Welcome

Garrison Mission
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Drum provides Best-in-Army services and infrastructure for our Soldiers, Families and Civilians who support our Nation during a time of persistent conflict.

Garrison Vision Statement
A garrison team, as a learning organization, that provides Best-in-Army services to our primary stakeholders: Soldiers, Families and civilians, while fostering an environment where all are treated with respect and are committed to sustaining Fort Drum as the premiere installation in the United States Army.

Website
Access Fort Drum’s website for more details on any subject area covered in this guide. The web address is www.drum.army.mil  or Facebook at www.facebook.com/drum.10thmountain. 
You’ve Arrived
Welcome to Fort Drum, New York. This is the home of the 10th Mountain Division (LI), with its supporting elements and many tenant units. The division has a strong legacy on an installation that celebrated its centennial in 2007. You and your Family are part of our history now. Your tour of duty here will be filled with adventure and challenges, and we’re sure you’ll find the resources you need to make you feel part of this community. If you need assistance, just ask!

Fort Drum is located in northern New York’s “North Country,” which borders Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, Canada, the Adirondack Mountains, and Vermont. The tri-county area of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence surrounds the installation. The installation is in Jefferson County. There is a lot to see and do within the region; you only need to seek out your favorite activity or be willing to try something new.

Local Transportation
Fort Drum is approximately 70 miles north of Syracuse and 10 miles from Watertown. Most air travelers arrive via Hancock International Airport, Syracuse. Look for the Fort Drum sign, which includes information about bus schedules and hotel accommodations. There are also flights available via the Watertown International Airport.

Bus service is available via Adirondack Trailways, located at 540 State Street, Watertown. The service has scheduled trips throughout New York and some parts of Canada. For more information, call (800) 776-7548.

Local bus transportation is available via Watertown Citi-Bus Corporation, 245 Washington Street, Watertown, (315) 785-7772.

Fort Drum offers a dining facility shuttle bus daily. For schedule information, call (315) 772-8060.

Reception, Reporting In
Fort Drum’s Directorate of Human Resources is responsible for 24-hour direct support reception operations for the division and post. The directorate provides reception and in-processing functions for incoming Soldiers and Families and ensures all Soldiers are in-processed in accordance with Army Regulation 600-8-101.

All Soldiers arriving here are assigned to a brigade in accordance with their orders. All active-duty Soldiers arriving for assignment must report to the Fort Drum Welcome Center, Clark Hall, for in-processing. Non-divisional Soldiers whose orders state “reception transient” will be given a final assignment immediately upon arrival to Fort Drum.

It is Fort Drum’s goal to have the Soldier signed in and sponsored by their unit within two hours of arrival. Expanded in-processing consists of installation orientation, installation activity in-processing, TA-50 issue, and deployment readiness screening. The staff will assist in resolving any problems that may arise during in-processing.

If the staff can be of any assistance, do not hesitate to contact them at (315) 772-7529/2107 or (800) 661-7158.

In-transit Emergencies
If an emergency arises while Soldiers are on their way here and the situation may prohibit
a timely arrival, Soldiers must call the Fort Drum Welcome Center, (800) 661-7158 or (315) 772-7529. Any Soldier who cannot arrive on his/her report date and does not call may be considered absent without leave.

Sponsorship
Sponsorship is available to all Soldiers and Civilians reporting to Fort Drum and is mandatory for Soldiers in the rank of Private (E1) through Colonel (O-6) and for Civilians in grades GS-15 and below. Sponsors are requested with the Sponsorship Program Counseling and Information Sheet (DA Form 5434) completed while out-processing your losing installation. To find out the status of your sponsorship request or with any questions about Fort Drum sponsorship, you may email the Fort Drum Directorate of Human Resources (Sponsorship Liaison) at: usarmy.drum.imcom-atlantic.mbx.dhr-hq-mpd@mail.mil.

You may also contact the Fort Drum Sponsorship Liaison at: (800) 661-7158 or (315) 772-9095; DSN: 772-9095. FAX: (315) 772-6045; DSN: 772-6045.

 

Directorate of Human Resources
ATTN: PSB
Bldg. 10720, Mount Belvedere Blvd.
Fort Drum, New York 13602

Youth Sponsorship
Youth sponsorship works to link youth in grades 1-12 who are moving to the Fort Drum area with a youth sponsor. A youth sponsor can make the move easier! Sponsors can provide:
correspondence by email before the move;
information about what Fort Drum Child, Youth and School Services has to offer;
information about Fort Drum and the surrounding area;
someone who knows what it’s like adjusting to a new place, a new school and new friends; and
a means to make the transition/move easier.

