JFTB Los Alamitos
JFTB Los Alamitos PCS Guide
Military Base History
A CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter owned and operated by Coulson Aviation, Inc., drops water on Los Alamitos Army Airfield, Sept. 30, 2020, for a flight demonstration during a press conference at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California. The helicopter, hailed as the world’s...
Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) Los Alamitos began as a U.S. Navy airfield in 1942, supporting the rapid expansion of military aviation during World War II. The base’s original mission focused on training Navy and Marine Corps aviators and supporting coastal defense operations along the Pacific. Its strategic location in Orange County made it a key hub for West Coast military aviation activities.
During World War II, the installation—then called Naval Air Station Los Alamitos—expanded with new runways, hangars, and support facilities to handle increased flight operations. The base played a vital role in training pilots and aircrews who deployed to the Pacific Theater. After the war, it continued as a training and reserve center for naval aviation units.
In 1972, the Navy transferred the installation to the California Army National Guard, marking a major shift in mission and management. The base was officially renamed Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos to reflect its new role as a multi-service training center. Over the decades, it has hosted Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard units, as well as state and local emergency response agencies.
Today, JFTB Los Alamitos serves as a premier training site for the California National Guard and other military components. The base supports aviation, logistics, and emergency response missions, and it plays a critical role in regional disaster preparedness. Its facilities are used for community events and interagency cooperation, making it a key asset for both military readiness and local resilience.
Major Units & Training Programs
Elected officials and representatives join U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Leeney, center, commander of the California Army National Guard’s 40th Infantry Division, and Lt. Col. Manju Vig, garrison commander of Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 19, 2022, for an energy resilience...
Major Units
40th Infantry Division (California Army National Guard)
Serves as a major command and control headquarters for Army National Guard ground operations, providing mission-ready forces for federal and state emergencies.
79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (California Army National Guard)
Provides trained, equipped, and ready soldiers for infantry ground combat operations, supporting both state and federal missions.
Training Schools
California Army National Guard Regional Training Site - Maintenance
Overview
Offers technical and advanced maintenance training for Army National Guard soldiers, focusing on vehicle and equipment repair skills.
Course Length
Varies by course (1-4 weeks typical)
Who Attends
Army National Guard soldiers in maintenance MOSs
Arrival & In-Processing
The front gate signage for Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California, is photographed July 18, 2021. The federal installation is managed by the California National Guard and is home to a variety of tenants. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Crystal Housman)
Welcome to JFTB Los Alamitos. Arriving at a new base can be exciting and challenging. Preparation is key for a smooth check-in and quick transition to your new assignment. Review the steps below to ensure you have everything needed for a seamless arrival. For more details, visit the official JFTB Los Alamitos website.
JFTB Los Alamitos is accessed through the Main Gate, located at the primary entrance to the installation. The Main Gate is typically open 24/7 for authorized personnel. All adults must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or DoD-issued credential. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act for unescorted access. Be prepared for 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections at all times. Security posture is high—follow all posted instructions and cooperate with gate personnel. To obtain a visitor or family member pass, guests must be sponsored by an authorized ID cardholder and processed at the Visitor Control Center prior to entry.
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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
JFTB Los Alamitos offers a sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. Request a sponsor by contacting your gaining unit's administrative office or through your unit's orderly room. If unsure, reach out to the base Welcome Center for guidance.
Formal in-processing is conducted at the Welcome Center, typically located near the Main Gate for easy access. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 0800 to 1600. Key steps include check-ins with Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Plan for the process to take 2-3 business days, depending on your needs and appointment availability.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate for convenient access. VCC hours are Monday through Friday, 0700 to 1700. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorship paperwork. All guests must check in at the VCC before entering the base.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Stewart, a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier and one of the first Soldiers to conduct a Permanent Change of Station, known as PCS, to Poland, stands inside his apartment shortly after moving in as a tenant, Poznan, Poland, Feb. 7, 2023.
PCS to JFTB Los Alamitos starts when you receive official orders. Your first step: contact the Base Transportation Office to schedule your move and discuss shipping options. Choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment—where the government arranges movers—or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), where you handle the move yourself and may qualify for reimbursement. Both options require using the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to manage your move, upload documents, and track shipments. Register in DPS early for smoother scheduling and better support. Understand your entitlements: Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) helps cover hotel costs while house-hunting or waiting for housing (typically up to 10 days for CONUS moves). Dislocation Allowance (DLA) offsets miscellaneous moving costs. Check the DoD Per Diem site for current rates and eligibility. JFTB Los Alamitos is in Orange County, CA, where housing can be competitive. Start your housing search early and coordinate with the installation’s housing office for local listings and guidance. If you have special items (motorcycles, boats, pets), notify the Transportation Office early to avoid delays. Use Military OneSource for checklists, counseling, and extra support.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor from your gaining unit before arrival.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Schedule your HHG pickup and delivery dates as early as possible.
- Label boxes by room and take photos of valuable items.
- Check with the Transportation Office for local pet quarantine or housing policies.
- Start your housing search early—Orange County is a high-demand area.
- Use DPS to track your shipment and communicate any changes promptly.
Important Forms & Links
Manage your PCS move, upload documents, and track shipments.
Official rates for TLE, DLA, and other travel allowances.
Guides, checklists, and support for your move.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance.