Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune PCS Guide
Base History & Name
A boot camp photo stands on display during an award ceremony hosted by the National Montford Point Marines Association (NMPMA), Tidewater Virginia Chapter 14, at American Legion Tidewater Post 327, Norfolk, VA, on November 05, 2023. During the ceremony, Corporal Willie King, a U.S. Marine Corps...
Camp Lejeune was established in 1941 as a major training base for the United States Marine Corps on the East Coast. The North Carolina location offered deep-water ports, ample land, and year-round training conditions, making it ideal for military needs.
The base’s original mission focused on amphibious assault training, which was essential as the U.S. prepared for World War II. This training helped shape Marine Corps tactics and readiness for overseas operations.
During World War II, Camp Lejeune rapidly expanded to support tens of thousands of Marines. The base built new barracks, training facilities, and ranges to meet the demands of the war effort.
Throughout the Cold War, the installation continued to grow, hosting key units such as the 2nd Marine Division and the II Marine Expeditionary Force. These units played vital roles in U.S. military operations worldwide.
Camp Lejeune has remained a cornerstone of Marine Corps readiness through the Korean War, Vietnam War, and into the 21st century. The base has supported deployments for Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
Today, the base houses specialized units like Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) and provides critical training for joint and allied forces. This ongoing mission ensures the Marine Corps remains prepared for global challenges.
The installation has always been known as Camp Lejeune, named in honor of Major General John A. Lejeune. It continues to serve as a hub for Marine Corps training, logistics, and community life.
Camp Lejeune supports both national defense and the local economy in coastal North Carolina, maintaining its importance to the Marine Corps and the surrounding region.
Namesake
Lejeune is remembered for his leadership and vision in shaping the Marine Corps' amphibious warfare doctrine. His legacy endures in Marine Corps culture, and Camp Lejeune was named in his honor in 1942 to recognize his lasting impact on the service.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mason Horselooking, a rifleman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment and a native of South Dakota, fires an M32 grenade launcher during a live-fire range as part of Exercise Chesapeake 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 1, 2025....
Major Units
II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF)
Serves as a principal warfighting force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and sustained combat operations. II MEF provides command and control for Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs) and supports global deployments.
2d Marine Division
Acts as the ground combat element of II MEF, specializing in amphibious assault, mechanized, and expeditionary operations. The division is responsible for deploying combat-ready Marines and supporting global contingency operations.
2d Marine Logistics Group
Provides comprehensive logistics support to II MEF, including supply, maintenance, transportation, and health services, enabling sustained operations ashore and afloat.
Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Manages base operations, supports tenant commands, and ensures readiness for training and deployment of Marine units across the eastern region.
Training Schools
Marine Corps Engineer School
Overview
Trains Marines in combat engineering, construction, demolition, and explosive ordnance disposal. The school prepares Marines for engineering roles supporting combat and humanitarian missions.
Course Length
Varies by course (typically 7–12 weeks)
Who Attends
Combat engineer Marines and EOD specialists
Arrival & In-Processing
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Levi A. Gates, left, the oncoming sergeant major of 2d Intelligence Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and Sgt. Maj. Mark J. Miller Jr., the off going sergeant major, pose for a photo following a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps...
Welcome to Camp Lejeune! Arriving at a new base is a big step, and being well-prepared will help ensure a smooth transition for you and your family. Knowing what to expect at the gate and during in-processing will save you valuable time and reduce stress. For more details, visit the official Camp Lejeune website.
Camp Lejeune's main gate is the Holcomb Boulevard Gate, which is open 24/7 for authorized personnel. Additional gates, such as the Wilson Boulevard and Sneads Ferry Gates, have varying hours—check the base website for updates. All adults must show a valid Military ID, CAC, or DoD ID at entry. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act. Expect 100% ID checks and possible random vehicle inspections to maintain security. To bring visitors or family members without DoD IDs, stop at the Visitor Control Center for a pass. Sponsors must be present, and all guests must pass a background check before entry is granted.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if arranged)
Most incoming personnel are assigned a sponsor through their gaining unit. If you have not been contacted, reach out to your unit's administrative office or use the sponsorship request form available on the Camp Lejeune website. Sponsors help with local information, check-in, and settling in.
Report to the John A. Lejeune Welcome Center (Bldg 60) for in-processing. The center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Key steps include Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and Unit Check-in. Plan for the process to take 2-3 business days, depending on your needs and documentation.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Holcomb Boulevard Main Gate. It operates Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The VCC issues visitor passes, handles DBIDS registration, and processes guest sponsorships for non-DoD ID holders.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
The first step in the move out process is letting Campbell Crossing staff know of the impending move as soon as possible and filling out a notice to vacate form, said Karsten Haake, Lendlease project director for the Campbell Crossing community. Campbell Crossing is preparing for a 20-30% spike in turnover as permanent change of station, or PCS, season begins.
When you receive PCS orders to Camp Lejeune, act fast. Contact your current Transportation Office to start your move in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). DPS lets you arrange a Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY). Choose the move type that fits your needs and budget.
You can get key entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for hotel stays and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to help with upfront costs. Use DPS to track shipments and update your info. Camp Lejeune’s large size means plan early for on-base housing or local rentals. Check in with your sponsor for base-specific advice.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Contact the Personal Property Office early to reserve your move dates.
- Keep copies of orders, IDs, and important documents with you.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid extra costs.
- Take photos of valuable items before pack-out.
- Plan for pet boarding or lodging—on-base options fill quickly.
- Ask your sponsor about local traffic and gate hours.
Important Forms & Links
Start, manage, and track your move online.
Check current rates for TLE, DLA, and other entitlements.
Guides, checklists, and support for all stages of your PCS.
Base-specific arrival, housing, and transportation info.
Schools & Childcare
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On-Base Schools
Tarawa Terrace Elementary School
DoDEA elementary school serving families in the Tarawa Terrace housing area. Known for its strong military community focus and supportive staff.
Bitz Intermediate School
DoDEA school for grades 3-5, located on Camp Lejeune. Offers a robust academic program and a welcoming environment for military children.
Lejeune High School
DoDEA high school on base, serving grades 9-12. Recognized for its college and career readiness programs and high graduation rates.
Childcare Options
Tarawa Terrace Child Development Center (CDC)
Full-day and part-day care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The CDC is NAEYC-accredited and offers developmentally appropriate programs in a secure, nurturing setting.
Family Child Care (FCC) Program
In-home care provided by certified providers living on base. Offers flexible hours and small group settings, ideal for families needing non-traditional care schedules.
Youth Center School Age Care (SAC)
Before and after school care, plus summer camps for school-age children. Accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), the program emphasizes recreation, homework help, and social development.
Local Schools
Onslow County Schools
Onslow County Schools serves most off-base families near Camp Lejeune. The district is known for strong academic programs, robust extracurriculars, and dedicated support for military-connected students. GreatSchools.org ratings range from average to above average, with several schools excelling in STEM and arts.
Jacksonville High School
Part of Onslow County Schools, Jacksonville High is praised for its Advanced Placement offerings and active JROTC program. The school has a supportive environment for military families and a diverse student body.
St. Anne's Catholic School
A private K-8 school in Jacksonville, St. Anne's offers a faith-based curriculum and small class sizes. Parents highlight the nurturing staff and strong values-based education.