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U.S. Army Recruiting Los Angeles Battalion Base Guide

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Kena Sosa

U.S. Army Recruiting Los Angeles Battalion (also known as USAREC Los Angeles Battalion) is located in Encino and is part of a “geographically dispersed” Army Recruiting operation that features five companies in California (operating in Fresno, Bakersfield, and Gold Coast) working under the Army’s Central California Recruiting Battalion.

Learn more about USAREC Los Angeles Battalion, including information on basic services, in-processing, child care, off-duty education, and more below.

U.S. Army Recruiting Los Angeles Battalion History

In 1964, the United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) was, according to Army.mil, “activated as a single command to handle recruiting and retention for the Active Army as a whole,” and since 1964, the operation has grown to an area of responsibility of more than 2500 miles.

There are more than 200 military members and more than 30 civilians employed by the Battalion as part of USAREC operations.

Official sources say a major transformation U.S. Army Recruiting Los Angeles Battalion in 2007 included relocation to Encino, where it serves today as the face of the Army’s recruiting efforts in the area.

Surrounding Area

USAREC Los Angeles Battalion is not on a military base. Instead, the Battalion is in the local community, about 35 miles from Los Angeles Air Force Base. There is much to explore, including Hollywood, SoCal beach culture, various music venues and art spaces, etc.

But what should be on the minds of anyone relocating here on PCS or TDY orders? The cost of living, housing, and transportation expenses are often the biggest issues for families PCSing to the LA area.

Finding housing off base is not easy or cheap. The real estate markets here are among the most expensive in the U.S., and new arrivals should not expect military allowances such as BAH and BAS to fully offset the cost of living here.

Rents and sale prices can be as much as 40% higher than the national average, and you should start planning as early as possible to manage your expenses while serving in the Los Angeles area.

U.S. Army Recruiting Los Angeles Battalion Mission and Units

USAREC Los Angeles Battalion is all about recruiting, and in spite of the closeness of nearby Los Angeles Air Force Base (about 35 miles away), some will find themselves assigned to the battalion without the support of a nearby military base.

This is something recruiters must get used to in the early days of their careers, but according to the DoD, USAREC Los Angeles Battalion troops may operate within 50 miles of a military base in the area.

USAREC Units include:

  • San Gabriel Company
  • Long Beach Company
  • San Fernando Company
  • Coastal Company
  • Los Angeles Company

USAREC Los Angeles Battalion In-Processing and Check-In

All PCSing troops are directed to coordinate their arrivals with their sponsor. If you have PCS orders but have not been assigned a sponsor, contact the command support staff or call Soldier & Family Support at 818-401-2774. Due to the unique nature of this assignment typical check-in and inprocessing procedures may vary.

Child Care

There is no Child Development Center specifically for those working at the Battalion. Some use the Los Angeles AFB Child Development Center, but not all have the option, depending on duty location.

At Los Angeles AFB, CDC Care is offered to children ages six weeks to five years old; there is high demand for care, and waiting lists may apply. Part-time care and drop-in care may not be available.

When you get PCS orders to the area, see MilitaryChildCare.com, create a user profile, and begin the process for getting added to the waiting list. Shot records and “proof of military or DoD dependency” may be required.

U.S. Army Recruiting Los Angeles Battalion Housing

No base housing is specifically set aside for those who work for the Battalion, and depending on where you physically serve, you may qualify to apply for base housing at Fort MacArthur, Point Mugu, or Port Hueneme.

If you are coming here on PCS orders, do not enter into legally binding housing agreements until you have discussed housing issues with the sponsor at the gaining unit.

Some may find it necessary to start inprocessing to begin looking for housing due to duty assignment issues; you may be offered up to 10 days of permissive TDY to go house hunting in the area after you report to and check in with the Battalion.

Related: Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator

Commissary

There is no Commissary at USAREC Los Angeles Battalion.

PCS and TDY Lodging

For PCS and TDY travel to Los Angeles, try the Temporary Living Facility (TLF) located on Fort MacArthur in San Pedro. Those traveling on orders are given booking priority. If space is unavailable in TLF, the Lodging Office provides commercial contract lodging, and you may be required to obtain a statement of non-availability or equivalent.

There is no Los Angeles Air Force Base TLF option available at press time.

Transportation

Flying into the metro Los Angeles area can be challenging, and it is best to coordinate your arrival with your sponsor for best results navigating local rush hour, tourist season, weather hazards and other driving complications unique to the L.A. area.

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

Military members on PCS orders to the Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion who bring vehicles from out-of-state may keep their current state registration, plates, and driver’s license while assigned to the battalion.

