MCBCamp Pendleton is about 42 miles north of the San Diego International Airport (Lindbergh Field) and about 88 miles south of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Transportation to and from Lindbergh Field
Westwind Express (47 passenger motor coach): (858) 693-6828. Pick up is at the USO (West Terminal). Cost is $15.00 one way to anywhere aboard the base. Each additional person is half price within the same family. Children under 3 years old are free. Reservations are required for clients leaving Camp Pendleton and Sato Travel on base sells tickets. There are five shuttles per day, seven days per week to Camp Pendleton. Cash or travelers checks accepted only.

San Diego Express Shuttle, 24-hour service, seven days a week. For more information, call (800) 900-RIDE (7433), or (619) 220-8454, or (619) 295-1900.

Amtrak Rail: (800) 872-7245 (Recording) Take local bus to the Amtrak Station. Amtrak costs $10.00 one way (to or from Oceanside). Cost is $20.00 round-trip (including military discount).

The United Service Organiztion (USO) is located in Terminal #2 of the San Diego Airport and is open from 9 to 1 a.m., 365 days a year. The USO is a non-profit, civilian operated organization with tremendous support and operates worldwide in more than 160 locations. The facility boasts a television lounge and sitting area, video games, movies, transportation assistance (referral to shuttle services to Camp Pendleton) and directions, as well as free coffee and refreshments. For more information, call (619) 296-3192.

Transportation to and from LAX
Marine Liaison offers information to service members who are departing for or returning from overseas duty stations. For information or referral, call (310) 363-1997/3590 or DSN 833-1997/3590, or (800) 723-3080.

United Service Organization (USO) provides information and referral services to active duty personnel, their family members and retirees. They have speciYc information on the times of day the buses and trains run to Camp Pendleton. For more information on services provided by LAX USO, call (310) 642-1120 or DSN 833-2865.

Mass Transit
The North County Transit District (NCTD) operates the BREEZE (bus), COASTER (train) and SPRINTER (light rail) systems. NCTD's geographical service area encompasses 1,020 square miles of northern San Diego County, extending from Del Mar in the south, northeasterly to Escondido, north to the Riverside County line and west to the Orange County line. The area includes the unincorporated communities of Fallbrook and Ramona, as well as MCB Camp Pendleton. Other cities in the service area include Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos. It's now cool to ride the bus. NCTD BREEZE buses carry passengers in the northern San Diego County region from Oceanside to Del Mar, northeast to Escondido, east to Ramona, north to Fallbrook and to San Clemente in Orange County, including service for MCB Camp Pendleton. NCTD's BREEZE buses stop at or near major regional attractions, including the San Diego Wild Animal Park near Escondido (Route 386, Monday through Friday only) and LEGOLAND in Carlsbad (Route 321, Monday through Friday only. Catch the 321 from the COASTER station at Carlsbad Village). Various coastal routes (especially Route 101) have stops at many of North County's beaches. Many BREEZE bus routes connect with the COASTER and new SPRINTER trains.

North County also has a new east-west mobility link between Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido: the SPRINTER rail line. The SPRINTER offers easy connections to the COASTER, BREEZE, Amtrak, Metrolink, and a future Bus Rapid Transit project planned in Escondido.

More than 20 COASTER trains link North Country and San Diego every weekday and 10 trains on Saturdays (the COASTER does not operate regular service on Sundays, except for home Padres games) and does not offer service on major holidays.

The SPRINTER runs 22 miles along the Highway 78 corridor, effortlessly transporting passengers to work, school, shopping centers and other activities. The SPRINTER reduces trafYc by eliminating hundreds of cars and offers northern county residents a green alternative. The predictable, reliable service is easy to use, practical and consumer friendly. It's easy to reach top destinations using the BREEZE bus system, which serves all 15 stations. Additionally, the COASTER trains, which run south to San Diego, connect with the SPRINTER in Oceanside.

The NCTD Web site offers user-friendly trip planners and information (including fares, hours of operation, etc.) for each type of transit at http://www.gonctd.com/index.htm or you can call 511 to plan your trip by using phone assistance prompts. Call (619) 233-3004 to plan your trip if you are calling from outside San Diego County.

Car
Driving directions in and around Camp Pendleton are fairly easy because the base is located off of Interstate 5 which runs up and down the entire West Coast. When driving towards Camp Pendleton on I-5 from either direction, you know you are close when you enter the city of Oceanside. The Camp Pendleton exit is clearly labeled and this exit takes you directly to the front gate of the base. If you are planning to drive your personally owned vehicle (POV) aboard MCB Camp Pendleton, you will need a current driver's license along with the vehicle's current registration document and proof of insurance for that vehicle.