 

This program is designed to ease the fears of teens in the process of transitioning to or from Fort Drum. Sponsors are matched with incoming teens based on gender, age and interests. The sponsors then serve as guides for incoming youth. They introduce the new arrival to others within their age/grade level and to various activities.

Youth in the community who wish to sponsor an incoming youth must register with the Youth Sponsorship Program Coordinator, have parental permission and attend required training. Being a youth sponsor helps build life skills and develops leadership. For more information, contact (315) 772-8672/6717.

Automated Operator,
Phone Information
Fort Drum’s automated operator can be reached at (315) 772-6011. Fort Drum’s DSN is 772.
For more information in locating a Soldier call (315) 772-5869 or 1-866-771-6357.

Welcome Packet and Tour
Army Community Service provides welcome packets and community information to assist in making each move as smooth as possible. A lending closet is also available to provide needed items until household goods arrive.

A Drum Family Welcome Tour runs from the Fort Drum Inn every Tues from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tour covers post and the local city of Watertown, and is a great way to get to know other new people. Call (315) 772-6557/6556 to reserve a seat; children are welcome. A downloadable resource guide containing a wealth of information about Fort Drum’s programs and services is available at www.drummwr.com , click on “Fort Drum Soldier and Family Welcome - Resource Guide.” Military HOMEFRONT www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil  has introduced Plan My Move, a powerful set of tools to help make relocating a smooth one.

Lodging
Temporary lodging is available at The
Fort Drum Inn. Permanent change of station (PCS) and temporary duty (TDY) reservations may be made up to six months in advanceby calling (315) 772-5435, (315) 773-7777 or (800) 826-0886 ext. 8154. DSN prefix is 772.

Visitors may make reservations two days in advance and can get a room if space is available. Rate information is available upon request.

 

This facility, primarily for PCS moves, has 111 rooms equipped with microwaves, coffee makers, refrigerators, telephones with free local calls, in-room Internet access and cable television. Features include a laundry area, business center, and outside playground. Children’s toys and equipment make the playground a haven for hassled parents.

A continental breakfast and fresh coffee are provided Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-9 a.m. and Sat-Sun
8 a.m.-10 a.m.. Snacks, microwave foods, ice cream, and soft drinks are sold at the front desk. The Army Lodging staff is dedicated to quality and customer service. They can recommend restaurants, provide directions, and answer questions about the area. Additional information ranging from school bus schedules, restaurants, clubs, transient-dining facilities and area maps are available from the concierge or the front desk.

Housekeeping services are provided. Personal guest amenities may be obtained at the front desk. Recycling is important and enforced on Fort Drum. Recycling containers are provided in each room.

Adults must accompany children under the age of 12 when in the facility or at the outdoor play area. Pets are not allowed in parked vehicles or inside the Inn, with the exception of American Disability Service animals. For guest convenience, lists of local off-post kennels and veterinary services are available. Statements of non-availability will NOT be issued based on availability of pet kennels.

Religious Services & Programs
Fort Drum offers many services and programs for Soldiers and Families. Child care is available for all services and most programs. Religious Services available include Catholic Mass, Protestant Worship Services, Gospel Services, LDS Studies, Jewish Discussion Group, Sunday school, and Catholic Religious Education.

The chapel also hosts a variety of programs, to include Teens of the Chapel, AWANA Children’s Program, Military Council of Catholic Women, Protestant Women of the Chapel, weekly rosary, marriage and family classes, and Vacation Bible School. It is best to contact the chapel for the most updated services and programs schedule.

ID Cards/DEERS Office
(315) 772-5149
Fax: (315) 772-3885
Appointments: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil
Bldg. P-10720, Clark Hall, Room A1-19
Email: drum.dhr.idcards@conus.army.mil 
Mon-Fri 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Closed weekends and federal holidays

 

Appointment rules and procedures for the ID Cards/DEERS section are as follows: a walk-in appointment, based on availability, is made in person on the same day for unserviceable, expired, confiscated or lost cards. All others (standbys) signed in are the elderly, special cases and priority customers such as medical, police, fire department employees and handicapped personnel.

