Dugway Proving Ground

Empowering The Nation's Defenders

History

For 80 years, Dugway Proving Ground (DPG) has empowered our nation's defenders against persistent and evolving threats. Dugway is the Army's premier science and test facility in Utah.

DPG is responsible for testing and evaluating nearly all Department of Defense (DoD) chemical and biological defense equipment and capabilities. Within its nearly 800,000 acres, there are numerous state-of-the-art laboratories, unique test chambers and extensive field test grids.

Installation Facts:

  • Established: 1942
  • Location: Northwestern Utah
  • Size: 800,000 acres
  • Elevation: 4,500 -7,000 feet above sea level
  • Temperature: -15 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit

In addition to chem/bio defense testing and evaluation, Dugway supports training for military and first responders, testing and evaluation of obscurants, and the development, testing, and integration of unmanned aircraft systems.

Testing and Training in 2021:

  • 163 Testing Events
  • 85 Training Events
  • 1300 Soldiers Trained

Dugway has a highly skilled workforce of dedicated scientists, security technicians, food service professionals, and other supporting staff. Around 300-400 people live on post and call Dugway home year round.

Workforce:

  • Approximately 2,500 full- and part-time jobs
  • Average wage is $88k (double the average wage in Tooele County)
  • Contributes an estimated $266.7 million to Utah state GDP

Public Notice:

Leadership

  • COL James Harwell
    COMMANDER
    COL James Harwell
  • David Henderson
    COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR
    David Henderson
  • Bryan Fausett
    CHIEF OF STAFF
    Bryan Fausett
  • Ryan Harris
    DIRECTOR, WDTC
    Ryan Harris
  • Chris Damour
    GARRISON MANAGER
    Chris Damour
  • Christopher Olson, Ph.D.
    TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
    Christopher Olson, Ph.D.

MISSION

U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground is the nation's leading test center for Chemical and Biological Defense, conducting efficient testing and support to empower our nation's defenders, inter-agency partners and our allies to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards. Dugway Proving Ground provides unparalleled testing, evaluation, training and technical support while maintaining a world-class workforce, facilities and quality of life for our employees and their families.

VISION

Dugway Proving Ground provides unparalleled testing, evaluation, training, and technical support to the Department of Defense, inter-agency partners, and our Allies while maintaining a world-class workforce, facilities, and quality of life for our employees and their Families.

Plan Your Trip

  • Click the link below to see the slides from the last Garrison town hall:

    February 2023

    November 2022

    August 2022

  • Visit this link for a map and detailed directions to Dugway: Visitor Information :: Dugway Proving Ground (army.mil)

    Dugway Proving Ground is about 50 miles from the nearest city (Tooele) and around 90 miles from Salt Lake City. Please be mindful of weather conditions and plan accordingly if you are making a trip to DPG.

  • All new employees and visitors must check in with security and be issued an identification badge authorizing them to be on post before entrance to Dugway. Click on the link to make an appointment for an ID: Deers/ID :: Dugway Proving Ground (army.mil)

  • The Holiday Inn Express Desert Lodge is the only hotel at Dugway and the only lodging available within approximately 50 miles of the post. Please call ahead to make reservations. Rooms are limited.

    Address

    5233 Valdez Circle Dugway, Utah 84022-5000

    Phone Number

    1-435-8316500

  • The Shocklee Fitness Center is open with strict cleaning and sanitation procedures in place. The required 6ft. social distancing while working out will be enforced. The facility is closed daily from 1400 - 1500 for cleaning and disinfecting.

    Hours of Operation

    • MON - THUR: 0500 - 2000.
    • FRI: 0800 - 1800.
    • SAT - SUN: Closed

    Address

    5109 Valdez Circle BLDG 5109, Dugway, Utah 84022

  • U.S. Army FMWR offers many services that enhance the lives of service members and civilians on post. Visit the link to learn more about those programs: Dugway Proving Ground - US Army MWR

  • The Dugway Mustangs believe that "Together Everyone Achieves More!"

