Location
Welcome to the Fort Devens, New England’s Village Green. Fort Devens’ 82 year tradition of service to the nation lives on at Fort Devens. Apple orchards, quiet countryside, and a small town, rural atmosphere are all wonderful ways to describe the Fort Devens area. Excellent educational facilities, both public and private, provide families with a sound foundation for raising children. Exceptional health care is available in both area hospitals and clinics and in the nearby Boston area. Commuters to Boston find it a one hour drive or train ride from Fort Devens with commuter rail stops in adjacent towns.
We remain “New England’s Training Site of Choice.” Fort Devens is located in the Montachusett Region of north central Massachusetts, which is approximately 35 miles northwest of Boston off Route 2 and only 7 miles from I-495. The region is bordered by New Hampshire to the north, metropolitan Worcester to the south, Franklin County to the west and the Middlesex County to the east. Fort Devens lies in northern Worcester and western Middlesex counties surrounded by the towns of Ayer, Shirley, Lancaster, and Harvard.
The region is mostly rural residential, however, there are surrounding industrial centers in the cities of Worcester, Fitchburg, and Leominster. Fitchburg and Leominster comprise the largest communities in the region.Fort Devens includes approximately 5,220 acres. The remainder of the former Fort Devens has been transferred to the local reuse authority known as MassDevelopment, and other Federal agencies. These include the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Labor and Shriver Job Corps Center. Although, Fort Devens is a reserve installation, we partner with Hanscom AFB for many active duty functions, such as base housing, schools and family support services.
Devens is considered a high cost of living area. Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is applicable. The further East on “Route 2”, heading toward Boston, the higher the cost. The average cost of a house is $380,000.00. Apartments are expensive and rental houses are scarce. Both oil and gas prices for heating have risen over the past year. Fort Devens operator number is 978-796-3911.
History
Created by the demands of World War 1, Fort Devens has been a part of the New England scene. It was named in honor of Brevet Major General Charles Devens, a Massachusetts son who served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and later was named Attorney General during the Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes. A reception center for selectees following the end of World War I, the camp was designated a demobilization center. Camp Devens processed more than 100,000 selectees into the Army, and as a demobilization center, processed more than 150,000 men out of the Army. From 1922, through the summer of 1931, Camp Devens was utilized as a summer training camp for New England-based National Guard troops, Reserve Units, ROTC cadets and Citizens’ Military Training Camp (CMTC) candidates.
Following the outbreak of World War II in Europe, plans were formulated to increase the U.S. Army. In 1940, the first peace-time draft in the United States was instituted, and Fort Devens was designated a reception center for all New England men destined to serve for one year as “draftee.” Three divisions trained at Fort Devens during World War II. The 1st, 32nd and the 45th, along with the Fourth Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) Training Center opened on post in April, 1943. Following the end of World War II, Fort Devens once again was designated as a demobilization center. On June 30, 1946, Fort Devens, for the second time in its history, was again put on caretaker status. The U.S. Army reactivated Fort Devens as a class one installation in July, 1948. With the outbreak of the Korean Conflict, Fort Devens was designated as a reception center for the third time in history.
In its 79 years of service to the country and the New England area, more than 400 units (including a U.S. Navy Air Squadron) have called Fort Devens home. In 1991, the Base Realignment and Closure Office recommended that Fort Devens’ active duty mission be eliminated and a small reserve enclave and training area be maintained for use by the Reserve and National Guard. Fort Devens closed its doors as an active duty installation, March 31, 1996, and the next day, it was business as usual at Devens (RFTA). Effective May 2007, the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area was renamed Fort Devens. Today, the Fort Devens, MA supports more than 25 reserve and active component units located there. For more information, visit the Fort Devens homepage.
Mission
The Garrison exists to support military training and tenant activities. Our customers come first and our workforce is flexible to support their requirements. Our vision is to be The Training Area of Choice for New England units.
Population Served
Fort Devens supports over 30,000 soldiers, cadets, and other personnel annually.
Sponsorship
Call for a sponsorship packet from your incoming unit.
Temporary Lodging
Persons in PCS status are authorized 30 days in Temporary Lodging Facilities.
