MCB QUANTICO
MARINES
Quantico, VA
United States
MCB QUANTICO
MARINES
Quantico, VA
United States
MCB Quantico
Base Essentials
Welcome to Marine Corps Base Quantico, the Crossroads of the U.S. Marine Corps . MCB Quantico serves as the focal point for Marine professional military education and training. MCB Quantico develops the professional leadership and strategies, operations, and tactics needed to meet the challenges our nation may face. MCB Quantico employs approximately 26,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel. The base is home to the Marine Corps Information Operations Center, Marine Corps Systems Command, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, Marine Corps Training and Education Command, Marine Corps Unive...
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
MCICOM
Status
Active
Est.
1917
Acres
55,000
Active Duty
12,000
Civilian
6,000
Population
6,300,000
Economic Impact
$3 billion
MCB Quantico History
Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, often called the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps," was established in 1917. Located along the Potomac River south of Washington, D.C., it is home to Marine Corps Combat Development Command, The Basic School (where all Marine officers are trained), Officer Candidates School, and the FBI Academy. Quantico is the intellectual and doctrinal center of the Marine Corps, where concepts, tactics, and organization are developed and tested. It will continue to play a central role as the Marine Corps implements Force Design 2030 and future force modernization.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
—
—
The Basic School
—
—
Officer Candidates School
—
—
Historic Timeline
1917
Marine Barracks Quantico Established
1920
Marine Corps Schools Established
1972
FBI Academy Opens at Quantico
1999
Marine Corps Combat Development Command Reorganized
2001
Marines Deploy in Response to September 11
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View Key Moments
(5)
1917
Marine Barracks Quantico Established
Marine Corps Base Quantico was established on the Potomac River in Virginia during World War I as a training and staging area for Marines deploying to France. The remote location provided ample space for maneuver training, live-fire ranges, and the development of Marine Corps amphibious doctrine.
1920
Marine Corps Schools Established
Marine Corps Schools — the precursor to today's Marine Corps University — were established at Quantico to provide professional military education for Marine officers. The Basic School (TBS), which commissions every newly appointed Marine officer to this day, was established as part of this educational framework.
1972
FBI Academy Opens at Quantico
The FBI Academy opened at Quantico as a co-located tenant on the Marine base, establishing a training partnership that endures to the present day. The Academy provides rigorous law enforcement training for FBI special agents, local police officers, and international law enforcement officials from over 150 countries.
1999
Marine Corps Combat Development Command Reorganized
Marine Corps Combat Development Command was reorganized at Quantico, consolidating doctrine development, concept development, and experimentation under one headquarters to accelerate the development of future Marine Corps capabilities and warfighting innovations.
2001
Marines Deploy in Response to September 11
Following the September 11 attacks, Marine units and key command elements at Quantico were among the first to respond to the national security crisis. Quantico's proximity to Washington D.C. made it a critical node in the immediate military response and subsequent homeland defense operations.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for MCB Quantico.
MCB Quantico Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for MCB Quantico.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from MCB Quantico.
Information
Marine Corps Base Quantico - Base Overview
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Information
TECOM Helps Marines Develop and Thrive
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Information
Explore Awe-Inspiring Nature at the Prince William Forest Park
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Entertainment Old
Great Games and Grub Await at Rosie's Gaming Emporium in Dumfries
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Entertainment Old
Quantico Marine Base vs. Quantico TV Show
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to MCB Quantico.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC)
Phone
(703) 784-4466Hours
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thu: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM (closed federal holidays)
In-Processing
All Marine Corps personnel reporting to MCB Quantico during normal working hours check in with the Officer-in-Charge at the Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC), located on the second deck of Building 2006 on Hawkins Avenue. Personnel arriving after duty hours report to the Area Officer of the Day at Headquarters & Service Battalion in the same building; the Command Duty Officer can be reached at (703) 784-2707. Bring PCS orders, service record book, and all travel documentation.
The IPAC Inbound Branch handles administrative onboarding including OQR/SRB updates, original orders endorsements, travel claim processing, and unit diary entries. After IPAC check-in, Marines report to their assigned battalion or squadron headquarters for the unit check-in sheet. The Commander's Welcome Aboard Brief is mandatory for all new active-duty personnel and is held approximately every other month, covering base services, medical, housing, childcare, schools, and local area orientation.
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Quantico operates the Information, Referral, and Relocation (IR&R) office at 3019 Embry Loop, Room 103 ((703) 784-2659). Per MCO 1754.10B, attendance at a PCS workshop is mandatory for all Marines executing a PCS move. The L.I.N.K.S. (Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills) program provides interactive acculturation covering Marine Corps history, ranks, local resources, benefits, pay, deployments, and traditions for Marines, spouses, and family members.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
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Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for MCB Quantico.
On-post housing at Marine Corps Base Quantico is managed by Lincoln Military Housing, which operates family communities in a wooded setting along the Potomac River in Northern Virginia, approximately 35 miles south of Washington D.C., with 2- to 4-bedroom homes available by rank and family size. Lincoln provides an online portal for applications and maintenance, alo…
Local Market
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Cost of Living Around MCB Quantico
140
40% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near MCB Quantico.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Program
1
Elementary Schools
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1
Middle Schools
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1
High Schools
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4
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Triangle
Suburban
Commute: 5 min
Schools: Prince William County Public Schools
Closest off-post community; limited shopping on-site (go to Dumfries); very short commute; affordable
Dumfries / Montclair
Suburban
Commute: 10 min
Schools: Prince William County Public Schools
Most popular off-post choice; Montclair lakeside community; strong military presence; good mix of rentals and homes for purchase
Stafford
Suburban
Commute: 20 min
Schools: Stafford County Public Schools
Newer homes (post-2010); quieter master-planned communities; south of base on I-95; popular with senior enlisted and officers
Woodbridge
Urban
Commute: 35 min
Schools: Prince William County Public Schools
More suburban DC feel; higher costs but more amenities and entertainment options; popular with officers and civilian DoD employees
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at MCB Quantico.
State Income Tax
Military Pay
Retirement Pay
Vehicle Tax
Vehicle Registration
Coming soon
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Property Tax
Coming soon
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Spouse Income Tax
Coming soon
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Combat Zone
Coming soon
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Pet Policies at MCB Quantico
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at MCB Quantico.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
MCB Quantico Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(703) 784-2770Hours
Mon–Wed 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM (closed 12–1 PM for lunch; call to confirm days)
Restricted Breeds
5
Prohibited Animals
—
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
Coming soon
Coming soon
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at MCB Quantico.
Commissary
1
Quantico MCB Commissary
Exchange
MCX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
Naval Health Clinic Quantico — Health Clinic
Childcare & Youth
Coming soon
MWR & Recreation
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MCB Quantico.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 1 - Main Gate (Fuller Road) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, MCB Quantico has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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03
What school district serves the base?
Prince William County Public Schools (rated B+ (Niche)) serves most military families at MCB Quantico. Visit pwcs.edu for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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04
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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05
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for MCB Quantico.
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06
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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07
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near MCB Quantico.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.