Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBMHH) is comprised of three main installations that were combined during the last round of BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure): Fort Myer (Army), Henderson Hall (Marines), and Fort McNair (Army). These installations are tasked with housing headquarter units for both the Army and the Marines. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW) is the major command, and major units within JBMHH include the 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard), HHC U.S. Army Garrison, HHC U.S. Army, The U.S. Army Band, 3rd Military Intelligence, CID/Washington District, National Defense University, White House Communications Agency, and the National Guard Bureau. Headquarters Battalion Marine Corps National Capital Region is located at Henderson Hall.
Fort Myer is most well known for its role in the highly honored duties of managing Arlington National Cemetery. The 3rd Infantry Division, the Army’s oldest infantry unit, was reactivated in 1948 and tasked with security of the greater Washington metro area as well as taking on the role as the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president. The Old Guard participates in over 6,000 ceremonies a year at locations like the White House, the Pentagon, and other national memorials in the capital region — that’s roughly 16 per day! They also hold the honor of keeping continuous vigil over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.