There are no Temporary Lodging Facilities available on Ft. Devens, however there is Temporary Lodging available at Hanscom AFB. Hanscom AFB billeting requires reservations, which can be be made by calling 781-225-4444 or DSN 312-845-4444. For more information, visit the Hanscom Temporary Lodging website. There are 8 pet-friendly rooms in the TLF. Please call in advance to reserve.
Homestead Studio Suites is located at 19 Northboro Road, Marlborough, MA. 01752. For reservations call 1-508-490-9911. There are the two hotels right out of the gate.
Springhill Suites 27 Andrews Parkway Devens, MA 01434 (978) 772-3030
Hilton Garden Inn: 59 Andrews Parkway, Devens, Massachusetts, USA 01434 Tel: 1-978-772-0600
For additional sources for other Temporary accommodations, such as hotels, view the Ft. Devens welcome packet on the Fort Devens web site.
Billets are available for Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers when at Devens for training. Call 978-796-3951, for information on billeting for Reserve and National Guard soldiers. Temporary government quarters for others is not available on post.
Relocation Assistance
Relocation Services are available at Army Community Service (ACS), Bldg 683, 61 Quebec St., Fort Devens, MA at 978-796-3023 or DSN 312-256-3023. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Relocation Assistance includes a Devens Welcome Packet with maps, pamphlets and information on area towns, schools, health services, places to shop, etc. Important information on state laws and requirements is available. To receive a Welcome Packet from Fort Devens, please call 978-796-3119. Fort Devens offers a loan closet with essential items such as Irons/Ironing boards, coolers, chairs, radios, futons, kitchen cookware and dishes, car seats, playpens, strollers, coffee makers and microwaves. There is a two week limit on lending items. Call 978-796-3023 for more information.
Directions to Installation
The best way to get from Logan Airport to Devens is by limousine service. Travel time is one hour during non rush-hour times, more during rush-hour (7:00 – 9:00 a.m.) and (4;00 – 6:00 p.m). Delays are not uncommon to and from Logan. The following companies provide transportation between Logan Airport and Devens and will assist you in the final leg of your travel. Reservations should be made at least 2 days in advance of arrival at Logan. The cost will be reimbursed to you when you file your travel voucher at your servicing Finance and Accounting Office, but ONLY if you have a receipt.
**Avoid using commercial taxis, which will cost you up to $70.00 from Logan Airport to Devens. This cost may not be fully reimbursed by the government. Always ask for and receive a receipt in order to be reimbursed for your official travel.
Knights Limo, 1-800-822-5456 Cost: call for current prices Comments: door to door service
First Choice Limo , 1-800-370-LIMO Cost: call for current prices Comments: door to door service.
Directions from Logan Airport to Fort Devens via Interstate 93 North:
Follow signs to Sumner Tunnel. After toll booth ($2.00), stay in left lane through the tunnel, bear left on Interstate 93 North.
Stay on Interstate 93 North for approximately 10 miles.
Exit on to Interstate 95 South (Waltham exit).
Stay on Interstate 95 South for about 7-8 miles, exit to Route 2 West.
Stay on Route 2 West for approximately 23 miles (you will pass a rotary or traffic circle as you continue on Route 2 West).
Continue on 2 West and pass under Interstate 495. Once you pass under I-495 you are fifteen minutes away from Devens, Exit 37B, Jackson Road, Devens.
Take first right off Jackson Road.
Left at first intersection
First right to the MP gate for ID check
Directions from Logan Airport using the subway, then train:
Take the Airport Courtesy Shuttle to the Blue Line Station, Blue Line to State Street, transfer to Orange Line to North Station, Boston, cost is approximately 85 cents. Train from North Station to the town of Ayer. Cost is approximately $6.00. Taxi from Ayer train station to Devens is approximately $6.00. A taxi stand is located one block from the train station on Main Street, Ayer. Ayer Town Taxi, 49 Main Street, Ayer, MA. 01432; 978-772-7220.
Manchester New Hampshire Airport — 603-624-6556. Proximity To Devens: 30 miles
Vehicle Registration
Due to circumstances beyond our control, vehicle registration will be done by appointment only. Walk-ins may not be accommodated due to manpower issues and sticker availability. Please contact the Police Department at 978-796-3333 and ask for an appointment. Bring your government ID card, (CAC, DD Form 2, etc) a valid drivers license, vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle insurance. Please note, vehicles must be owned and registered in the ID Card holders name to obtain a Department of Defense Installation Vehicle Sticker.
