Welcome to the National Defense University. The University is located on the grounds of Fort Lesley J. McNair in Southwest Washington D.C. between the Anacostia River and the Washington Channel. Our address is:
National Defense University
Fort Lesley J. McNair
300 5th Avenue
Building 62
Washington, DC 20319
Access
Main Gate/Visitors Gate
The Main Gate/Visitor's Gate on 2nd Street SW is open 24/7. All non-DoD/non-federally affiliated visitors MUST use this gate to access Fort McNair.
- ID Requirements: A federal or state government-issued photo ID with biographic information such as name, date of birth, sex, and address is required. Security badges are not acceptable. All credentials are subject to screening and vetting by Installation Access Control personnel.
- Vehicle Search: Non-DoD/non-federally affiliated visitors' vehicles are subject to search.
Ceremonial Gate
The Ceremonial Gate on 4th Street SW is open ONLY from 0600 to 0900 in the morning and 1500 to 1800 in the evening, Monday-Friday (closed on federal holidays).
- ID Requirements: A DoD- or federal government-issued civilian employee photo ID is required for all personnel entering by foot or vehicle. The turnstile at the gate requires a CAC and pre-registered PIN to enter; it is open 24/7 -- unrestricted -- to all exiting personnel.
Map of Fort McNair
Directions
- Via METRO
- From Arlington and Points South and West (Via 14th Street Bridge)
- From Alexandria or Anacostia (Via Woodrow Wilson Bridge)
- From Maryland, Prince George’s County and Eastern Montgomery County (Via I-295/Frederick Douglass Bridge)
- From the M Street Hampton Inn
Public Transportation Links