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Marine Corps Base Quantico Guide

Joe Wallace

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, is approximately 35 miles south of Washington, D.C., in Prince William County, Virginia. The Marine presence here is only one major operation at Quantico; the installation also houses assets and programs belonging to the DEA and FBI. Quantico has an on-base population of over 28 thousand people, with thousands of contractors, military personnel, and civilians working side-by-side.

Marine Corps Base Quantico

• Contacts
• History
• Surrounding Area
• Units
• In-Processing
• Household Goods Shipments
• Child Care
• Housing
• Transportation
• Vehicle Policies
• PCS & TDY Lodging
• Schools
• Colleges & Universities

Marine Corps Base Quantico History

Quantico is notable for its role in many American conflicts, even before a base was constructed here. During the Revolution, many involved in the American independence movement were from Quantico, and roads leading in and out of the area were key supply lines during the war.

By the time of the Civil War, Quantico would evolve into a major strategic zone due to a Confederate blockade of the Potomac River. Toward the end of the 1800s, the area was purchased by private speculators and would ultimately be sold to the federal government in 1917

That was the same year Marine Barracks Quantico was established as a training zone for Marines shipping out to World War One. At this time, the facility was known as Marine Corps Schools Quantico.

There was work done at Quantico to advance warfighting tactics; one result was the creation of the Fleet Marine Force. Known as FMF for short, it resided at Quantico until 1941, when the mission of the installation was modified to focus on individual training rather than training en masse. Many decades later, Marine Corps University was added to the base’s missions in 1989.

In 1995, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory opened here, developing new tactics and military technology designed to compete in the 21st century. Circa 2015, MCB Quantico was designated Marine Corps Installations Command-National Capital Region – Marine Corps Base Quantico.

There have been many other changes and alterations since then; today, MCB Quantico is responsible for adding some $5 billion to the economy in the area, supporting approximately 30 federal agencies.

MCB Quantico Surrounding Area

Quantico is located in the heart of American history and national landmarks. Nearby you will also find local establishments, including Potomac Point Winery, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Mallows Bay River and the usual shopping malls and tourist attractions.

Proximity to Washington D.C. is a bonus for anyone PCSing to the area or temporarily visiting on leave or during a TDY. Your D.C. options include the Smithsonian, the National Air And Space Museum, Vietnam and Korean War memorials.

Marine Corps Base Quantico Units

Marine Corps Base Quantico is dedicated to training, educating, and developing Marines as well as supporting and refining 21st-century warfighting concepts. The MCB Quantico mission includes serving as the General Court-Martial Convening Authority in the National Capital Region not already under a Convening Authority.

Units and missions at MCB Quantico include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Marine Corps Embassy Security Group
• Marine Corps Combat Development Command
• Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory
• Marine Corps Recruiting Command
• Manpower and Reserve Affairs Division, Headquarters Marine Corps
• Marine Corps Systems Command
• Marine Corps Training and Education Command
• Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Staff Training Program
• Marine Corps University
• Officer Candidates School
• Marine Corps Network Operations Security Command
• Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment
• The Basic School

Other agencies operating at Quantico include:

• Defense Intelligence Agency
• Drug Enforcement Administration training academy
• FBI Academy
• FBI Hostage Rescue Team
• Marine Raider Museum
• Naval Criminal Investigative Service
• Headquarters, Army CID
• Headquarters, AFOSI

Inprocessing Procedures At Quantico

Your branch of service may dictate your check-in and inprocessing procedures at MCB Quantico. If you aren’t sure about your first requirements upon arrival, check with your sponsor or your gaining command. All military personnel reporting must check in wearing the service “Alpha” uniform no matter what “uniform season” currently applies.

Navy Check-In

Navy personnel are required to report to the Navy Personnel Office (or other location as designated in PCS or TDY orders) during normal duty hours. After-hours reporting is made to the Duty Officer at the Naval Health Clinic, 703-784-1725. If you require bachelor housing, check in with the Bachelor Housing Office at 703-784-3149.

Marine Corps Check-In

All Marine Corps personnel arriving at Quantico during normal duty hours are required to check in with the Officer-in-Charge, Installation Personnel Administration Center. Those reporting in after-duty working hours must report to the Area Officer of the Day, Headquarters & Service Battalion.

Notes for All Personnel

For all check-ins and inprocessing, please supply copies of PCS or TDY orders, medical and school records, marriage licenses where applicable, insurance policies, shot records, passports, wills, and powers of attorney. If you aren’t sure what to bring or who to contact, discuss your inprocessing needs with your gaining unit.