Housing Options
Fort Devens has no government housing. While stationed at Devens, housing is found in surrounding communities. The Relocation office will help you with your search to find appropriate, affordable housing. For information on how to find apartments and homes for rent or purchase, contact the ACS Office, at 978-796-3119; DSN 312-256-3119.
Government housing is available at Hanscom Air Force Base, located about 25 miles from Devens. Any active duty military, except active duty National Guardsmen, assigned within a one hour commute time of Hanscom AFB is placed on a consolidated first come, first serve listing, and offered housing as it becomes available. Contact Hanscom housing personnel for more information about getting on the waiting list prior to PCS move. You may contact the Hanscom AFB Base Housing office at 781-377-4590. You may also visit The Landings at Hanscom website for more information.
There is some government housing available at Soldier Systems in Natick, MA , located 25 miles South East of Devens. You may reach the housing office at 508-233-4798.
If you choice not to live on Hanscom AFB, a listing of apartments and homes for rent and houses for sale in the area are available. Pick up a list of real estate agents in the area who can help you find an apartment or a house for rent or purchase, with a cost to fit your budget.
Very Important Rental Information: The initial cost for renting an apartment or home is expensive because most renters require first month rent, last month rent and a security deposit equal to one month rent, paid up front before occupying, and everyone who owns an apartment knows how complicated it is, and that’s why resources from sites as www.us-florida-property-management.com/aventura/ could really help with this. School and other services in towns and city will vary on the location. Please contact your local town/city government to obtain local information.
Unaccompanied PCS
There is no housing for accompanied or unaccompanied service members on Devens. Single service members may live off past and draw single basic allowance for quarters. Call the ACS Relocation office, 978-796-3119, for current listings of off-post rental apartments and units.
Medical/Dental Services
There are no Medical or Dental services available on Devens.
Soldiers and family members may seek medical treatment through the civilian treatment provider or hospital of their choice using TRICARE. To find a TRICARE provider near you, visit the Health Net Federal Services website and click on “find a provider”. For more information, visit the TRICARE website.
In addition, a listing of TRICARE affiliated providers in the Devens area is available either from Army Community Service, Fort Devens, 978-796-3023, 6:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mon – Fri, or from the TRICARE Health Benefits Advisor, Hanscom Air Force Base 90 Kirkland Street, Bldg 1217, Hanscom AFB; 781- 377-4714/2120. Hours are Mon – Fri 8:00 a.m.- 4:30.
The closest hospital to Devens is the Deaconess-Nashoba Community Hospital in Ayer, MA, five miles away. Their telephone number is 978-772-0200. There are five other hospitals within thirty minutes drive of Devens. They are Emerson Hospital in Concord, Leominster Hospital in Leominster, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester Medical Center, and St. Vincent’s Hospital in Worcester.
Additionally some of the best hospitals in the world are located one hour away in Boston, MA.
Emergency Numbers
Dial 9 911 for emergency service. The first 9 to get an outside line.
Patriot Ambulance: 978-772-8909
State Police: 978-772-8800
Fire Department: 978-772-4600
Poison Control: 1-800-682-9211
Central Dispatch: 978-772-4500
There are no Dental Services on Fort Devens. Active duty soldiers, sailors and Marines can receive dental services by calling the Hanscom Dental Clinic, located on 90 Vandenberg Drive, Bldg 1900, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731; Phone 781-225-6789, DSN 312-845-6789 for an appointment.
For family member dental care, call TRICARE Active Duty Family Member Dental Plan at 800-866-8499, or the Health Benefits Advisor, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA, 781-377-4714, DSN 312-478-4714 for benefits and enrollment information, and a list of dentists belonging to the program.
If traveling to Hanscom AFB is not an option, you can explore your insurance options and learn about providers on your insurance plans. Staying healthy and keeping your family members healthy and happy are basic to a successful relocation. Often finding the resources and understanding the regulations for dental care in a new location can be daunting. In this category you should be able to find any dental-related resources at your new location and in the new community. You can also call 1-800-DENTIST (336-8478) for additional dental information.