Scheduled appointments are made up to two weeks in advance in 30-minute increments per customer. Thirty minutes is the average time it takes for CAC issuance. All non-CAC customers are scheduled two per thirty minutes. For example, two civilian employees need manual ID cards or two members of the same Family need Family member ID cards; they would be scheduled at the same time.

Special note: During an SRC/RSRC, appointments may or may not be scheduled depending on the size of the group and amount of prior notification.

Employment for Family Members
Civilian Personnel
Advisory Center (CPAC)
Appropriated Funds (AF) and Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Operating Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
CPAC Welcome Desk (315) 772-5393
Fax: (315) 772-8078
Bldg. P-10720, Clark Hall, Room C2-14

To view job openings go to www.armycivilianservice.com and click on “Employment” CPAC Pre-recorded Job Information Line,
(315) 772-6500 is available 24 hours a day.

 

AAFES
(315) 773-5632
Bldg. P-2300 Nash Blvd.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Apply online at www.aafes.com. 

 

Automated Job Listing
(315) 772-6500
Available 24 hours a day.

 

Employment Readiness Program
(315) 772-9611
Bldg. P-10720, Clark Hall
Email: drum.mwracsempread@conus.army.mil 

 

The Army knows that employment is one of the most significant issues for military Families. Our goal is to assist Families with the job search particularly as they are impacted by such a mobile lifestyle. The Fort Drum Employment Readiness Program assists Family members with preparing for and securing employment. Resume writing workshops, interview preparation and career counseling are available.

Non-Appropriated Funds Office
(315) 772-5173
Bldg. P-10720, Clark Hall

 

New York State Dept. of Labor
(315) 785-2201
Dulles State Office Building
Watertown, NY 13601

 

Army Volunteer Corps
(315) 772-2933
Bldg. P-4330
Website: www.myarmylifetoo.com 

 

The Army Volunteer Corps (AVC) Program offers many opportunities for growth, skills development, and the satisfaction of helping others. Volunteering is a great way to get out and make new friends. Fort Drum could not provide all of the services it does without its corps of dedicated, hardworking volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to stop by the AVC office or visit www.myarmylifetoo.com  to learn about all volunteer opportunities available on Fort Drum. Many volunteer positions offer free child care.

Customer and Community Feedback
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a customer relationship and feedback management process that empowers customers who derive support from installation based services, improves garrison-wide customer service and supplies leadership a useful tool for their use in prioritizing and focusing installation services based upon the voice of the customer. CRM uses a variety of tools to obtain the voice of the customer through the following ways:

Customer Assessments
The customer assessment provides leaders with the capability of rating garrison services from a mission commander and staff perspective. The assessment will identify specific deficiencies and potential resource reallocation/shortfalls.

Community FIRST
Community FIRST (Feedback, Issues, Resolutions, Solutions, Today) is a quarterly issues and resolution process designed to provide continuous feedback to the Fort Drum community on issues that cannot be resolved by ICE.

ICE
The Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) is your direct link to any Fort Drum area. This is your chance to let us know how we are doing or to say thanks for a job well done. Log on to ICE at http://ice.disa.mil/index.cfmfa=site&site_id=45  to submit a comment.

Fort Drum Information
Town Hall Meeting (FDITHM)
FDITHMs take place on a quarterly basis. The event begins with directorate and agency representatives providing information on current projects and events for the community. The second portion of the meeting allows attendees to voice their concerns and questions directly to the agency representatives in a Q&A forum. If you are unable to attend, email your issue or concern to drum.townhall@conus.army.mil.  

Commanding General’s Hotline
(315) 772-6666

The CG’s Hotline is available to Soldiers, Family members and civilians who feel they have exhausted their options with their chain of command and other resolution avenues in solving problems within the Fort Drum community. Concerns and problems will be worked through with the goal of providing a resolution within three business days.
For more information call (315) 772-9970.

Laws and Regulations for NY & Fort Drum
New York State and Fort Drum may have some laws and regulations that may differ from other places military service members, civilians and their Families have served. The following information may be helpful. Contact local law enforcement agencies for further details. 

Department of Motor
Vehicles (Fort Drum)
(315) 772-0543
Fort Drum does not require post stickers, only New York State vehicle registration.

