Presidio of Monterey
Presidio of Monterey PCS Guide
Military Base History
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The Presidio of Monterey began in 1770, when Spanish forces established a military outpost to secure Alta California. The U.S. Army assumed control in 1846, using the site to support westward expansion and regional defense. Over time, the installation's mission evolved with California's growth, shifting from coastal defense to training and support roles.
Major construction and expansion took place during World War II, transforming the Presidio into a hub for language training. In 1946, the Army Language School—later called the Defense Language Institute (DLI)—relocated to the Presidio, solidifying its reputation as the military's premier language education center. The base expanded its facilities over the decades to accommodate thousands of students and staff.
Throughout the Cold War and beyond, the Presidio of Monterey hosted service members from all military branches. Its primary mission has remained language instruction, supporting U.S. military operations worldwide. The base played a key role in preparing linguists for assignments in Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, and other regions.
Today, the Presidio of Monterey serves as home to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. It is a critical asset for U.S. national security, providing intensive language and cultural training to military personnel, federal agencies, and select international partners. The installation has retained its original name since the 19th century, with no significant official name changes.
Major Units & Training Programs
Deputy Under Secretary of the Army Mario Diaz met with the Army team at the Presidio of Monterey, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, and the Army contingent at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., Aug. 3, 2024. The Presidio of Monterey is home to one of the...
Major Units
Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC)
DLIFLC is the Department of Defense's premier language training institute, providing culturally based foreign language education, primarily to U.S. military personnel. Its mission is to prepare service members to communicate effectively in various languages for operational and intelligence roles.
U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey
The Garrison provides base operations support and services to the tenant units, service members, and families stationed at the Presidio of Monterey. It ensures the infrastructure, security, and quality of life necessary for mission readiness.
Training Schools
Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) Basic Language Courses
Overview
Intensive language instruction in over a dozen critical languages, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for military operations and intelligence gathering.
Course Length
36-64 weeks (depending on language)
Who Attends
Enlisted personnel and officers from all branches selected for linguist and intelligence specialties
Arrival & In-Processing
William Collins, environmental coordinator, Fort Ord Field Office, Army Base Realignment and Closure Office, opens the gate to the Fort Ord impact area at the start of a guided nature walk, Fort Ord National Monument, Calif., Sept. 18.
Welcome to the Presidio of Monterey! Arriving at a new installation can be a busy time, but being prepared will help your check-in go smoothly. Review these steps to ensure you and your family have a seamless transition. For more details and updates, visit the official Presidio of Monterey website.
The main entrance to the Presidio of Monterey is the Bolio Gate, which is the primary access point for all personnel and visitors. Bolio Gate operates 24/7, ensuring access at any hour. Bring a valid Military ID, CAC, or DoD Dependent ID for entry. If you use a state driver’s license, ensure it meets REAL ID Act standards—non-compliant licenses are not accepted for unescorted access. All vehicles are subject to random inspections, and expect a 100% ID check for all occupants. The base maintains a high security posture, so allow extra time for possible delays. To obtain a visitor or family member pass, stop at the Visitor Control Center just outside the Bolio Gate; all guests must have valid identification and may require a sponsor for 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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Proof of Housing (if already arranged)
Most incoming personnel are assigned a sponsor through their gaining unit. If you have not been contacted by a sponsor, reach out to your unit’s administrative office or use the online sponsor request form available on the Presidio of Monterey website.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, Building 616, near the main Bolio Gate. The Welcome Center operates Monday through Friday, 0800 to 1600. You will check in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical offices, and receive a base orientation. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days, depending on your individual needs and required briefings.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Bolio Gate, making it easy for arriving personnel and guests to access before entering the base. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 0600 to 1800, and closed on weekends and federal holidays. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and sponsoring guests for temporary access.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Movers load a service member’s household goods into a moving truck at a residence in Pacific Grove, Calif., May 11.
Arriving at Presidio of Monterey starts with receiving official orders and contacting your local Transportation Office. Decide early if you’ll use a Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY). The Defense Personal Property System (DPS) is your hub for scheduling, tracking, and managing your move—register and start your move as soon as you have orders.
You’re entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimbursement for up to 10 days at Presidio of Monterey. Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is also available to help offset moving costs. Review your entitlements and keep all receipts for reimbursement. Use DPS for real-time updates and to upload required documents.
Presidio of Monterey’s location means local hotels fill quickly, especially during peak PCS season. Book lodging early and confirm pet policies if needed. Check with your sponsor or the base welcome center for area-specific guidance and support.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book temporary lodging early—Monterey hotels fill up fast.
- Keep PCS orders, IDs, and important documents with you.
- Label boxes by room and take photos of valuables before packing.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess fees.
- Contact the Transportation Office for local moving restrictions or guidance.
- Plan pet travel and lodging arrangements in advance.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to schedule and manage your move.
Check official rates for TLE, DLA, and other PCS entitlements.
Get checklists, planning tools, and relocation guidance.
Find base-specific arrival and inprocessing information.