Adjutant General – Augusta, ME

Office of the Adjutant General

The Office of the Adjutant General in Augusta serves as the senior executive headquarters for the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management (DVEM). Located at the historic Camp Keyes, this facility is the command center for the Maine National Guard. The Adjutant General, a federally recognized general officer, acts as the Commissioner of the DVEM and the principal military advisor to the Governor of Maine. This role is critical for coordinating state-level military operations, including disaster response, civil defense, and the readiness of both Army and Air National Guard units.

Camp Keyes and Military Operations

Camp Keyes has been a fixture of Maine’s military history since its establishment. As the Joint Force Headquarters, it houses the administrative and operational staff responsible for training, equipping, and deploying Maine’s citizen-soldiers and airmen. The facility supports a wide range of functions:

• Maine Army National Guard (MEARNG): The site coordinates logistics, personnel, and operations for units stationed across the state.
• Emergency Management Oversight: While the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has its own facilities, the Adjutant General oversees the state’s entire emergency response framework, ensuring military support is available during natural disasters like ice storms or floods.
• Veterans Services: The department also directs the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, advocating for veteran benefits and managing state veteran cemeteries.

Access and Security

As an active military installation, Camp Keyes operates under strict federal security protocols.

Security Measures

Access to the compound is controlled. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification (such as a Real ID driver’s license or military ID) at the gate. Vehicle searches may be conducted, and weapons are strictly prohibited on the premises.

Visiting Procedures

Most business with the Adjutant General’s office or the National Guard headquarters is conducted by appointment or for official military business. The general public typically does not have free access to the inner administrative buildings without a specific reason or prior authorization. However, the site is historically significant, and the department frequently engages with the community through public affairs channels.

Location

The facility is located on Winthrop Street, near the Augusta Airport and the Western Avenue commercial corridor. It is a distinct campus, easily identifiable by its perimeter fencing and military signage. For those with official business, it is recommended to call ahead to ensure the correct point of contact and building number, as the campus contains multiple structures.