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DUTY STATION COMPARISON

Fort Hamilton vs Marine Barracks Washington DC

Army, NY vs Marines, DC

The Intel

Fort Hamilton: "Yes, the Army Has a Base in Brooklyn, and Yes, It's Unfair." Marine Barracks Washington DC: "8th and I: Where Marines Are Basically Action Figures." Same country, same Constitution, two interpretations of "standard of living" that would make a UN inspector nervous.

What the assignment brief skips: at Fort Hamilton, the real issue is Extreme cost of living. At Marine Barracks Washington DC, it's DC cost of living is extreme. What they'll pitch you: Fort Hamilton — You live in New York City. Marine Barracks Washington DC — Living in the nation's capital. Both will annihilate your savings with surgical precision. COLA exists at both and covers roughly the cost of looking at a rental listing without flinching. Weather: Fort Hamilton serves Four seasons, cold winters, hot humid summers. Marine Barracks Washington DC counters with Hot humid summers, cold winters, cherry blossom springs. Your uniform was designed for approximately neither.

One base you'll miss for what it gave you. The other you'll miss for what it cost you. Both leave marks the DD-214 doesn't mention.

Fort Hamilton
Army — NY
Four seasons, cold winters, hot humid summers
“Yes, the Army Has a Base in Brooklyn, and Yes, It's Unfair”
Marine Barracks Washington DC
Marines — DC
Hot humid summers, cold winters, cherry blossom springs
“8th and I: Where Marines Are Basically Action Figures”
Climate
Fort HamiltonFour seasons, cold winters, hot humid summers
Marine Barracks Washington DCHot humid summers, cold winters, cherry blossom springs
Cost of Living
Fort HamiltonExtreme
Marine Barracks Washington DCExtreme
Nearest City
Fort HamiltonBrooklyn, NY (5 min)
Marine Barracks Washington DCWashington, DC (in the city)
Nearest Airport
Fort HamiltonJFK (JFK) — 30 min; LaGuardia (LGA) — 30 min; Newark (EWR) — 45 min
Marine Barracks Washington DCRonald Reagan National (DCA) — 15 min; Dulles (IAD) — 45 min; Baltimore-Washington (BWI) — 50 min
Housing
Fort HamiltonVery limited on-post. Off-post in Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst (Brooklyn) — $2,500-$4,000+/2BR. NYC rents are extreme. BAH is high but does not cover costs.
Marine Barracks Washington DCVery limited on-base housing (mostly barracks). Nearly all married personnel live off-base in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, or Maryland suburbs. DC rent is extreme — $2,500-$4,000 for a 2BR. BAH is high but still tight. Many Marines commute from further suburbs.
Spouse Employment
Fort HamiltonUnlimited. NYC has every job imaginable. The strongest job market in the country.
Marine Barracks Washington DCDC has one of the strongest job markets in the country — federal government, defense contracting, nonprofits, law, consulting, lobbying, and tech. Metro accessible from Capitol Hill. Exceptional career opportunities for military spouses.
Medical
Fort HamiltonNo military hospital. NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, and NYC Health + Hospitals system. World-class civilian care.
Marine Barracks Washington DCSmall clinic at the barracks. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda) — 30 min — is world-class. DC has excellent civilian medical options. No medical access issues.
Gate Commute
Fort HamiltonTiny post in Bay Ridge — no real gate. NYC subway and bus system. Driving in NYC is not recommended.
Marine Barracks Washington DCNo traditional gate — the barracks is on 8th Street SE in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Security entrance only. Commute depends entirely on where you live. Metro (Navy Yard or Eastern Market stations) is the best option. DC traffic is brutal by car.

Pros & Cons

Fort Hamilton
PROS
  • +You live in New York City
  • +Cultural capital of the world
  • +Bay Ridge neighborhood is great
CONS
  • -Extreme cost of living
  • -BAH does not cover NYC rent
  • -Smallest Army post — feels un-military
Marine Barracks Washington DC
PROS
  • +Living in the nation's capital
  • +Ceremonial duty is prestigious
  • +Cultural and professional opportunities
CONS
  • -DC cost of living is extreme
  • -Ceremonial schedule is demanding
  • -Small Marine community

Known For

Fort Hamilton
NYC military entrance processingArmy garrison in New York City
Marine Barracks Washington DC
8th & ISilent Drill PlatoonMarine BandOldest post of the Corps

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