  • Dugway complies with all DoD and federal covid guidelines. Visitors to Dugway are not required to social distance or wear a mask indoors, but guests are welcome to do so if they wish.

Careers

Looking for a job at Dugway Proving Ground? Visit our Employment Opportunities webpage!

Click Here: https://homeadmin.army.mil/dugway/employment-opportunities

Testing and Evaluation

Dugway Proving Ground has been on the front lines of Chem/Bio testing for more than 80 years. DPG is responsible for testing and evaluating nearly all Department of Defense (DoD) chemical and biological defense equipment and capabilities.

Within its nearly 800,000 acres, there are numerous state-of-the-art laboratories, unique test chambers and extensive field test grids. Testing can include indoor lab trials or outdoor large scale simulant tests.

Request Test and Evaluation Information

To speak with a representative from Dugway about testing, call (435) 831-7246 (M-Th 7AM-5:30PM MST)
or email us at usarmy.dpg.atec.mbx.spd-t-and-e@army.mil.

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M50 gas mask affixed to SMARTMAN (Simulant Agent Resistance Test Mannikin) in small chamber, prior to challenging mask with Joint General Purpose Decontaminant for Hardened Military Equipment (JGPD HME). The test was conducted to learn whether the relatively new decontaminant would degrade the mask.
Photo taken Nov. 5, 2019 by Al Vogel, Dugway Proving Ground Public Affairs.
2 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption – M50 gas mask affixed to SMARTMAN (Simulant Agent Resistance Test Mannikin) in small chamber, prior to challenging mask with Joint General Purpose Decontaminant for Hardened Military Equipment (JGPD HME). The test was conducted to learn whether the relatively new decontaminant would degrade the mask.
Photo taken Nov. 5, 2019 by Al Vogel, Dugway Proving Ground Public Affairs. (Photo Credit: US Army/Al Vogel)
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Test of the NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) and its Modular Mission Payload during the Early User Feedback Event at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. Photo taken June 19, 2019 by Al Vogel, Dugway Proving Ground Public Affairs.
4 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Test of the NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) and its Modular Mission Payload during the Early User Feedback Event at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. Photo taken June 19, 2019 by Al Vogel, Dugway Proving Ground Public Affairs. (Photo Credit: US Army/Al Vogel) VIEW ORIGINAL
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UH-60 Black hawks and an Apache AH-64 from the Utah Army National Guard brought in distinguished visitors to visit more than 200 service members across four major commands who participated in a one day exercise held at Dugway Proving Ground on Sept. 8, 2022. The joint force exercise prioritized the concepts of Agile Combat Employment and Multi-Capable Airmen. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: TSgt Danny Whitlock)
7 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption – UH-60 Black hawks and an Apache AH-64 from the Utah Army National Guard brought in distinguished visitors to visit more than 200 service members across four major commands who participated in a one day exercise held at Dugway Proving Ground on Sept. 8, 2022. The joint force exercise prioritized the concepts of Agile Combat Employment and Multi-Capable Airmen. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: TSgt Danny Whitlock) (Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt. Danny Whitlock) VIEW ORIGINAL
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An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Reserve Command Test Center arrives in support of a joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022, at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This joint force exercise incorporates more than seven military entities across three branches creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing wartime horizon. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: TSgt Danny Whitlock)
15 / 18 Show Caption + Hide Caption – An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Reserve Command Test Center arrives in support of a joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022, at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This joint force exercise incorporates more than seven military entities across three branches creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing wartime horizon. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: TSgt Danny Whitlock) (Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt. Danny Whitlock) VIEW ORIGINAL
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Special Programs Division

The Special Programs Division (SPD) specializes in the planning, execution, and analysis of CBRNE warfare defense systems and processes in an asymmetric environment. SPD is a unique blend of technical personnel that includes PhD-level physical scientists, chemists, engineers, and microbiologists (many of whom are former military CBRNE operators). They conduct specialized training courses and tests based on customer needs/mission requirements.

