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. 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. 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.

SECURITY MEASURES

Due to recent events security for the enclave encircling Fort Devens is stricter now enclosed with a black fence. Please have your Military ID card available. Military Police are now stationed at the entrance of the Fort Devens enclave to enforce Devens security
with 100% ID check

MISSION

The mission of the Fort Devens is to provide training facilities and training support to enhance the readiness of reserve component units within the six New England states. Fort Devens maintains facilities to include troop barracks, administrative buildings for Battalion and Company use, dining facilities, classrooms, motor pools and maintenance facilities, which are utilized by active and reserve component personnel throughout the year. Fort Devens also provides base operations and garrison support to all components of the Army, Marines and Navy, plus other federal activities that are tenants of, supported by, or satellites to Fort Devens. Devens also provides support to state and local government agencies.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE COMMANDER

The Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Civilian Workforce here at Fort Devens are committed to enhancing the training and support facilities for our service members within the New England area. Our modern facilities, bivouac areas and firing ranges are key training enablers for reserve component units. The Fort Devens is able to leverage the assets of the Army's 94th Regional Support Command to support and sustain garrison activities. Tenant units, such as the Army's 78th Division (Training Support) and the 98th Institutional Division, support key readiness enhancements for unit and individual training, Lanes evaluations and pre-mobilization training.

The ability to leverage assets from Navy and Marine Corps tenant organizations and the Regional ROTC Brigade are additional enhancements. This small, yet robust garrison, in conjunction with the joint service environment, provides great flexibility to tailor training requirements in support of any unit's training objective. The goal of the Fort Devens is to have all units who desire to train at the "Village Green," leave knowing they have accomplished their training mission, while enhancing military readiness.

HISTORY

In 1917 the United States Congress and the Department of the Army established the former Fort Devens in a predominantly rural section of the Worcester and Middlesex counties in Massachusetts. The Fort's sitting was due primarily to its location at a major hub of the rail network in New England. Since its establishment, the former Fort Devens has undergone various transformations to serve the needs of the Army. In its 79 years of service, more than 400 Army units have been stationed at Fort Devens. On 31 March 1996, Fort Devens, Massachusetts was inactivated and was officially closed as an active Army installation in accordance with the Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1991, Public Law 101-510. Effective 1 April 1996, the Fort Devens (Fort Devens) was activated and assigned to the Commander, Headquarters, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. On 1 October 1998, Fort Devens was reassigned to the Commander, Fort Dix, New Jersey, and is now a sub-installation of Fort Dix, NJ.

 

DISTANCE LEARNING CENTERS

Fort Devens's most recent acquisition in communications and training is the construction of three (3) Distant Learning classrooms in Building 656. Instruction for up to 12 students per classroom is available with this new program. Also featured is a T1 circuit for each classroom making available remote training via the Sprint network.

.ROUTE DIRECTIONS TO DRIVE TO DEVENS FROM LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS:

Welcome to the Famous "BIG DIG" in Boston still an ongoing process.

**BEST ROUTE**

VIA ROUTE 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 2West).
- 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

REMEMBER THE USO:

For your comfort there is a USO Lounge at Logan International Airport in Terminal C on the ground level. Watch for signs around the airport or ask an airport representative where to find USO. TELE: 616-880-8930

COST OF COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION:

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 (0700-0900) and (1600-1800). 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.

Donahue Limo, 1-978-537-7882 Cost: call for current prices Comments: door to door service

Majestic Limo Service,  (978) 342-4223 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

SUBWAY/TRAIN TRANSPORTATION FROM LOGAN AIRPORT:

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

 

Military One Source

Military OneSource is a program new to Devens 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 at the link above.
user ID: Army
password: Onesource

Call Toll Free: From the U.S.: 1-800-342-9647,
From outside the U.S.: 1-866-607-6797
Collect outside the U.S.: 1-484-530-5908
En espanol: 1-877-888-0727

HOUSING

There is NO post housing on Devens. Contact the Relocation Office at Army Community Service located on 30 Quebec Street, telephone 978-796-3119 for rental information. Hanscom Air Force Base (23 miles from Devens) does provide on post housing on the air force base. Contact Hanscom housing personnel for more information about getting on the waiting list prior to PCS move. Phone number 781-377-4590 or DSN 478-4590. There is some government housing at the Natick Soldier Systems Center. Phone number 508-233-5409, DSN 256-5409/5216.  More information is available here.

CHILD CARE PROGRAM:

No child care facility on installation. ACS has referral lists of day care centers in the areas that service members locate. Hanscom Air Force Base does have a Child Development Center. Phone number 781-377-7177. You have to reside or work at Hanscom to qualify for top priority.

TAXES:

Massachusetts sales tax is 6.5%. There is no tax on supermarket food items and on clothing purchases. Food in restaurants is taxed. An excise tax is also imposed on residents of Mass. on each vehicle registered.

EDUCATION/SPECIAL EDUCATION

Exceptional Family Member Program: Massachusetts State law requires that every school system in the state have a program in place. Both state and federal law require the participation of students with disabilities in statewide testing programs. Students with disabilities are defined as students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a plan of instructional accommodations provided under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For more information contact ACS 978-796-3023. Special education is a very important part of all school systems.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN SCHOOL

1. All school records
2. Immunization records
3. Social Security Number
4. Birth certificate (preschool, K, 1st grade)
5. You will be required to submit an emergency contact person and telephone number.
6. Records from the previous school will be sent for.

HIGH SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS:

English - 20 credits
Social Studies - 20 credits
Math - 20 credits
Science - 20 credits
Health - 2.5 credits
Physical Education - 2.5
Fine Arts - 2.5

The state minimums are 4 years of English, 3 years of social studies, 2 years of math and 2 years of science. However, most students take 4 years in each of the above subjects.

***IMPORTANT MCAS INFORMATION***

School year 2002-2003 was the first year that each student was required to pass the MCAS (Massachusetts Assessment System) test in order to graduate. The test is given in the 4th, 8th and 10th grade. "The participation of all students in MCAS is crucial because all students educated with public funds will have to earn a competency determination as one condition for receiving a high school diploma." Students who fail the test will be given additional opportunities to take the test. Seniors must pass this test this school year to receive their high school diploma. For more information go into the Massachusetts Department of Education web site given under Education Information.

PETS:

Veterinary services are not available on post. They are available throughout the commuting area. Massachusetts state law requires dogs to be licensed. Dogs and cats over 12 weeks must be vaccinated against rabies. Refer to Pet veterinary services for more information.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO HAND CARRY: All incoming officers and enlisted personnel need copies of their orders, 201 file and leave form. Other important documents to have: marriage certificate; birth certificates of all family members; shot records of all family members; citizen papers, if any; adoption papers, if any; Armed Forces Identification Card- ID card (for all family members over 10); insurance policies (or list of companies, policy#, type, address and phone number); last LES (leave and earnings statement); power of attorney; copy of your will (husband and wife); bank books; state and federal tax records; car registration/title/insurance/license number; deed(s) and/or mortgage(s); divorce decree; social security cards; U.S. savings bonds, stocks, certificates; professional certifications or licenses; pet registration license(s); if seeking employment: school transcripts, updated resume or SF171 Personal
Qualification ions Statement.

INDICATION OF COST OF LIVING:

Devens is considered a HIGH cost of living area. The further East on "Route 2", heading towards Boston, the higher the cost.