Camp Pendleton
Camp Pendleton PCS Guide
Base History & Name
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Cpl. Don Graves speaks to new Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, during their Warrior’s Breakfast at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 1, 2023. Graves, a distinguished WWII veteran who served with the 2nd Battalion, 28th...
Camp Pendleton was established in 1942 as a major training base for the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Its original mission focused on preparing Marines for amphibious warfare, which was a key strategy in the Pacific Theater. The base’s Southern California coastal location offered ideal terrain for large-scale exercises and rapid deployment.
Construction began rapidly in early 1942, transforming over 125,000 acres of ranch land into a sprawling military installation. The base was officially dedicated later that year and quickly became the primary training center for West Coast Marines. During World War II, tens of thousands of Marines trained at Camp Pendleton before deploying overseas.
After WWII, Camp Pendleton remained a vital Marine Corps facility, adapting to the needs of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The base expanded its infrastructure to support new training requirements and hosted major units, including the 1st Marine Division and I Marine Expeditionary Force. During the Cold War, Camp Pendleton served as a key mobilization and deployment hub.
Today, Camp Pendleton is one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the world. It supports training for ground, air, and amphibious operations and serves as the home of the 1st Marine Division. The base also plays a significant role in disaster response and community partnerships in Southern California, retaining its original name to honor its historical legacy.
Namesake
General Pendleton was a strong advocate for a permanent Marine base on the West Coast. His vision and leadership were instrumental in establishing a major Marine presence in California, making him a fitting namesake for the installation. He retired in 1924 and is remembered for his dedication to the Corps and its future.
Major Units & Training Programs
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, approaches the training area during a maritime tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 5, 2025. The Amphibious Raids Branch,...
Major Units
I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF)
I MEF serves as the principal warfighting force on the West Coast, capable of deploying rapidly for combat operations, humanitarian assistance, and crisis response worldwide. It includes ground, air, and logistics elements for full-spectrum Marine Corps operations.
1st Marine Division
The 1st Marine Division is the Marine Corps’ oldest, largest, and most decorated division, specializing in ground combat operations and amphibious assaults. It forms the ground combat element of I MEF.
1st Marine Logistics Group
The 1st Marine Logistics Group provides comprehensive combat service support, ensuring sustained operations for Marine forces through supply, maintenance, transportation, and medical services.
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward elements)
Elements of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Camp Pendleton provide air support for Marine ground forces, including assault support, reconnaissance, and close air support missions.
Training Schools
School of Infantry – West (SOI-West)
Overview
SOI-West provides advanced infantry and combat skills training to new Marines following boot camp, including the Infantry Marine Course and Marine Combat Training.
Course Length
8-9 weeks (Infantry Marine Course); 4 weeks (Marine Combat Training)
Who Attends
Newly graduated enlisted Marines (all MOS for MCT; infantry MOS for IMC)
Arrival & In-Processing
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cameron Bowman, a rifleman with Headquarters Company Facilities, 5th Marine regiment, 1st Marine Division trims a bush at the San Onofre gate at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 4, 2025. Semper Tergeo aims to support operational readiness and increase...
Welcome to Camp Pendleton! Arriving prepared ensures a smooth check-in and helps you settle in quickly. Review all requirements before your move to avoid delays and make your transition easier. For the latest updates and resources, visit the official Camp Pendleton website.
Camp Pendleton's main entry point is the Main Gate at the intersection of Vandegrift Boulevard and the I-5 freeway. The Main Gate operates 24/7, ensuring access at any hour. Other gates, such as the San Luis Rey and Del Mar Gates, have limited hours—check the official site for current times. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or other approved credentials. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act for unescorted access. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections at all gates. Security is vigilant; follow all posted instructions and remain patient during busy periods. To sponsor visitors or family members, stop at the Visitor Control Center for a pass—bring valid ID and vehicle documents for all guests.
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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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Housing Assignment or Application
Camp Pendleton offers a robust sponsor program. Request a sponsor through your gaining unit's administrative office or by contacting your unit directly. Sponsors help with arrival logistics, local orientation, and in-processing support. If unsure, ask your unit's S-1 or administrative section for guidance.
Report to the Camp Pendleton Welcome Center, Bldg 13129, near the Main Gate. The Welcome Center operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In-processing includes stops at Personnel Administration, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Plan for 2–3 days to complete all requirements. Bring all necessary documents and arrive early to avoid delays.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate, adjacent to the base entrance. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorships. All visitors must be vetted and present valid identification.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Staff Sergeant Cornel Varnado Jr., 194th Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, signs for packages May 9 as workers from River City Movers conduct a direct delivery to his home May 9 at Fort Campbell. Varnado was recently reassigned from Germany to Fort Campbell and elected to carry out a government move to transport his Family’s belongings from overseas.
When you receive PCS orders to Camp Pendleton, start by reading your orders carefully and contacting the base Transportation Office. Decide if you’ll use a Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY). Each move type has different requirements and reimbursement rates. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule, track, and manage your move. DPS is your central hub for all shipment paperwork and updates.
You are entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for up to 10 days while you secure housing. The Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps offset relocation costs. Check your eligibility and rates before you move. Camp Pendleton is a large base, so contact your sponsor early and review the base’s arrival guide. This helps with in-processing and finding temporary lodging quickly.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book temporary lodging early—on-base options fill fast, especially in summer.
- Keep copies of orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Weigh your vehicle and HHG before and after a PPM/DITY move for reimbursement.
- Take photos of high-value items before pack-out.
- Plan pet travel in advance; check base pet policies and local kennels.
- Review Camp Pendleton’s gate hours and traffic patterns to avoid delays on arrival.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Find current rates for TLE, DLA, and other PCS entitlements.
Guidance and tools for every step of your PCS.
Official base guide for new arrivals, including check-in and local info.
Schools & Childcare
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Camp Pendleton families rely on local public school districts for K-12 education, as there are no DoDEA schools on base. Children typically attend schools in Oceanside, Fallbrook, or Carlsbad, depending on their housing location. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is a key resource for navigating school enrollment, district boundaries, and special programs. Contact the SLO for up-to-date guidance and support with school transitions or education concerns.
Childcare Options
Child Development Center (CDC) - DeLuz
The CDC offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The program is NAEYC-accredited and prioritizes military families.
School Age Care (SAC) Program
SAC provides before- and after-school care, plus summer camps for children in kindergarten through 12 years. The program is nationally accredited and supports homework help, recreation, and enrichment.
Family Child Care (FCC) Program
FCC offers in-home childcare with trained providers on base. Flexible hours and small group sizes make this a popular option for infants and young children. Providers meet national accreditation standards.
Local Schools
Oceanside Unified School District
Oceanside Unified serves many Camp Pendleton families and offers diverse programs, including STEM and arts. GreatSchools.org rates several elementary schools in the district above average for test scores and equity.
Fallbrook Union Elementary School District
Known for strong community support, Fallbrook Union Elementary has a reputation for safe campuses and solid academic programs. Some schools in the district receive above-average ratings on GreatSchools.org.
Carlsbad Unified School District
Carlsbad Unified is highly rated for academics, with several schools recognized for excellence by the state of California. The district features robust AP and extracurricular offerings.