Aberdeen Proving Ground, a facility of the United States Army, is located in Aberdeen, Maryland. It is home to over 70 tenant organizations, with a location a few miles away from the stunning Chesapeake Bay. Part of the facility is a census-designated place that has reached the population of over 3,000 residents. The Aberdeen area also features family-friendly communities and leisure activities that will surely complement the laidback Chesapeake Bay lifestyle. Excellent schools, sports facilities, and places for leisure are also available in this area.

Map of Aberdeen Proving Ground


History of Aberdeen Proving Ground

Aberdeen Proving Ground is the oldest active proving ground of the US Army. It was established on October 20, 1917, six months after the US participated in World War I. Its strategic location allowed the design and testing of ordinance materiel to take place near shipping centers and company industrial hubs. In January 2, 1918, it tested and fired one of the first guns that the US Army used. Aberdeen Proving Ground was also created as the successor to Sandy Hook Proving Ground, which was two cramped for storing larger weapons that are being tested.

During the peak of the World War II, Aberdeen Proving Ground already had billeting space for over 24,000 enlisted personnel and 2,348 officers. Recently, Harford Country Students, veterans, military families, service members, and elected officials also gathered to commemorate the Armed Forces Week. Aberdeen Proving Ground was also declared as the US Army’s new hub for science and technology, thus expecting contributions from members who are willing to embrace its high-tech future. APG is also where the first full-logic computer was built, which of course adds promise to its expertise in Army research and development.

APG finally completed its transformation through the biggest Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) in the history of the US Army. When the federal deadline for the BRAC completion arrived, soldiers, local officials, and civilians gathered to mark the end of a grueling six-year process. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the BRAC, everything went on as expected. The US Army spent more than a billion dollars in reconstructing the proving ground. The budget was used to demolish 140 buildings, add 2.8 million square feet of facilities to the proving ground, and upgrade its infrastructure for water, electric, and information technology.

As part of the BRAC, eleven organizations also moved from Fort Monmouth to Aberdeen Proving Ground. The BRAC also had a positive effect on the economic climate in Maryland. With over 5 installations undergoing BRAC, the local government expects to generate over 21,000 new jobs. Joint Base Andrews, Fort Detrick, National Naval Medical Center, and Fort Meade have also completed their corresponding BRAC. Aberdeen Proving Ground has added approximately 8,000 positions in the Department of the Army. This smooth transition will help APG fulfill its mission to support national defense and protect the country.

APG vision and mission

As with any other facility of the US Army, Aberdeen Proving Ground aims to provide the highest quality in terms of installation support, management, and operating in a timely manner through the dedication and commitment of its people. The ever expanding workforce of Aberdeen Proving Ground is also dedicated to completing the missions necessary in order to support the needs of tomorrows Army and todays Soldier through its expertise in science and technology. As the US Armys hub for science and technology, Aberdeen Proving Ground also aims to engage in continuous research and development for the benefit of the US Army.

According to Major General Nick Justice, the Commanding General of Aberdeen Proving Ground, the people of APG will also continue looking for ways to improve the support they provide to soldiers and combat formations of the US Army. As members of a team whose strength lies in their unified effort, APG also aims to support each other in order to continue building new milestones for the US Army. Together, the people behind APG forged the legacy of providing world-class support to soldiers as they ensure that the transformation of APG will remain relevant for many years to come.

Aberdeen Proving Ground also has the goal to provide soldiers and their families with an improved quality of life. The latest BRAC has allowed for the renovation of its childcare centers, dental and health clinics, recreation facilities, and fitness centers. Upon the completion of the Piceme Military Housing, 97 historic renovations, 210 new homes, and 65 major renovations to multi-family units were also completed. All of these projects are in line with the main goal of APG to provide active-duty military, retirees, military families, and civilian employees with the quality of life that they deserve.

APG facts and figures

As of the census of year 2000, there were approximately 800 households, 3,000 people, and 760 families residing near APG. With a population density of over 274 people per square mile, 902 housing units have become available for civilian employees, soldiers, retirees, and military families residing in APG. Out of the 800 households in this area, 78% already have children under the age of 18 who are living with them. 84% of married couples live together, with 5.2% having a female householder with no husband present. None of the households had someone living alone who is already 65 years old or older.

Every household in APG has a median income of $38,875, with males having an average income of $26,942 and women having an average income of $26,194. Only 5.6% of the entire population were found to be below the poverty line, with 6.4% of them still under the age of 18. When the major Base Realignment and Closure program was announced in 2005, APG is also expected to lose the Ordnance School and its affiliated facilities. This will also result in the loss of over 290 civilian and 3,800 military jobs. However, Aberdeen Proving Ground is also expected to gain 5,660 civilian and 451 military jobs from Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

As Aberdeen Proving Ground continues to transform, the US Army expects it to bring in more engineering, technology, and science jobs. With research and development as its foundation, the Aberdeen Proving Ground continues to look at students as the future engineers, chemists, physicists, and computer scientists of various military installations.

Video – History of Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvZPX6JqqBI