WALTER REED NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
ARMY
Bethesda, MD
United States
WALTER REED NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
ARMY
Bethesda, MD
United States
Walter Reed National Medical Center
Base Essentials
The military's flagship medical center on Naval Support Activity Bethesda, MD — formed in 2011 from the merger of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center. Serves military patients across the National Capital Region with deep teaching and research.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
DHA
Status
Active
Est.
2011
Acres
243
Active Duty
7,000
Civilian
7,000
Population
6,300,000
Economic Impact
$2.5 billion
Walter Reed National Medical Center History
Named AfterMajor Walter Reed
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, was established in 2011 by merging the historic Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., with the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. It is the nation's largest and most prominent military hospital, providing care to the President, Congress, senior leaders, and military beneficiaries. Walter Reed is renowned for its treatment of combat-wounded service members and its advanced programs in traumatic brain injury, prosthetics, and rehabilitation. It stands at the apex of the Military Health System.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
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Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Walter Reed National Medical Center.
Walter Reed National Medical Center Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Walter Reed National Medical Center.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Walter Reed National Medical Center.
Information
Personalized Military Prosthetics Will Have Military Members’ Real Tattoos
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Walter Reed Medical Center: In-Depth Welcome
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25 Restaurants in Bethesda, MD, Near Walter Reed Medical Center
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24 Fun Things To Do in Maryland Near Walter Reed Hospital
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Schools in Bethesda, MD, Near Walter Reed Medical Center
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Walter Reed National Medical Center.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
In-Processing
Coordinate with your sponsor before arrival — sponsors are assigned through your gaining unit. The NSA Bethesda Visitor Control Center (102 Wood Road) can be reached at (301) 295-4607, weekdays 0530–1530. CAC/ID card processing is at Building 17, Taylor Road, (301) 295-0103, Mon–Fri 0730–1600. The Housing Office (Building 4/6, Room 2282) can be reached at (301) 295-6564.
For after-hours arrival, the Navy Lodge (Building 52, 8901 Wisconsin Ave) is available 24/7 at (301) 654-1795. Mologne House (for families) is at (202) 782-8700. Note: there is no on-post family housing at WRNMMC — personnel must arrange housing at nearby installations or in the civilian Bethesda market.
The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is at Building 11, Room 111, 8901 Wisconsin Ave, (301) 319-4087, Mon–Fri 0730–1600. The FFSC hosts Right Start newcomer orientation weekly; contact ffsc@med.navy.mil to register or request a welcome packet.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Walter Reed National Medical Center.
On-Base Housing
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2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Walter Reed National Medical Center
155
55% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Walter Reed National Medical Center.
School Liaison Officer
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Elementary Schools
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Middle Schools
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High Schools
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Colleges & Universities
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Bethesda
Urban
Commute: 5-10 min
Schools: Montgomery County Public Schools
Walkable neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the medical center; Bethesda Row dining and Metro Red Line access; highest-cost option but shortest commute
Rockville
Suburban
Commute: 15-25 min
Schools: Montgomery County Public Schools
Established Montgomery County suburb with Metro access via Twinbrook/Rockville stations; mix of townhomes and single-family; strong schools and family amenities
Silver Spring
Urban
Commute: 15-25 min
Schools: Montgomery County Public Schools
Diverse Beltway-adjacent community with downtown Silver Spring dining/entertainment; Metro Red Line; broad housing range from condos to single-family
Chevy Chase / Friendship Heights
Urban
Commute: 10-15 min
Schools: Montgomery County Public Schools
Tree-lined upscale community with Wisconsin Ave retail corridor; among the shortest commutes; premium pricing
Gaithersburg / Germantown
Suburban
Commute: 25-40 min
Schools: Montgomery County Public Schools
Newer master-planned developments with more affordable single-family inventory; longer reverse commute on I-270 but more square footage for the money
Northern Virginia (Tysons / McLean)
Suburban
Commute: 25-40 min
Schools: Fairfax County Public Schools
Cross-Beltway option for dual-military families with Pentagon/NCR assignments; strong Fairfax schools; Tysons retail and Silver Line Metro
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Walter Reed National Medical Center.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Spouse Income Tax
Maryland exempts active duty pay. MSRRA applies.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military may keep home-state plates.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions.
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Pet Policies at Walter Reed National Medical Center
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Walter Reed National Medical Center.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
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Prohibited Animals
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Dog Parks
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Boarding & Kennels
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Pet Guidance
Coming soon
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Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Walter Reed National Medical Center.
Commissary
Coming soon
Exchange
Coming soon
Medical
Coming soon
Childcare & Youth
Coming soon
MWR & Recreation
Coming soon
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Walter Reed National Medical Center.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 1 (North Gate / Main Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Walter Reed National Medical Center.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Walter Reed National Medical Center.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.