The Fort Drum guide
Fort Drum, one chapter at a time.
Six chapters for the move to Fort Drum, each checked against official sources. Start with the one that's due next.
The chapters, in the order you need them.
Family numbers to save.
On-post help for the first month and after. In a crisis, go to the directory's Help now section instead.
Every Fort Drum number, searchable: the directory.
Good to know before you arrive.
Meet your unit's families
Your unit's Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG, once called the FRG) is the quickest way to meet other families and get unit news. Ask your sponsor for the leader's contact before you arrive.
Spouse careers
Tuition money, license reimbursement, New York license transfers and remote-work leads are in the Spouse HQ.
School vaccines
New York allows only medical exemptions from school vaccination requirements; the religious exemption ended in 2019. Bring shot records when you enroll.
Deploying soon after the move?
Connect with your SFRG leader early, register for child care right away, and make sure Army Community Service has your contact information. You are not alone in this.
Getting around.
You'll need a car
Towns are spread out and winters are long; see Winter for what to set up. Drive times from 30 towns to the gates are in Housing.
Flying in and out
Watertown International (ART) is in the area, with American Airlines flights to Philadelphia. Syracuse Hancock (SYR) is about 90 minutes south on I-81, with Allegiant, American, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Sun Country and United.
Weekends away
Ottawa is about two hours north and Montreal about three. The Thousand Islands and the Adirondacks are closer: see Living Here.
Internet and phone
Check the exact address with internet providers before you sign; some rural addresses only get satellite. If your phone struggles indoors, turn on Wi-Fi calling, and ask your carrier about a military discount.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us your report date and what's worrying you. A real person from our Fort Drum network calls you within 24 hours.
Got it. A real person calls you within 24 hours. Need someone now? Text or call (315) 221-4857.
Free for military families. We connect you, never spam you.Checked Sep 24, 2026 against Fort Drum's garrison and family program pages (Army Community Service, Army Emergency Relief, Legal Assistance), Child and Youth Services, New York State Department of Health, and the Syracuse and Watertown airports. The 2026 BAH figure is the DFAS rate for Fort Drum (MHA NY225); snowfall is NOAA's normal for Watertown International Airport; the soldier count is Fort Drum's 2025 figure (13,320) from Advocate Drum's economic impact report, as reported by WWNY; the median sale is New York's 2025 figure for Jefferson County.