California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The Department of Motor Vehicle Office is located in Building 130132 on the base. Open on Thursdays only, it provides many of the services available at off-base offices, including issuing and renewal of California driver's licenses (except behind-the-wheel driving tests and commercial tests), California identification cards and vehicle registrations. For more information, call (800) 777-0133.

Nearby communities offer complete DMV services Monday though Friday. Call the toll-free number for the one nearest you at (800) 777-0133.

California State Driving Regulations
• Under California law, a driver must not drive faster than what is safe for road and weather conditions. All areas on Camp Pendleton have posted speed limits, with a maximum of 55 miles per hour.
• Seat belts are required by California law and must be used while driving. Child safety restraints are required for all children until they are either 6 years old or weigh 60 pounds.
• Vehicles LESS than 30 years old require a smog-control device as certified by the state of California. Vehicles will not be equipped with any bypass or modification to increase motor noise.
• It is unlawful to drive under the influence of, or transport an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle except in a trunk, or out of the immediate vicinity of the occupants. Both California and Camp Pendleton have strict regulations regarding alcohol. Infractions can weigh heavily with civilian records and legal implications may affect military careers or legal status.
• Service members must have a valid driver's license to drive in California. Out-of-state licenses are acceptable for those over 18 who are not residents of California but, if cited, the driver must be able to prove he or she is not a California resident. Service members under 18 must possess a valid driver's license from their home state and obtain, within 60 days of entering California, a non-resident minor's certificate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or a California driver's license.
• Family members must meet the same requirements as previously listed, except those under 18 must obtain a non-resident minor's certificate or California driver's license within 10 days. Those over 18 may operate a motor vehicle with a VALID outof- state driver's license, if non-resident status is maintained.
• All vehicles driven or moved on California highways must be registered and have the appropriate fees paid.
• Upon registering a vehicle, owners will receive a registration certificate that must be kept in the vehicle at all times and be presented to a peace officer upon request.
• Members of the armed forces are permitted to drive in California with license plates issued to them by any state, territory or country where they were last assigned for military duty.
• Service members may or may not be allowed to drive in California with expired out-of-state licenses, depending on their state of residence.

To find out the law for your particular state, call the base Military Police traffic desk at (760) 725-5991 (Building 1531).

Vehicle Registration
Privately owned motor vehicles (POV) operated on the base must be registered within five days of arrival. All personnel reporting aboard are required to present identification card, driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance to enter the base.

Registration (Decal) is available for a maximum period of three years for all military personnel. To register vehicles aboard Camp Pendleton, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Have a certificate of registration, or possess written, notarized permission from the registered owner to operate the vehicle.
2. Drivers 18 years of age or older must possess a driver's license from their home state or California. Drivers under 18 must possess a California driver's license or obtain a certificate of compliance (SR22) along with a driver's license issued in their home state. Applications for SR 22s are available through insurance companies.
3. Have an insurance policy with a minimum of $15,000 bodily injury or death of one person, $30,000 bodily injury or death of two or more persons and $5,000 property damage.
4. Family members must show their dependents' ID card.
5. All vehicles registered out of the state of California are required to possess proof of passing a California smog test (excluding diesel engines and vehicles 20 years or older).

The registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for compliance with base regulations pertaining to the registration of the vehicle, safety inspection, etc. However, the person operating the vehicle is responsible for observance of all traffic regulations.

Motorcycle Registration
To register a motorcycle aboard the base, personnel must complete the Motorcycle Office, and have a driver's license, insurance, registration and your motorcycle endorsement. Requirements necessary for automobile registration also apply to motorcycles. For more information on the courses, call the Safety Office at (760) 725-2897.

The Safety Office also provides a pamphlet listing current motorcycle safety regulations and laws for the state of California and the base. The following motorcycle safety gear is required on base: high-visibility vest (reflective type), safety helmet (DOT-approved minimum), eye protection/goggles or safety shield, full-length trousers, long-sleeved shirt, gloves, footwear made of leather covering the entire foot, with heels and soles of hard leather or rubber only.

Traffic Management Office
The Traffic Management Office offers a full complement of traffic management services to base, tenant and transient units and personnel. The Personal Property Shipping office, in Building 2263, is responsible for all DoD personal property shipments into and out of northern San Diego County. To inquire about inbound shipments, call (760) 725-3591. Outbound shipment counseling is performed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. on a walk-in basis. For information, call (760) 725-8164. If your shipment suffers loss or damage, contact the Claims Section at (760) 725-4148.