Child Care
There is no child care available on Fort Devens. Army Community Service has a list of Massachusetts Office for Children approved day care providers and child care centers in the surrounding communities. Before and after school age care is available at most schools in the community.
Hanscom AFB has a Child Development Center, 781-225-6128. You may visit the Hanscom CDC website for more information.
Schools
There are no DOD schools on Ft. Devens, however Hanscom AFB has schools located on the base. Please refer to the Hanscom AFB website for more information. Hanscom’s on-base primary and middle schools (K-8 grades) are part of the Lincoln Public School system, Lincoln, MA, a town which abuts Hanscom.
Local School Districts:
Ayer Public Schools
Harvard Public Schools
Shirley School District
Nashoba Regional School District
A listing of private schools in the area can be obtained from Army Community Service (ACS). There are several private and parochial elementary and middle/high schools in the area.
Base Services
Fort Devens has a wonderful AAFES/Class VI which is located in the back of Bldg 671, Fort Devens, MA, 01434. Phone: 978-772-7409. Hours of Operation are 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mon – Fri, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sat and 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m, on Sun.
The closest Commissary to Fort Devens is located at located 1709 Building A – Griffis Street, Hanscom AFB, MA Phone: 781-377-4211, DSN 312-478-4210. Please visit the Hanscom AFB commissary website for hours of operation. The Hanscom commissary is only a 20 minute ride from Fort Devens.
The closest Base Exchange is located on Hanscom AFB. Hanscom Main Exchange is located in Bldg. 1709 B, 100 Eglin Street, 781-862-0580. Hours are Mon thru Sat 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Sun 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Chaplain Services
The Chaplain is located at the Fort Devens Welcome Center, located in Bldg 683, 61 Quebec Street, Devens, MA. The Chaplin may be reached at 978-796-3652 or DSN 312-256-3652.
Services of all faiths and denominations can be found within a five to twenty minute drive from Fort Devens. There are 33 churches represented. The yellow pages of the local phone book will give you a complete listing of churches in our area. Please see the Fort Devens Home Page, chaplain services for a listing of local houses of worship.
Pets
Please make sure that you make pet boarding arrangements prior to arriving at your destination. Have proof of their vaccinations with you. Harvard Kennels, 978-772-4242, is one reputable boarding facility in the Devens area. Cost is $20.00 for cats, $30.00 for small dogs, $31.00 for medium dogs and $32.00 for large dogs. Need proof of vaccinations.
There are no veterinary services on Devens. Seek treatment/appointments for pets off-post. Call ACS for a detailed listing of veterinarians in the area.
Emergency Assistance
Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Army Emergency Relief (AER) can provide financial assistance to meet unforeseen required travel, and related maintenance expenses such as transportation, lodging or food, when applicable, due to extraordinary costs involved with permanent change of station (PCS). AER information is available at Amy Community Service, 61 Quebec Street, Fort Devens, MA. Phone: 978-796-3023 or DSN 312-256-3023. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Mon – Fri. After hours and holidays if an emergency occurs, please contact nearest American Red Cross toll free 1-877-272-7337.
Military OneSource
Military OneSource is another excellent program that has been put into place for soldier assistance. It offers access to professional consultants to help you assess your needs, sort through your options, and find effective resources in the community. Communication is either by telephone or the internet. Free booklets, audiotapes, and tip sheets are available as well by mail. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In order to access OneSource you need the following information: You will be or are assigned to the Devens area as active duty or tenant of Fort Devens. Visit Military OneSource on the web or call toll free from the U.S at 1-800-342-9647, From outside the U.S.: 1-866-607-6797, collect outside the U.S.: 1-703-253-7599 or En espanol: 1-877-888-0727.
Civilian Personnel Office
There is no Civilian Personnel Office on Ft. Devens however civilian employment opportunities may be viewed online at USAJobs. Active duty soldiers, sailors, Marines and their families, as well as retirees are also allowed to access the Personnel Office at Hanscom AFB.
Special Installation Messages:
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
DoD Police
The Fort Devens DoD Police can be reached at 978-796-3333.