourly care are available for children ages five weeks to six years old; learn abour current requirements, waitlist times, and other factors by calling CYS Parent Central Services at. 256-876-3704
Household Goods
All inbound personnel are directed to track and manage their household goods shipments to Redstone Arsenal using the Defense Personal Property System. You can get local assistance via the Redstone Arsenal inbound TMO section at (256) 876-3916.
Dependent And Retiree ID Card Renewal, Replacement, New Issue
ID card services and related assistance is in high demand at Redstone Arsenal, all personnel should make appointments for card services well in advance of expiration dates (up to 90 days) using the Redstone Arsenal RAPIDS appointment scheduling system. Two forms of unexpired ID will be required and the military member may be required to be present for dependent ID card assistance unless there is a power of attorney or other paperwork specifically authorizing the services in the absence of the military member.
Schools
There are no Department of Defense schools operating on-post at Redstone Arsenal. Those who live on-post will send their children to Williams Elementary, Williams Technology Middle School or Columbia High School which fall under the jurisdiction of the Huntsville City School System. Contact the Redstone Arsenal school liaison officer at 256-842-9642 for assistance with relocation and transfer to local schools.
Kindergarten through 12th grade students in Alabama are required by law to have a valid Social Security number and card. When registering for Alabama schools, parents are required to provide a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate (for kindergarten). You may be required to provide a certificate of immunizations or certificate of exemption from immunization for all students transferring into the district.
Military families should obtain an Alabama immunization card at Fox Army Health Clinic on post after arrival; receiving these cards requires proof of immunizations as directed by the military and/or the state.
Housing
Housing at Redstone Arsenal is privatized with more than 350 family housing units and a waitlist that varies depending on rank, demand, and other factors. According to the United States Army, “All permanent party personnel, accompanied by their families and assigned within the commuting area of Redstone Arsenal, are eligible for family housing”. You are permitted to be added to the waiting list for on-post housing once you have orders, which should be faxed to 256-722-8799 when ready.
There is no unaccompanied housing on-post with the exception of a small number of units for E7s and above. Off-base housing is required for all single/geographically separated service members.
PCS and TDY Lodging
Temporary lodging is available by making reservations via IHG Army Hotels at Redstone Arsenal by calling 256-924-7707.
All new arrivals, regardless of whether they are eligible for government quarters or not, and regardless of whether they are accompanied or unaccompanied, must report to the Housing Service Office or call 256-876-6666 (DSN 746-6666). This must be done before entering into any legally binding agreement for housing whether rented or purchased.
Transportation
The nearest major airports to Redstone Arsenal are:
- Huntsville International Airport (7.9 miles)
- Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (54.9 miles)
- Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (77.8 miles)
- Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (85.5 miles
The usual ride sharing and commercial taxi and shuttle services are available from these locations depending on time of arrival, demand, traffic, and other variables.
If you need to arrange a pickup from one of these airports as a PCS or TDY military member, contact your sponsor, gaining unit, schoolhouse, or commander’s support staff representative to learn what current policies are for new arrivals.
Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License
Active duty military and their family members arriving to Redstone Arsenal with valid vehicle registration from another state are not required to register their vehicles with the State of Alabama.
Newcomers to the state not on active duty status and their families have 30 days after establishing residency to get their vehicles registered in the state. Fortunately, vehicle tags and Alabama driver’s license are available on post via a Madison County satellite office at the installation.
When entering or leaving the installation, drivers should know that Department of Defense vehicle identification tags are currently not required at Redstone Arsenal. This is subject to change due to mission requirements or other factors.
All drivers entering and leaving Redstone Arsenal should know they must carry state-required proof of insurance, unexpired drivers’ licenses, and any required safety equipment. All vehicles entering and leaving Redstone Arsenal are subject to search.