The Personal Effects and Baggage Center is responsible for coordinating storage of personal effects and vehicles for deploying units, processing personal effects for personnel absent from their commands and receiving lost baggage from the San Diego Airport. For more information, call (760) 725-3519.

The Passenger Travel branch is responsible for procuring commercial travel Camp Pendleton- based units. In addition, they coordinate no-fee passports for personnel on official orders and port calls for personnel traveling to overseas areas. Offices are located in Buildings 2263 and 520420. Call (760) 725-8637 for assistance.

Identification Cards
All ID cards for active duty, retired, reserve personnel and their dependents, as well as government service employees, are issued at the Pass and ID Offices.

The offices are located at Mainside in Building 130132, (Joint Reception Center) and at the Main Gate Building 20250 (just off I-5). Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please call (760) 725-2442 (JRC) or (760) 725-2633/2768 (Main Gate) for more information. Dependent children must obtain an identification card at age 10 to be eligible to use any facilities.

Civil Service employees must obtain a DD Form 1172-2 from the Civilian Resources Office, Building 2265. For more information, call (760) 725-3794. NAFI employees must obtain a DD Form 1172-2 from the Human Resources Director's Office, Building 15000.

For more information, call (760) 725-5631. The Naval Hospital on Camp Pendleton also has an Identification Card office. For more information, call (760) 725-1308.

Sponsorship
The Sponsorship Program is a very helpful tool for inbound members. To request a sponsor at your new duty station, approach your unit Sponsorship Coordinator who will send a message with all your pertinent information to your new command and the gaining activity will assign a sponsor. You may also discuss sponsorship issues with your Relocation Specialist. Your sponsor will get in touch with you by letter, phone or email and answer your questions and will meet you and greet you and show you around at Camp Pendleton. A sponsor's assistance can make all the difference in helping you and your family settle in as quickly as possible.

Self-Moves/ DO-IT-YOURSELF (DITY) Move
(813) 828-2600 or DSN 968-2600
Traffic Management Offices (TMOs) Marine Corps-wide now offer a new service to expedite the reimbursement process for Do-It-Yourself (DITY) moves. In the past, Marines had to send their DITY paperwork and receipts by mail to the Transportation Voucher Certification Division (TVCD) in Albany, Ga. If no discrepancies were found in the paperwork, Marines would receive reimbursement in six to eight weeks. If there were any mistakes, reimbursement could be delayed by months. Now, TMO personnel can upload completed travel voucher packages to a share-point intranet site that can be accessed by TVCD more efficiently. The site also allows TMO and TVCD personnel to track the military member's paperwork as it is being processed. With this capability to track the paperwork, Marines can receive an exact date for payment.

Although the new service is available to all Marines, only major Marine Corps installations, such as Camp Pendleton and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, can upload to the share-point site. Those assigned to independent duty or reserve stations must submit their paperwork by mail. For more information on DITY moves, access the Marine Corps Logistics Command site at www.logcom.usmc.mil/tvcd.

Service personnel performing a stateside move are entitled to perform a DITY move for some or all of their personal property. They must indicate this at the time they contact the TMO to arrange for their outbound counseling. A DITY move is an option and can be used in lieu of the government contracted move or in conjunction with the contracted move. This program will pay 95 percent of the government contracted cost. Service members desiring to perform a DITY can be authorized a 60 percent advance operating allowance. Vehicles authorized for use under the DITY program are sport utility vehicles (SUV), pick-up trucks, vans or a private or rental trailer pulled by Privately Owned Vehicle (POV), or commercial rental vehicles.

Temporary Lodging
Ward Lodging
Building 1310
Phone (760) 725-5304/5194
DSN 365-5304/5194
Fax (760) 735-5609
Room rates are $59 standard room, $64 deluxe room and $72 with kitchenette.

Complimentary continental breakfast and business center with high-speed Internet access and newspaper, health and beauty aids, mini bar, DVD player and premium cable TV featured in all rooms. Kitchenettes include cooking and dining utensils. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available. Reservations may be made up to one year in advance.

Ward Lodging is within walking distance to Domino's, Wendy's, Subway and Starbucks. Close to shopping, movie, bowling, ticket and tours office, swimming pool, fitness center and service clubs. Located Mainside (13 Area), 15 miles from Main Gate at I-5.

Housing
Military personnel reporting to Camp Pendleton MUST register with the Base Housing Office, Building 1138, prior to making a rental agreement or purchasing a home in the civilian community. It is strongly advised that those service members who qualify for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) with dependent rate apply for government quarters at this time.

