LOCATION
Redstone Arsenal's 38,248 acres are bordered by Huntsville, Alabama, on the north and east with the Tennessee River forming Redstone's southern boundary. Huntsville is located in the northwest area of Alabama. Access to recreation opportunities and services is easy and convenient in Huntsville, a town of 171,000. Local attractions will keep your family busy while you can also enjoy the ease of traveling to other metropolitan areas such as Birmingham, Alabama (100 miles), Atlanta, Georgia (246 miles), Chattanooga, Tennessee (103 miles), Nashville, Tennessee (125 miles), and Memphis, Tennessee (216 miles).
HISTORY
The original arsenal combined two adjoining arsenals into one post in 1941 to make conventional ammunition and toxic chemicals during World War II. First designated the home of Army missiles in 1948, Redstone dropped from a peak WW II employment of more than 19,000 to a little used post of a few hundred workers. Because of the large available space, empty buildings, and ease of access to rail, highway, and water traffic, the Army chose Redstone as the place to consolidate its newly formed rocket program. During the 1950s, the Army missile team at Redstone pioneered many of the nation's first achievements in space exploration. Redstone Arsenal earned a reputation for excellence in the areas of developing and supporting technology advancements in weaponry and in providing an outstanding work environment. In 1993, the Army chose Redstone Arsenal as the top medium sized post in the United States. It has been a finalist for five years in the annual competition to select the Army Community of Excellence.
MISSION
Redstone Arsenal has served for more than 50 years as the Army's center for missile and rocket programs.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) headquartered at Redstone Arsenal is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. In partnership with supported Program Executive Offices and program managers, AMCOM develops, acquires, and fields Army aviation and missile systems. The Command serves as the "Army's sustainment manager," keeping support systems ready to fight.
A significant number of AMCOM's 10,600 civilian workers and 300 soldiers work on missiles, rockets and aviation systems, and the supporting equipment required to operate them. To provide and sustain its systems, AMCOM conducts research, development, engineering and testing, both in laboratories and on test ranges.
AMCOM's Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center operates distinctive facilities that include a unique simulation capability to evaluate missile components, such as seekers, over and over again in a variety of flight and countermeasures environments.
Most of the Command's soldiers and civilians are based at Redstone Arsenal. Civilian workers typically live in North Alabama communities within a 40-mile radius of Redstone.
The U.S. Army Garrison - Redstone Arsenal supports all the organizations on the Arsenal. It oversees the entire Arsenal, providing quality, cost effective base operations support to its customers, tenants, and DOD and federal activities in the vicinity of the installation.
Many of the Army commands and agencies are tenants of the Arsenal while others are located in Cummings Research Park, north of the Arsenal. Redstone Arsenal has a number of community support activities that serve tenant organizations and a population of nearly 99.000 retired military personnel and their families who live in the commuting area.
The U.S. Army Ordnance Munitions and Electronics School (OMEMS) is a U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command school and has graduated more than 190,000 students since it began operations in 1952. Today, the OMEMS team of more than 1,102 military and civilian personnel conducts and supports 101 courses of instruction and currently trains 6,000 soldiers annually. In conjunction with the 59th Ordnance Brigade, OMEMS consists of two battalions, the 832d Ordnance Battalion of Redstone Arsenal and the 73d Ordnance Battalion at Fort Gordon, Georgia. In addition, there are three training departments with three training detachments at other locations: PATRIOT, Fort Bliss, Texas; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachement, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and Field Artillery Radar Systems Electronic Repair in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The noncommissioned officers' training course at the NCO Academy conducts basic and advanced NCO courses throughout the year.
The Logistic Support Activity (LOGSA) is an Army Materiel Command (AMC) separate reporting activity dedicated to providing world-class integrated logistics information and support for America's Warfighters.
The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) serves as the Army service component to the U.S. Strategic Command and is part of the Army's 11 major commands (MACOM). Nearly half of the Command's 1,732 military and civilian personnel are located at its Huntsville facility.
The Program Executive Office (PEO) Air and Missile Defense (AMD) was established in July 1992 and is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama with a field office in Washington D.C. The mission of the PEO AMD is to develop, inegrate, acquire, and field quality air and missile defense systems. The PEO Aviation was established in 1987 to streamline aircraft acquisitions and to report directly to the Army Acquisition Executive.
POPULATION SERVED
Redstone Arsenal gearing up for another BRAC re-alignment and is scheduled to gain. The current population includes 1900 active duty with 2600 family members; 60,000 retirees with 70,000 family members; and 24,000 civilian employees.
SPONSORSHIP
Whether you are military or a Department of Defense civilian employee, you can request a welcome packet by contacting Army Community Service (ACS) at (256) 876-5397 or DSN 746-5397. Welcome packets are also available through written request or stopping by ACS during regular business hours. ACS is located at Building 3338, Redeye Road, Redstone Arsenal, 35898.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS
Temporary lodging is available by calling 1-800-GOARMY1 or 256-876-5713 or DSN 746-5713. The temporary billeting office is located at Bldg 244, Goss Road.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
ACS also operates a lending closet with household items available for short term loan while waiting for delivery of household goods. A newcomers' orientation is held the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December.
CRITICAL INFORMATION
The Redstone operator can be reached at 256-876-2151 or DSN 746-2151.
With the potential for domestic and foreign terrorism, security is given high priorty at Redstone Arsenal. Gate guards are posted around sections of the installation. Proper vehicle registration and individual identification are required. Photography and access are limited or prohibited in marked areas. When in doubt, contact the Public Affairs Office at 256-876-4161, bldg 5300. If you spot suspicious behavior, contact the Military Police at 256-876-2222.
SPEED LIMIT
The speed limit on the arsenal ranges from 10 miles per hour when passing troops to 45 miles per hour. All speed limits are posted and violations result in fines.
CELL PHONE USAGE
Hand held cell phones are prohited from usage while operating a motor vehicle on Redstone Arsenal. Hands-free units are allowed.
SECURITY BADGES
All permanent employees assigned to Redstone Arsenal are required to wear a security badge. Personnel assigned for less than one year should check on current procedures by calling 256-876-5770. OMMCS personnel should contact OMMCS Security, Bldg 3467. To obtain a security badge, AMSMI-RA Form 1116, dated 1 Jul 96, must be completely filled out, signed by an individual authorized for the assigned organization, and presented at Bldg 3423. There may be alternate sites available, so it is advisable to check with the administrative/security office of your organization or call the badging office at 256-876-5770.
Additional Information:
Community / Family Services: (256) 876-5397