PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY
ARMY
Monterey, CA
United States
PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY
ARMY
Monterey, CA
United States
Presidio of Monterey
Home of the Defense Language Institute
Base Essentials
Home of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center — 393 acres on California's Monterey Bay peninsula. A specialized academic posting since 1847 where service members from all branches study 24+ languages, with coastal Monterey lifestyle.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
TRADOC
Status
Active
Est.
1847
Acres
393
Active Duty
3,500
Civilian
2,500
Population
440,000
Economic Impact
$1.6 billion
Presidio of Monterey History
Named AfterThe Presidio of Monterey is named after the city of Monterey, which was itself named by Sebastian Vizcaino in 1602 in honor of his benefactor, Gaspar de Zuniga y Acevedo, Conde de (count of) Monterrey, then viceroy of New Spain (Mexico).
The Presidio of Monterey in California has military roots dating to 1847, though the site was originally a Spanish presidio founded in 1770. Today it is home to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, the Department of Defense's premier language school. The DLI trains military personnel from all services in dozens of foreign languages critical to national security. The Presidio's Monterey Bay location and historic architecture make it one of the most picturesque military installations in the country.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center
—
—
Historic Timeline
1770
Spanish Presidio Established at Monterey Bay
1846
U.S. Forces Seize Monterey
1902
Army Reopens the Presidio
1946
Army Language School Moves to Monterey
1994
Fort Ord Closes; Presidio Becomes Standalone
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1770
Spanish Presidio Established at Monterey Bay
Captain Don Gaspar de Portola established a presidio and Father Junipero Serra dedicated a mission at the southern end of Monterey Bay on June 3, 1770, claiming Alta California for Spain. The fort was one of only four Spanish presidios built along the California coast.
1846
U.S. Forces Seize Monterey
Commodore John Drake Sloat seized Monterey during the Mexican War, landing unopposed and improving the El Castillo defenses. The post was renamed Fort Mervine in honor of the captain who commanded one of the squadron ships.
1902
Army Reopens the Presidio
After the Philippine Insurrection, the Army recognized a need for West Coast fortification and stationed the 15th Infantry Regiment at Ord Barracks. The 1st Squadron of the 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers arrived shortly thereafter, and the post was renamed the Presidio of Monterey in 1904.
1946
Army Language School Moves to Monterey
The Military Intelligence Service Language School relocated to the Presidio of Monterey from Minnesota, where it had trained nearly 6,000 Japanese-language graduates during WWII. The school added Russian, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic and was renamed the Army Language School in 1947.
1994
Fort Ord Closes; Presidio Becomes Standalone
When Base Realignment and Closure shut down Fort Ord on September 30, 1994, the Presidio of Monterey became a separate installation under TRADOC. It retained nearly 1,900 units of military family housing and support facilities at the former Fort Ord — now known as Ord Military Community.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Presidio of Monterey.
Presidio of Monterey Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Presidio of Monterey.
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 Presidio of Monterey.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Presidio of Monterey.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
In-Processing
All incoming service members report first to Taylor Hall (Building 616), located at the corner of Lawton and Rifle Range Roads near the Franklin Street Gate. This is the central in-processing hub and home to the Military Personnel Division, reachable at (831) 242-5421, Mon–Fri 0800–1630. Bring multiple copies of your orders, medical records, and personnel files — in-processing typically spans more than one day.
If arriving after duty hours, contact your branch-specific duty office: Army — 229th MIBN Staff Duty, Building 630, (831) 402-4839; Marines — Marine Corps Detachment Building 827, (831) 242-5423; Navy — Building 629A quarterdeck (staffed 24/7); Air Force — (831) 242-5115. For temporary lodging, the Army Lodge (IHG Army Hotel) can be reached at (831) 645-1199.
The Joint Services In-Processing Brief (JSIB) is held every Tuesday at 0830 in the Tin Barn (Building 518) and covers personnel, medical, housing, finance, and legal in one session. The Housing Services Office (Building 4250, General Jim Moore Blvd) must be visited before signing any off-post lease or purchase; phone (831) 242-7979, Mon–Fri 0745–1645. Army Community Service (ACS) offers relocation assistance at (831) 242-7660.
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Sponsor Program Information
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Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Presidio of Monterey.
2,500
units
/
CA039
MHA
Family housing for Defense Language Institute students and permanent-party personnel is privatized and operated by The Parks at Monterey Bay across the historic Presidio and Ord Military Community (former Fort Ord) neighborhoods, including La Mesa Village and Fort Ord Village. Communities offer two- to six-bedroom homes with on-site management, pools, fitness center…
Local Market
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Cost of Living Around Presidio of Monterey
155
55% Above National Average
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Presidio of Monterey.
School Liaison Officer
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Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
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Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
The Monterey Peninsula offers a variety of neighborhoods popular with military families. The Ord Military Community in Seaside offers on-base conveniences including schools, commissary, and youth services. La Mesa Village in Monterey provides proximity to the Naval Postgraduate School. Off-base communities including Seaside, Pacific Grove, Marina, and Monterey itself offer diverse housing options, though the area is among the most expensive in the country for housing. Rental properties range from roughly $1,000-$1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment to $2,500-$3,000 for a three-bedroom house.
Ord Military Community
Located off scenic Highway 1 in Seaside with easy access to schools, shopping, beaches and more. Contains commissary, PX, child development center, youth center, community center, ACS, veterinary clinic, chapel, golf courses, and police and fire departments.
La Mesa Village
Located in Monterey within walking distance of the Naval Postgraduate School. Contains La Mesa Elementary School, Child Development Center, Teen Connection Center, Navy Exchange Mini-Mart, Navy Lodge, Fleet and Family Services, community center, indoor pool, and fitness center.
Seaside
Known as the 'sunny spot' on the peninsula, situated on rolling hills with views of Monterey Bay. Has 23 parks with athletic facilities, sports fields, and playgrounds.
Pacific Grove
A residential community of about 16,000 known for Victorian homes and the annual monarch butterfly migration. Home to Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University.
Marina
The youngest of the Monterey Peninsula's cities, incorporated in 1975. Located between Marina and Seaside on the former Fort Ord is California State University at Monterey Bay.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Presidio of Monterey.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully taxed
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Spouse Income Tax
California taxes military pay if stationed in CA. Spouses may claim domicile elsewhere under MSRRA.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military can keep home-state plates but may owe use tax on vehicle purchase.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemption. Prop 13 limits assessment increases.
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Pet Policies at Presidio of Monterey
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Presidio of Monterey.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
—
Prohibited Animals
—
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Presidio of Monterey.
Commissary
1
Ord Military Community Commissary
Exchange
PX
Mon closed; Tue–Sat 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
U.S. Army Health Clinic Presidio of Monterey — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
4
Fitness Center
Golf Course
Employment & Education
2
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Presidio of Monterey.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Pvt. Bolio Gate (Main Gate) 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
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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03
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 Presidio of Monterey.
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04
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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05
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 Presidio of Monterey.
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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.