Eligibility for assignment begins with a control date that may be the date of detachment from the last permanent duty station. Waiting periods range from two to 30 months and vary according to rank and family composition. Normally, personnel who wish to reside off base are permitted to do so. Early inquiries often prevent unpleasant surprises and allow for proper planning. Call (760) 725-6246/6310, DSN 365-6246/6310 or (800) 843-2182.

On-base Housing
Camp Pendleton's base housing came under the management of a private company in 2003. Lincoln Military Housing provides over 6,800 homes within 18 communities serving the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and practically every unit on base will be or has been renovated. The wait for a two- or three-bedroom unit is less than six months, but expect to wait up to a year for four or five bedrooms. The cost of living in southern California is much higher than most other places in the U.S. Gas prices are highest in California, and commutes between 15 and 50 or more minutes are commonly required just to get around the base because Pendleton is so vast. Discounted gas is available on base, and using the commissary can help cut food costs.

Off-base Housing
Apartment Rentals
Even with recent economic events, the communities around MCB Camp Pendleton are considered high-cost areas. Average rent for a one bedroom apartment is from $925 to $985. Two bedroom is between $1,150 to $1,375. Security deposit usually equals Yrst and last month's rent. For pet owners, plan on an additional deposit for the pet (usually from $500 and up, depending on the weight and type of pet). There are certain breeds of dogs that are not allowed in any apartment. An additional pet monthly rent is usually required, running between $20 to $25 per month.

Home Rental Agents
Considering that many homeowners are not selling their homes, but are interested in renting them out, some bargains can be had when renting a home. A good rental agent can help you refine your search. Also be sure to consult the Internet and newspaper listings for "Homes for Rent." A few agents in popular civilian communities near Camp Pendleton include:
Summerwood Properties LLC
365 W. Clemmens Lane
Fallbrook, CA 92028
(760) 728-9055

COTA Bob Realty
266 N. El Camino Real
Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 433-9510

Century 21 OMA Property Management
229 Avenida Del Mar
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 498-1690

Trend Equity - Residential Rentals
27290 Madison Ave.
Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 894-6669

Renter's Insurance Companies
USAA
(800) 531-8722
http://www.usaa.com

State Farm Insurance
555 N. El Camino Real, Suite D
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 366-0320

4120 Oceanside Blvd., Suite 127
Oceanside, CA 92058
(760) 941-4747

The Search
When you have found the property you are interested in, there are a few important things to look at before deciding on whether or not to rent. Take into consideration the following:
• When looking at a potential residence, always carefully inspect the property. If there is any damage evident, not only ask for it to be fixed, but also ensure you will not be blamed for it. It is also a good idea to see where the landlord's responsibilities are going to be. Get it in writing what issues he will take care of and what he will not.
• If you are looking at renting an apartment, inspect common walls (walls shared with adjoining apartments). The more walls in common, the greater the chance of noise from next door. Also consider a common entrance in terms of how much privacy you may want.
• Be sure to understand what amenities are available to you, such as enclosed parking or garage, a yard, storage, laundry facilities, pool, tennis, gym or other services.

Finding a Home
The average cost of a two bedroom to four bedroom single-family home in northern San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties depends on location, location, location. Average home prices can run from $485,000 to the millions of dollars. Do your homework. Find out as much information about the area in advance. The Internet is a great resource to get acquainted with your new area, so are newspapers.

The Scout is a metro format newspaper for Camp Pendleton, offering news on local happenings, veterans' affairs, and family affairs that interest Camp Pendleton people and is distributed free on base and to all units.

Visit www.militaryavenue.com to see the listed apartments and homes for sale near MCB Camp Pendleton. Because many communities overbuilt and have an inventory of unsold homes, prices are coming down in many of these communities around the base.

A good formula to use when considering the type of off-base apartment or home your budget can afford is to figure that your off-base housing should be no more than 30 percent of your take-home monthly income.

Finalizing the Lease
Before you sign the lease, take into consideration everything in the lease. Make sure you understand it and do not be afraid to ask questions.

If something is not covered in the lease that you would like, ask if it can be included. Follow these simple guidelines:
• If you find an apartment you love but it is out of your budget, ask if there are duties you can take on to lower your rent. Some examples are cutting the lawn, sweeping common areas or taking deliveries. Offering to sign a longer-term lease is also another option.
• Examine your lease in detail. Confirm how much notice is required prior to moving, how large a deposit do you have to make, how much cleaning is required upon leaving to get your deposit back, and other provisions. The time period of the lease is another major factor. Is the lease month to month, or a 6- or 12-month period? Confirm that you can leave the lease early if you receive orders.
• Find out what kinds of personal touches you can make, such as painting walls, or structural changes, such as adding shelving.
• Get in writing how soon you will get your deposit back after you move out.
• If you find a home to rent that you like, ask for a lease with a "reduced rent" option to buy if you are interested in purchasing the property in the future.