For information about testing or training call 435-831-7246 or email usarmy.dpg.atec.mbx.spd-cwmd-training@army.mil.

1 / 13 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Justin Moeller; Staff Sgt. Frances Ariele Gonzalez) VIEW ORIGINAL
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6 / 13 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Justin Moeller; Staff Sgt. Frances Ariele Gonzalez) VIEW ORIGINAL
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10 / 13 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Justin Moeller; Staff Sgt. Frances Ariele Gonzalez) VIEW ORIGINAL
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U.S. Marines launch a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Dugway Proving Ground, Dugway, Utah, April 6, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, which emphasizes the development of small task-organized unit experimentation across all warfighting functions, as well as enhance the battalion's ability to conduct command and control, fire-support planning, intelligence functions, and logistical support to distributed company level operations. This exercise continues support of 2d Marine Division experimental battalion's assessment and mission essential task list-based pre-deployment training progression. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Sarah Pysher)
13 / 13 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Marines launch a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Dugway Proving Ground, Dugway, Utah, April 6, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, which emphasizes the development of small task-organized unit experimentation across all warfighting functions, as well as enhance the battalion's ability to conduct command and control, fire-support planning, intelligence functions, and logistical support to distributed company level operations. This exercise continues support of 2d Marine Division experimental battalion's assessment and mission essential task list-based pre-deployment training progression. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Sarah Pysher) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Sarah Pysher) VIEW ORIGINAL

Tactic and Procedural Development Courses

Dugway Proving Ground is a leader in the development and refinement of CBRNE tactics, techniques and procedures. Dugway's subject matter expertise, diverse ranges and unique facilities allow for a broad range of asymmetric as well as conventional warfare training to including:

  • Air/ground unit deployment
  • Desert warfare and live-fire ranges
  • Land navigation and off-road vehicle mobility
  • Jump zones and close air support ranges
  • High-angle marksmanship facilities
  • Improvised explosive devise immediate response drills

Dugway Proving Ground is the only single geographical location within the United States capable of conducting such full spectrum mission profiles.

(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Justin Moeller; Staff Sgt. Frances Ariele Gonzalez) VIEW ORIGINAL
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Justin Moeller; Staff Sgt. Frances Ariele Gonzalez) VIEW ORIGINAL

SPD courses focus on the core areas of signature recognition, detection/identification, sampling, decontamination, properties and hazards of CBRNE materials. This is achieved through a series of lecture, laboratory, and practical exercises. The following are examples of courses that can be customized to each customer's specific mission needs:

  • Chemical/Biological - Advanced four-day program including practical exercises on synthesis, threat recognition, dissemination, sampling, team exercises, and training on analytical equipment.
  • Dissemination Course - Separate four day courses designed to teach the characteristics of chemical or biological materials disseminated through various methods. Historical Dugway dissemination testing grids are used to conduct series of chemical or biological simulant disseminations and study their behavior.
  • Mobile Team training - Designed for conducting field exercises at a unit's home station. Includes lab scenarios, hazardous material training day, chemical/biological overview and survey of equipment, production, collection/sampling, and decontamination.
  • Field Training Exercise/Full Mission Profile/Joint Readiness Exercises/Exercise Evaluations - Muliti-day/night scenarios set at various levels of the CBRNE spectrum (non-state to state) intended to challenge and provide feedback regarding the units’ readiness to successfully operate in that environment.
  • Facility Familiarization Tour - This weeklong course tours multiple US commercial chemical and biological industrial production sites to demonstrate various scales of operations and technologies.

*Courses are developed with intent for unit level consumption. Courses are not offered on a 'per seat basis'. A limited number of these events are offered each year.

(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Justin Moeller; Staff Sgt. Frances Ariele Gonzalez) VIEW ORIGINAL

For information about testing or training call 435-831-7246 or email usarmy.dpg.atec.mbx.spd-test-and-evaluation@army.mil.