Household Goods

All incoming personnel coming on PCS orders to MCB Quantico should schedule and manage household goods shipments via The Defense Personal Property System. The old move.mil address is now completely closed.

Child Care

Quantico child care options include the Child Development Center, which is operated by the agency known as Marine and Family Programs. Options include hourly care for 6 weeks to five years of age, and there is also a  Family Child Care (FCC) program that features home-based care for children ages six weeks to twelve years of age.  All PCSing troops headed to Quantico are directed to use MilitaryChildCare.com to get on the CDC waitlist and explore other options. There are two CDC facilities here:

• CDC North: Call 703-784-4470
• CDC South: Call 703-784-3652

Marine Corps Base Quantico Housing

Housing at Marine Corps Base Quantico is operated in partnership with Liberty Military Housing, For information regarding on-base housing, call 703-432-8500; for off-base housing referrals, call 703-784-2711. Waiting lists may apply; for on-base housing, your wait may last only a few weeks or as long as a year, depending on demand, mission requirements, and other variables.

Living on the installation is not a requirement, but if you are single or unaccompanied, contact your gaining unit prior to your PCS. You may be able to locate temporary, interim housing in the local community willing to rent weekly or month-to-month.

Transportation Options at Marine Corps Base Quantico

It is important to make prior arrangements with your gaining unit before traveling here on a TDY or during a permanent change of station move. If you are unfamiliar with the area surrounding MCB Quantico, don’t try to navigate the area during peak travel times without discussing your plans with your sponsor. Proximity to Washington, D.C. means having to deal with D.C.-style traffic.

Marine Corps Base Quantico has a base taxi service; in the local community, OmniLink Bus Service operates lines from Quantico to Triangle, Dumfries, and elsewhere.

Marine Corps Base Quantico Vehicle Policies

To register a privately owned vehicle, minimum insurance coverage and a current safety inspection sticker is required in cases where the vehicle is already registered in Virginia. All individuals under 26 years of age must complete a military driver’s improvement course before driving on base.

You may be required to register your vehicle on base. All motorcycle drivers will be required to complete a safety course.

Those at Quantico via PCS or TDY orders and who drive with an out-of-state license are allowed to do so; military family members may also use the valid driver’s license issued by the state they are from. Service members who are not legal residents of Virginia can register vehicles in their state of legal residence without having to pay personal property taxes to the State of Virginia.

PCS and TDY Lodging

Military families PCSing to Quantico should make reservations with Inns of the Corps, which has nearly 80 rooms and features access to a Marine Corps Exchange Micromart (on the first floor) plus a coin-operated laundry located. For reservations, call 703-630-4444.

Marine Corps Base Quantico Schools

MCB Quantico offers two on-base DoD schools. Pre-kindergarten through age 5 typically enrolls at Crossroads Elementary School.

The combined Quantico Middle/High School is for grades 6 through 12.

For local area options off-base, contact a representative of the MCB Quantico School Liaison Program at 703-784-4729.

Off-base, military families are served by school districts in:

• • Prince William county
  • Stafford county
  • Spotsylvania county

Virginia state law may require the following immunizations:

• • Diphtheria
  • Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
  • Tetanus. Three doses as an infant.
  • Tetanus / Diphtheria) booster is required if ten years have elapsed since the last booster.
  • Oral Polio Vaccine (two doses as an infant, booster after the fourth birthday and before school)
  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Mumps
  • German Measles (MMR), first dose at 12 to 15 months of age.

Virginia law also requires students to have a second dose of measles (rubeola) vaccine before kindergarten. Hepatitis B, evidence of immunization against Hepatitis B is required for students born on or after January 1, 1994.

Quantico Colleges and Universities

If you seek help with your education opportunities at Quantico, contact the Voluntary Education Center, which offers on-base college programs at multiple levels including Doctorate programs.  Seven colleges and universities operate at MCB Quantico and there are nearly 50 programs to choose from; there are in-person and online class options available. Colleges represented through this program include:

• Old Dominion University
• Park University
• University of Maryland
• Averett University
• Central Texas College

There are also “visiting” schools including:

• American Military University
• Excelsior College
• Germanna Community College
• Grand Canyon University
• University of Mary Washington

For more information on these schools, the program, or enrollment, call the Voluntary Education Center at 703-784-3308.