See the California Department of Motor Vehicles webpage for the most current information on registration, emissions testing, and mandatory insurance requirements.

USAREC Los Angeles Battalion Schools

There are no DoD schools at USAREC Los Angeles Battalion or any DoD schools at nearby Los Angeles Air Force Base.

Children typically attend school based on the housing location on or off base. If you plan to live in on-base housing in San Pedro, for example, your school-age children may attend Leland Street Elementary School in Fort MacArthur and White Point Elementary School for those living in the Crest or the Heights.

Other options include Dana Middle School and San Pedro High School, which are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District.

You can contact a School Liaison Office at any of the L.A. area bases nearest you for assistance. There is also a resource available at the Battalion; contact the Soldier and Family Assistance Program Manager at 747-261-8894

Colleges and Universities

USAREC Los Angeles Battalion is not located on a military base, so the usual base Education Office type resources must be found elsewhere, such as at nearby Los Angeles Air Force Base. LA AFB includes on-base university options provided by Webster University, including degrees in the following disciplines:

  • MBA in Management and Leadership
  • MA in Management & Leadership
  • MA in Business & Organizational Security Management
  • MA in Procurement & Acquisitions Management
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management
  • Certificate in Government Contracting

Related: Ultimate GI Bill Guide

USAREC Los Angeles Battalion Contacts

US Army Recruiting Battalion-Los Angeles
6337 Balboa Boulevard
Encino, CA 91316
818-609-8446
818-609-7704

Important Phone Numbers

  • Executive Officer 818-609-0485
  • Advertising & Public Affairs 818-609-7312
  • Recruiter Trainer 818-401-2788
  • Virtual Recruiter Team 818-401-2773
  • Soldier & Family Support 818-401-2774
  • IMO 818-401-2780
  • Education Specialist 818-401-2754
  • S-1 / Personnel 818-401-2757
  • S-2 / Security 818-401-2762
  • S-3 / Operations 818-401-2795
  • S-4 / Supply 818-401-2772

Related: Ultimate Military Benefits Guide

Military Bases and VA Facilities in California

Find a listing of military bases, as well as VA resources and veteran facilities in the state of California.  If you are traveling to California on PCS orders, look up the BAH in your new duty location using our BAH Calculator.

The State of California provides a large number of veteran benefit programs. The state also provides veteran service officers across a wide range of California counties; these officers can help you file claims for VA benefits, compensation, and housing.  You can also look up veteran benefits in the State of California.

Air Force Bases in California

Did you know? The State of California offers military family members a benefit known as the California College Fee Waivers Program for Veterans’ Dependents. It waives tuition and mandatory fees for classes at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. The payment is limited to tuition and fees and does not cover books or lodging.

Defense Logistics Agency Centers in California

Space Force Bases in California

Army Bases in California

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.

Marine Corps Bases in California

Navy Bases in California

Reserve and National Guard Bases in California

Did you know? The State of California has been helping veterans and families get into affordable veteran home loans for 100 years. CalVets offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages for veterans and their families through a network of participating lenders. This California state government program is just one of the many options for veterans who live in Orange County or anywhere else in the state.

Department of Veterans Affairs Locations In California

The Department of Veterans Affairs facility locator on the VA official site does NOT list all VA facilities in the state at press time. What follows is the VA’s current list of facilities based on the locator found on the VA official site:

VA Clinics In California

Oakhurst VA Clinic

40597 Westlake Drive
Oakhurst, CA 93644-9024
559-683-5300
Mental health: 559-683-5300

Fresno VA Medical Center

2615 East Clinton Avenue
Fresno, CA 93703-2223
559-225-6100
Mental health: 559-228-5336

VA Benefits Centers

VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Fresno

855 M. Street
Suites 150 and 155
Fresno, CA 93721
559-443-1491

Pre-Discharge Site at Naval Airstation Lemoore

937 W Franklin Ave
Lemoore, CA 93246
800-827-1000

VA Cemeteries

Big Sandy Rancheria Veterans Cemetery

37387 Auberry Mission Rd.
Auberry, CA 93602
559-374-0066

VA Vet Centers

Fresno Vet Center

1320 East Shaw Avenue
Suite 125
Fresno, CA 93710
559-487-5660

Other Military Bases in the Continental United States:

Please review our complete list of Military Bases by State.

About the author

Kena Sosa

Website | + posts

Kena Sosa is an award-winning author, filmmaker and percussionist. She
earned her BA from OLLU and her MBEGT from SMU. She published two
award-winning children’s books. Kena has written for CBS/DFW Local and
Multicultural Review Magazine. She was the Guest Editor for the Fall/Winter
2023 ChildArt Magazine issue. Kena has written for Recon Media since 2023.

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