License & Registration
New York state law requires all individuals operating a motor vehicle in the state be properly licensed to drive a motor vehicle. However, certain states do have military extensions for residents of that state. Check with Military Police at (315) 772-6112 if you have questions.

All motor vehicles operating in New York state require vehicle insurance.

Service members are not required to register their POVs in New York state if they hold a valid registration from another state. New York state does not acknowledge U.S. Army Europe drivers licenses as being valid for motor vehicle operation for 60 days after entering the state. Also, drivers have 45 days to obtain New York state registration if a car has Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) license plates from overseas.

It is Fort Drum policy that all vehicles of assigned and attached personnel must maintain a valid state inspection certificate, if the vehicle is registered in a state that requires annual safety inspections. The inspection may be from the state where the vehicle is registered or from an official New York state inspection station if the New York state inspection complies with the state requirements where the vehicle is registered. If the state in which a car is registered does not have an inspection program, 15 days are allowed to get a New York state inspection sticker.

Driving to/in Canada
Travelers must have proof of United States citizenship when crossing back and forth between the United States and Canada. Foreign-born individuals must carry a copy of their naturalization certificate if they have become a U.S. citizen. If not, a passport and current United States Visa is required. A passport is required when flying to Canada, but birth certificates or a passport are permitted for children when driving to Canada.

Soldiers assigned to Fort Drum need a signed DA Form 31 prior to going to Canada.

Additionally, you will need to attend a Canadian Country Briefing prior to travel. The force protection officer provides country briefings monthly on the third Thursday of each month. Civilian employees and Family members are encouraged to attend this briefing.

Travelers are required to have a Non-Resident, Inter-Province Vehicle Liability I.D. Card when driving in Canada.

These may be obtained through your insurance company. Anyone stopped by Canadian law enforcement must present a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of current liability insurance.

Remove any radar detectors from vehicles before crossing the border. They are illegal in Canada and, if found during a check of a vehicle, will be confiscated, destroyed, and drivers will be subject to a fine. A Department of Defense directive also makes radar detectors illegal on post.

Seat Belts
Per New York state law, in the front seat, driver and each passenger must wear a seat belt, one person per belt. The driver and front-seat passengers ages 16 or older can be fined up to $50 each for failure to buckle up.

Every occupant, regardless of age or seating position, of a motor vehicle being operated by the holder of a Class-DJ Learner Permit, a Limited Class-DJ, or Class-DJ Driver License must be restrained by a safety restraint.

Each passenger under age 16 must wear a seat belt or use an appropriate child safety restraint system. The restraint system must comply with the child height and weight recommendations determined by the manufacturer. Depending on the size of the child, the restraint system may be a safety seat or a booster seat used in combination with a lap and shoulder belt.

Drivers must make sure each passenger under age 16 obeys the law. The driver can be fined $25 to $100 and receive three driver license penalty points for each violation.

Seat-belt use is not required in taxis or livery vehicles, emergency vehicles, vehicles manufactured in 1964 or earlier, or by passengers in buses other than school buses (seat belt use may be required by the school district). Rural letter carriers are also exempt while they are delivering mail.

 

Every child under age 16 in the vehicle must use a safety restraint. If under age four, he or she must be properly secured in a federally approved child safety seat that is attached to a vehicle by a safety belt or universal child restraint anchorage system. A child under age four who weighs more than 40 pounds may be restrained in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt. A child of age 4, 5, 6 or 7 must use a booster seat with lap and shoulder belt or a child safety seat. The child and safety restraint system must meet the height and weight recommendations of the restraint manufacturer.

Exception: A child more than four feet nine inches tall or more than 100 pounds is allowed to use a seat belt that has both a lap belt and a shoulder harness. To use the seat belt, the child must be able to sit straight up against the vehicle’s seat back with his or her knees bent comfortably over the edge of the seat. The lap belt should be placed low and tight across the upper thighs; the shoulder belt should rest tightly but comfortably across the child’s chest and shoulder (collarbone) without touching the throat. If the seat belt does not fit properly, the child should use a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt.

A booster seat can be used only with a lap and shoulder belt together. If all the combination lap and shoulder belt positions in the vehicle are already occupied by children using child safety seats or booster seats, a child who ordinarily would use a booster seat should be restrained using only the lap belt. For more information, contact the local DMV office, or visit their website at www.nysdmv.com.