Base Contacts

Main Address and Contact Information

3019 Embry Loop
Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA 22134-5001

• Phone 703-784-2659
• Phone (DSN) 312-278-4961
• Fax 703-784-0859 / (DSN) 312-784-0859

Marine Corps Base Quantico Telephone Numbers

• Local Directory Assistance 800-373-3411
• Base Information 784-2121
• Child Development Center 703-784-3652
• Consolidated Substance Abuse Counseling Center  784-3502
• Exceptional Family Member Program 571-931-0524
• Family Advocacy 784-2570
• Family Member Employment Assistance Program 784-3232
• Family Readiness 784-2687
• Family Services Center Advocacy 784-3523
• Family Services Center 784-2659
• Headquarters & Service Battalion S-1 784-2261
• Life Long Education 784-4010
• Marine & Family Services Director  784-4830
• Marine Corps Air Facility 784-2441
• Marine Corps Embassy Security Group 784-3268
• Marine Corps Systems Command 432-3964
• MCCDC Command Duty Officer 784-6281
• Military Personnel Office 784-3941 or 800-268-3710
• Naval Criminal Investigative Service 784-2993
• Naval Medical Clinic 784-1725
• NMCI Helpdesk 866-843-6624
• Personal Property and Household Goods 784-2831
• Quantico Dependents School System (New York & Virginia District DDESS) 630-7012

Military Bases in Virginia

The State of Virginia has more than 115 thousand active-duty troops stationed here. There are more than 25 military installations, DoD activities, and recruiting centers in the state; U.S. Space Force is the only branch of service not represented in the state with its own installation at press time.

If you are traveling to Virginia on PCS orders, look up the BAH in your new duty location using our BAH Calculator. You can also look up military benefits offered in Virginia.

Other Marine Corps Bases in Virginia

• MCCS Hampton Roads

Joint Bases in Virginia

• Joint Base Langley-Eustis
• Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story

Did you know? The State of Virginia offers education benefits to surviving spouses and dependents of qualifying military members. The Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program is offered to the survivors of veterans “at least 90 percent permanently disabled as a result of military service.”

The benefit is also offered to qualifying survivors of those killed in action, missing in action, taken prisoner, or “who has been rated by the USDVA as totally and permanently disabled or at least 90 percent permanently disabled as a direct result of involvement in covered military combat.”

Navy Bases in Virginia

• Naval Air Station Oceana
• Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex
• Naval Station Norfolk
• Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Northwest Annex
• Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSF Dahlgren)
• Naval Weapons Station Yorktown
• Newport News Shipyard
• Norfolk Naval Shipyard
• Surface Combat Systems Center Wallops Island

Army Bases in Virginia

• Fort Belvoir
• Fort Lee
• Fort Myer
• Fort Pickett
• Henderson Hall
• USAREC, Richmond Recruiting Battalion

Air National Guard Bases in Virginia

• Virginia Air National Guard Hampton
• Virginia Air National Guard Virginia Beach

Coast Guard Bases in Virginia

• Coasts Guard Base Portsmouth
• Finance Center Coast Guard Base
• National Maritime Center Coast Guard

Get more info on VA benefits for veterans, retirees, separating service members, spouses, dependents, and disabled veterans. Learn more about the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, monthly housing allowances, VA loans, and TRICARE.

Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Virginia

Charlottesville VA Clinic

590 Peter Jefferson Parkway
Suite 250
Charlottesville, VA 22911-4655
434-293-3890
Mental health: 434-293-3890

Lynchburg VA Clinic

1600 Lakeside Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501-3116
434-316-5000
Mental health: 434-316-5000 x5601

Staunton VA Clinic

102 Lacy B. King Way
Staunton, VA 24401-4594
540-886-5777
Mental health: 540-886-5777

VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Lewis F. Powell Jr. US Courthouse Annex

1100 E. Main Street
Suite 201
Richmond, VA 23249
804-675-6569

Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Site at Fort Gregg-Adams

700 24th Street
Bldg 8204-2, Room 210
Fort Gregg-Adams, VA 23801
804-734-9314

Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office

210 Franklin Rd, SW
Roanoke, VA 24011
800-827-1000

Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) and Pre-Discharge Claims Intake Site at Marine Corps Base Quantico

3250 Catlin Loop
Quantico, VA 22134
800-827-1000

VetSuccess on Campus at George Mason University

4400 University Dr.
SUB 1 BLDG, Room 1510
Fairfax, VA 22030
800-827-1000

VetSuccess on Campus at Northern Virginia Community College

4001 Wakefield Chapel Road
Brault Building
Annandale, VA 22003
800-827-1000

Staunton National Cemetery

901 Richmond Ave
Staunton, VA 24401
540-825-0027

Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia

10300 Pridesville Road
Amelia, VA 23002
855-482-8387

Other Military Bases in the Continental United States:

• Fort Novosel, Alabama (Formerly Fort Rucker)
• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
• Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
• Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas
• Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado

Look up the BAH in your new duty location by searching for your zip code’s housing allowance using our BAH Calculator. You can also review our complete list of Military Bases by State