Utilities
It is strongly recommended that you obtain letters of credit from your current utility companies prior to your move to avoid paying a deposit when connecting your utilities at your new location. Make sure your credit rating is in good shape whether you rent or buy off base. If you have not had utilities in your name, the utility company will review your credit report, but also may charge a deposit.

Required information whether you are buying or renting usually includes listing contact information for your current and previous landlords, salary, as well as personal references. Make sure you check which utilities and amenities are included in your rental agreements. Many apartments include basic cable and other utilities. You will be responsible for getting your own phone service.

Phone Companies
AT&T
(all areas around Camp Pendleton)
(877) 827-5288

Cox Communications
(949) 240-1212
San Clemente
www.cox.com
(760) 599-6060
Oceanside
www.cox.com

Pets
Dogs, cats, fish and small birds are the only animals authorized in government quarters aboard Camp Pendleton. All dogs and cats, regardless of age, must be registered with the Base Veterinary Clinic, Building 25132, within 30 days of arrival to Camp Pendleton.

To register an animal, the owner must present valid shot records for rabies and vaccinations, if the animal is old enough to get the rabies shot. If the pet has been spayed or neutered within six months of registration, a free one-year license can be obtained. Vaccinations are available through the Base Veterinary Clinic at (760) 725-3439.

For information regarding both base and State of California pet regulations, contact the Base Veterinary Clinic at (760) 725-3439. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The California Department of Health Services requires all dogs over four months old to have a certificate of current rabies vaccination that provides the type, manufacturer, and lot number of rabies vaccine used and date of administration. All cities and counties in California have strong dog control ordinances. It is strongly recommended that all cats are rabies immunized. Cats, birds and rabbits must be healthy for admittance into the state. Parakeets may not be brought into the state for the purpose of sale. Pet ferrets are prohibited in California.

Plants
Houseplants in potting soil that are kept inside at all times are usually permissible into California, except fruit plants. All houseplants are subject to inspection at the state border for freedom of serious disease and pests. Outdoor plants are usually not admissible.

Some plants are specific carriers of plant diseases and are restricted by plant quarantines.

No plants are admissible from Florida, Long Island, New York, as well as those coming from Hidalgo and Cameron counties in Texas, because of certain infestations.

For additional information, contact the California Department of Food Agriculture, Division of Plant, Health and Pest Prevention Services, 1220 N. St., Room A-372, Sacramento, CA 95814, or call (916) 653- 1440.

Employment
Job Search
The Internet is a great resource to explore jobs before you relocate. Because of the large amount of military and governmental activity in and around Camp Pendleton, there are good jobs to be found. The San Diego Union- Tribune is the major daily newspaper and has an excellent career site at http://careers.signonsandiego.com/index.php.

And don't forget other search tools like Monster at www.monster.com, www.job.com, www.careersingovernment.com and www.career builder.com. Many job sites offer advice on how to format your résumé to maximize your job search online.

The Military Spouse Career Center on http://jobsearch.spouse.military.com/ is an excellent resource for finding permanent, contract and temporary positions in the areas around Camp Pendleton. The site helps you format your resume so you can post your resume online. Government jobs are also listed for the areas in and around Camp Pendleton on the www.military.com Web site.

Training
The Military Spouse Career Advancement
Account (CAA) project helps military spouses get the training and education they need for careers that will persist during multiple relocations. The Department of Labor (DoL) and Department of Defense (DoD) have co-sponsored this project for spouses of service members assigned to the following military installations: Camp Pendleton and the Naval Base San Diego Metro. The Career Advancement Accounts (CAAs) are self-managed accounts that enable military spouses gain the skills needed to successfully start, navigate and advance their 21st century careers.

Spouses may use their accounts to pay for expenses directly related to post-secondary education and training, including tuition, fees, books, equipment necessary to complete their education or training and credentialing and licensing fees. Education and training activities must lead toward an educational credential or industry-recognized credential. The amount of a CAA is up to $3,000 per year (from the training start date). A CAA is renewable for a second year, for a two-year total of up to $6,000. Find out eligibility and application procedures at the Web site http://caa.milspouse.org.