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Twentynine Palms is considered to be more affordable than most cities in Southern California with a rent average of $1300 per month.
There are some important rules and regulations that you need to be aware of when coming to 29 Palms:
Telephone Access
To obtain command listing and phone numbers to the various facilities aboard MCAGCC call the Information, Referral and Relocation office at 760-830-6344 or email brittany.rising@usmc.mil.
All official activities aboard the Combat Center have an area code and prefix of 760-830-xxxx, unless otherwise noted. All off-base, local activities have an area code of 760.
Defense Service Network Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations the DSN area code must be included.
The Information, Referral and Relocation program is located in building 1526. IR&R coordinates with base services and leadership to host the Commanding General's Welcome Aboard Orientation. This brief is mandatory for all Marines, excluding students, E-1 through E-6, O1 and O2, and CWO1. All personnel and family are welcome and highly encouraged to attend. Lending Lockers are available with general kitchen items and basic houshold items. Lending Lockers can be utilized during your PCS move, either coming aboard or departing the Combat Center. Contact the IR&R program manager Brittany Rising for more information at 760-830-6344 or email brittany.rising@usmc.mil.
The Combat Center's unique mission is to conduct relevant live-fire combined arms training, urban operations, and Joint/Coalition level integration training that promotes operational force readiness as well as to provide the facilities, services and support responsive to the needs of resident organizations, Marines, sailors and their families today and tomorrow.
The land has a history of military use dating back to 1940, when the Army used the area for training glider crews. Glider training ended in 1943, when the Army switched to training fighter pilots. At the end of World War II, the Navy used the area as a bombing range until 1945, when it was transferred to San Bernardino County. In 1952, the Marine Corps took charge and was designated Headquarters Marine Corps Training Center. In 1957, it was commissioned as a Marine Corps Base. In 1979, the Base finally became what we know it as today, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. For more information about what Twentynine Palms has to offer visitors, please visit the 29 Palms website here. You can also visit the City of Twentynine Palms official site here.
The installation is comprised of active duty Marines, sailors, DOD civilians, family members, contractors, and retirees. MCAGCC is home to many different commands, including the Marine Corps Communications and Electronics School, 7th Marines Regiment, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd LAR, CLB 7, MCLOG, MCTOG, and TTECG.
Twentynine Palms has a population of over 28,000.
The population of 29 Palms MCAGCC is quite large. It includes 12,500 active duty, 24,000 family members, and another 21,000 DOD employees and contractors. Because California is a popular retirement location, 29 Palms has about 1,200 retirees in the area. These numbers have increased over the years.
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center is located in San Bernardino County in Southern California. MCGACC covers more than 1100 square miles of the high desert, which makes it larger than some small countries. It also hosts the Corps' largest military occupational specialty school, the Marine Corps Communications and Electronics School (MCCES). This premier training facility is nestled in the quiet desert paradise of Twentynine Palms, and together and makes up one of the most unique living environments in the western United States. The small military community of Twentynine Palms boasts a moderate cost of living, clean air and acts as the Gateway to the great California Outback.
From Needles, CA: Take I-40 West towards Barstow. Take exit 78 onto Kelbaker Rd and continue to National Trails Hwy. Turn right onto National Trails Hwy and continue to N Amboy Rd. Turn left on N Amboy Rd and continue to Adobe Rd.. Turn right on Adobe Rd and it will take you to the main gate for MCAGCC.
From I-10: Take exit 117 onto Highway 62 towards Joshua Tree. Continue down Highway 62 till you reach Adobe Rd in Twentynine Palms. Turn left onto Adobe Rd. That will take you to the main gate of MCAGCC.
Airport Transportation
The Combat Center is located approximately 60 miles from Palm Springs Airport (PSP). The only public transportation from the airport to the Combat Center is the Morongo Basin Transit Authority (MBTA) bus service. Please call 1-800-794-6282 (in CA only) for more information.
Additional Area AirportsOther Airports utilized are Las Vegas (3 1/2 hours drive time); Ontario (2 1/2 hours drive time); Los Angeles (3 1/2 hours drive time).
Whatever form of transportation you use, request a receipt to turn in with a travel claim. Make sure you agree upon a fare before departing the area and get a receipt upon arrival.
Arriving at Front Gate
When you arrive at the front gate with a valid ID card, a valid real state drivers license, proof of insurance and valid and current vehicle registration, then you will be able proceed to your unit for in processing. The Visitor's Center is open Monday - Friday 5 a.m. - 9p.m. It is closed weekends and federal holidays. The Visitor's Center located at the main front gate can be reached at (760) 830-6794 for more information.
In the event that you are unable to locate a specific office or department, please call Information 760-830-6000, or Information, Referral and Relocation at 760-830-6344 or email the IR&R program manager at brittany.rising@usmc.mil. The IR&R program manager will be able to assist in finding the right department and provide contact information.