Cell Phones
New York state does not allow use of handheld mobile telephones while driving. Drivers using hand-held mobile phones, except to call 911 or to contact medical, fire or police personnel about an emergency, can receive a traffic ticket and pay a fine of $100 with mandatory surcharges of $50.

Speed Limit
Installation speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. The speed limit is 10 mph while passing Soldiers or pedestrians.

Windshield Wipers
When windshield wipers are used due to inclement weather, headlights must be on.

Motorcycles, Mopeds
There is a mandatory motorcycle safety training (MSF Card) requirement before being allowed to ride or register a motorcycle on post. Service members must attend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Riders Course before operating a motorcycle or moped on or off post, on or off duty, regardless of whether the motorcycle/moped is registered.

Department of Defense civilians must complete the course before riding or registering a motorcycle or moped on a government installation.

 

Riders must wear the following equipment:
Department of Transportation-approved helmet properly fastened under the chin; eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shield); over-the-ankle shoes or boots; and a high visibility reflective garment or device (the yellow safety belt used for PT is acceptable).

Each motorcycle must be registered and insured. Each driver must, at a minimum, have a learner’s permit or motorcycle license. All motorcycles must be able to pass New York state inspection. New York state also requires permit-holders to be escorted by a licensed driver or arrive with bikes in tow.

Contact the Command Safety Office for more information, (315) 772-5352.

Off-Road, Recreational Vehicles
Fort Drum Regulation 420-3, Hunting, Fishing, Trapping and Camping, outlines the use of snowmobiles and ATVs (i.e., four-wheelers) on Fort Drum. Recreational use of snowmobiles is allowed on Fort Drum only in training areas 7E, 7F and 7G. Recreational use of ATVs on Fort Drum can only occur on designated recreational roads around training areas 7E, 7F and 7G.

There are exceptions for trapping, ice fishing, retrieving legally harvested big game, and disabled access—see FD Reg 420-3 for more information. A valid Fort Drum Recreation Permit and Access Pass are required to recreate on Fort Drum (see Recreation Permits & Access Passes for more information) or see the Fish & Wildlife Management Program website at www.drum.army.mil/garrison/pw/FishAndWild.html.

In areas surrounding Fort Drum, off-road vehicles on roads under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation were closed effective April 15, 2008. A list of the roads closed to off-road vehicles can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/press/43301.html.

Bicycle Helmets
Anyone riding a bicycle on post must wear a bike helmet. Off post, however, New York State law requires only that all children under the age of 14 wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

Parking
Parking is prohibited where it impedes the flow of traffic, especially within 20 feet of any entrance of a fire station, crosswalk or intersection. Parking is prohibited on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

There is no parking on grassy or seeded areas, unless specifically authorized by Public Works or the garrison commander. That may occur November through April, if overflow-parking areas are not provided or are full. If vehicles are parked on seeded areas and there is damage, vehicle owners are responsible for reseeding or repairing the area.

There is no parking in fire lanes, within 15 feet of any building or fire hydrant, on sidewalks and railroad tracks or on roadways in any housing complex from November 1 through April 1 to allow for snow removal.

Privately Owned Weapons
In New York it is a criminal offense, punishable by a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, to possess a privately owned handgun in your residence, vehicle or on your person unless you have been issued a New York State pistol permit.

The only exception is for unloaded antique and replica muzzle loading pistols and cap-and-ball revolvers.

Handguns may be brought to Fort Drum from an overseas assignment if they are shipped with household goods or hold baggage shipment as authorized by AR 55-71, Chapter 13. However, upon arrival to Fort Drum, handgun owners must contact the Military Police at (315) 772-5156 or (315) 772-5157, and let them know handguns are coming.

When the shipment arrives, notify the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department at (315) 786-2711. Provide them weapon information (i.e., type, caliber, and serial number) and follow their instructions. Until they are properly registered, handguns must be stored in unit arms rooms.

While there is no requirement to register rifles and shotguns in New York, there is a requirement to register them and other dangerous weapons (i.e., pellet and BB guns and any other weapon that fires a projectile, to include bows) on Fort Drum.

Phone Numbers
The following phone numbers may come in handy:

Chief, Law Enforcement (315) 772-4483
DES SGM (315) 772-9090
MP Investigations (315) 772-5800
AWOL/Civil Liaison (315) 772-5945
Traffic Accidents (315) 772-6112
Game Wardens (315) 772-9918
Military Police Desk (315) 772-5156/5157

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